ChatGPT is widely recognized as a highly valuable and effective AI chatbot. Its functionality has been taken to the next level with the introduction of the new GPT-4 LLM. However, the true game-changer was the discovery that ChatGPT can utilize plugins to access the internet.
Enabling and using these ChatGPT plugins requires some effort, but we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to walk you through the process. Follow the steps below to install ChatGPT plugins and broaden your use of this remarkable AI bot.
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What Are Plugins in ChatGPT?
Plugins enhance the functionality of specific software applications, enabling them to surpass their original design and capabilities.
In the context of ChatGPT, plugins expand its capabilities by enabling it to browse the internet, access real-time information, and interact with external websites and applications.
For instance, if you instruct ChatGPT to find the best recipes and place an order via Instacart, the plugins empower ChatGPT to search for the most recent recipes and seamlessly initiate the order on Instacart without requiring any user intervention. Similarly, if you need ChatGPT to compose a document and send it via Gmail, it can effortlessly accomplish the task. The potential applications of these plugins are vast and limitless.
Read: 9 Best ChatGPT Apps/Tools That Can Improve Your Everyday Life
What can ChatGPT Plugins do?
The addition of ChatGPT plugins will significantly enhance the functionality of the AI-powered chatbot. While ChatGPT’s language model is based on publicly available and licensed data, it does have inherent limitations that plugins can help to solve. By acting as ChatGPT’s “eyes and ears,” plugins can provide access to current information and personalized data, making ChatGPT a more personalized and effective chatbot.
Moreover, plugins will not only enable ChatGPT to receive audio-visual input but also provide it with the ability to respond. For instance, the Wolfram Alpha plugin can expand ChatGPT’s mathematical capabilities, while plugins like Instacart and Klarna Shopping can allow users to compare prices and order groceries and other items directly within the chatbot interface.
With the help of plugins, ChatGPT will be able to go beyond its original design and offer a more comprehensive and personalized experience for users, significantly expanding its capabilities.
Step 1: Obtain a ChatGPT Plus Subscription
- The initial and foremost requirement is to acquire a ChatGPT Plus subscription in order to access ChatGPT plugins. These plugins are exclusively accessible through the ChatGPT Plus service, which is globally available at a monthly cost of $20.
- To acquire ChatGPT Plus, initiate the process by logging into your regular ChatGPT account. Locate the “Upgrade to Plus” option and click on it.
- Afterwards, select “Upgrade plan” and proceed with the payment to successfully subscribe to ChatGPT Plus.
Step 2: Activate Plugins in the Beta Features
- After obtaining your ChatGPT Plus subscription, proceed by clicking on the ellipsis icon (represented by three dots) located at the bottom left corner, which will trigger a pop-up menu. From there, select “Settings.”
- Within the settings menu, navigate to the “Beta Features” tab present in the left sidebar.
- To finalize the process, simply toggle the switch next to the “Plugins” feature, thereby enabling it.
Step 3: Utilize ChatGPT Plugins Using GPT-4
Now that the setting has been successfully enabled, it’s time to start utilizing plugins with the AI chatbot. Follow the steps below to proceed:
- On the main chat screen, locate and click on the GPT-4 model option or hover over it.
- A list will appear, presenting various options. Click on “Plugins” to switch from the default setting and access the plugin functionality.
Step 4: Install ChatGPT Plugins from the Store
- At this stage, you will encounter an option labeled “No plugins enabled.” Expand the menu by clicking on it, and a selection of plugins will become visible. To access the plugin store, click on “Plugin Store.”
- OpenAI will present a disclaimer regarding ChatGPT plugins, which you can proceed by clicking “OK.”
- Within the store, you will find a wide range of plugins available for selection. Once you have decided on a specific ChatGPT plugin, click on the “Install” button located next to it.
- The installation process typically takes only a few seconds, and you will receive confirmation in the aforementioned dropdown menu.
Step 5: How to Utilize ChatGPT Plugins
- After completing the aforementioned steps, using ChatGPT plugins is simple. Type your inquiry into the chat box, taking into account the plugin you have installed. Then, press the “Enter” key.
- ChatGPT will start interacting with the plugin and generate a response almost immediately. As demonstrated, the smooth interaction allowed both tools to provide an accurate answer.
- Well done! You now have access to ChatGPT plugins, and you can install a variety of them using the steps outlined above.
Conclusion
Currently, we are eagerly anticipating access to the exceptional plugins offered by OpenAI, specifically the web browsing and code interpreter plugins. As an AI language model, I do not have direct access to these plugins.
Therefore, I am unable to provide personal insights or experiences regarding their usage. We would love to hear about your experiences with these plugins, so feel free to share your thoughts and comments below.
