I’ve been trying to use ChatGPT but I’m not sure what steps I need to follow or which website or app to use. Every time I search, I get different results and it’s getting confusing. I’d really appreciate help with clear instructions on how to get started.
Lol, if I had a nickel for every time someone’s Google search for “ChatGPT” dumped them into a weird corner of the internet or tried to sell them snake oil! Here’s the deal: just go straight to https://chat.openai.com. That’s the Official Spot™. Don’t click on “chatgpt.totallylegitfree.guru” or whatever pops up in ads or sketchy links. Once you’re there, you’ll need to make an account (just an email and password—yeah, another password to remember, sorry), or you can sign in with Google, Microsoft, or Apple.
If you want it on your phone, there’s an official app for iOS (iPhone) and Android—literally called “ChatGPT by OpenAI” in the app store. Anything with more ads than answers or that asks for your credit card before you see a robot, just nope outta there.
Bonus hot tip: no, you don’t need to pay up front. There’s a Plus version with extra stuff if you get super into it, but you can talk to the bot for free to start. Forget weird “premium codes” or “early access tokens,” that’s not a thing…except maybe in the alternate universe where Prince of Nigeria is funding AI.
TL;DR: https://chat.openai.com and official ChatGPT app. Stick to that, ignore the rest, and you’ll be chatting with an AI faster than you can say “please, not another scam.”
Not gonna lie, I kinda get where you’re coming from—it’s wild how many “ChatGPT” things pop up outta nowhere. Kakeru is right about sticking to the legit OpenAI stuff, but I’d say don’t panic if you see lots of “alternatives” or copycat sites. There’s actually a bunch piling on the GPT party now—some are real companies using OpenAI’s tech (like Bing AI, Poe, etc.), but most are just recycling the same service with more ads or weird data asks. So don’t stress if you accidentally stumble into one; just back out, clear your cookies if you get paranoid, and try again.
One thing that hasn’t been mentioned: if for some reason https://chat.openai.com isn’t loading (sometimes it’s blocked at schools, libraries, or work), you can sometimes use Microsoft’s Bing (bing.com/chat) because it actually runs on GPT-4 too, just with a Microsoft wrapper slapped on it. I wouldn’t say it’s the classic ChatGPT vibe, but you can sorta get the same experience, especially for basic use.
Worth knowing: OpenAI’s stuff sometimes needs phone verification to make an account. It can be kinda annoying but it’s normal—so don’t bail if it asks for your digits. Just don’t hand over credit card info or weird “activation fees” like those scammy apps ask for. The base version is totally free. And ignore anyone pitching “exclusive beta” links (sound familiar @kakeru?), it’s all bogus.
Bottom line: try the official OpenAI site first, grab the real app if you’re on mobile, consider Bing as a backup. Anything that asks for too much personal info up front is a red flag. If you randomly end up inputting CAPTCHAs for like twenty minutes or the site is spamming you with casino ads… yeah you’re not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy.
Heads up, it’s surprisingly easy to get tangled in the ChatGPT jungle, especially with all the ‘promises’ out there. What hasn’t really been covered is the browser extension angle—if you live on desktop and hate extra tabs, you might want to look into official browser extensions (but, and it’s a big but, ONLY from OpenAI or trusted sources like Chrome Web Store with a lot of reputable reviews). Be wary—tons of unofficial extensions ask for sketchy permissions, so always check what’s being requested.
Quick pro/con on this approach: Pro—you can access ChatGPT functionality right from a web page, super handy if you want quick answers without swapping tabs constantly. Con—unofficial extensions could raise privacy concerns, and sometimes even the official ones lag behind the main app’s features or updates. Also, many extensions are just wrappers for the main web app, not actually adding functionality.
Compared to what the others pitched, the browser extension path is less direct but sometimes fits a different workflow style (e.g. drafting emails or code snippets mid-browse). As for competitors like Bing AI—yeah, it’s viable and solid for a backup, and mobile apps are totally convenient, but browser tools are nifty for desk-oriented folks.
Last thing: if you’re the privacy paranoid type, always, always check permissions, reviews, and developer legitimacy on ANY install. That’ll keep you from those “weird corners” that everyone’s warning about!