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How to set up custom instructions on ChatGPT

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18
Quick Answer

Custom instructions allow you to set persistent preferences for how ChatGPT responds to you. Access them through your profile menu, then add information about yourself and specify your preferred response style.

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Prerequisites

  • Active ChatGPT account (free or paid)
  • Access to ChatGPT web interface
  • Basic understanding of ChatGPT functionality
  • Clear idea of your preferred interaction style

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Access your ChatGPT profile settings

Navigate to chat.openai.com and log into your account. Click on your profile picture or initials in the bottom-left corner of the interface. Select Settings from the dropdown menu that appears.
If you don't see your profile picture, look for three dots or a menu icon in the bottom-left area.
2

Navigate to Custom Instructions

In the Settings menu, look for Personalization in the left sidebar. Click on Custom instructions from the personalization options. You may need to enable custom instructions if this is your first time accessing this feature.
3

Fill out the 'What would you like ChatGPT to know about you?' section

In the first text box, provide relevant information about yourself such as:
  • Your profession or field of work
  • Your experience level with topics you frequently discuss
  • Your location (if relevant for context)
  • Specific interests or areas of focus
Keep this section factual and relevant to how you plan to use ChatGPT.
Be specific but concise - aim for 2-4 sentences that give ChatGPT useful context about who you are.
4

Complete the 'How would you like ChatGPT to respond?' section

In the second text box, specify your preferred response style:
  • Desired tone (formal, casual, enthusiastic, etc.)
  • Response length preferences (brief, detailed, bulleted)
  • Specific formatting you prefer
  • Topics to avoid or emphasize
For example: Please be concise and use bullet points when listing information. Maintain a professional but friendly tone.
Think about what frustrates you in current responses and address those preferences here.
5

Review and save your instructions

Carefully review both sections for accuracy and clarity. Make sure your instructions are specific enough to be helpful but not so restrictive that they limit ChatGPT's usefulness. Click Save to apply your custom instructions to all future conversations.
Your instructions should be under 1,500 characters each to ensure they're fully processed.
6

Test your custom instructions

Start a new conversation and ask ChatGPT a question to see how it responds with your custom instructions active. Pay attention to whether the tone, format, and style match your preferences. You should notice ChatGPT responding according to your specified guidelines.
7

Refine and update as needed

Return to Settings > Personalization > Custom instructions whenever you want to modify your preferences. Update your instructions based on how well they're working in practice. Click Save after making any changes to apply them to future conversations.
Consider updating your instructions periodically as your needs or usage patterns change.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Custom instructions option is not visible in settings

Ensure you're using the web version of ChatGPT at chat.openai.com. Custom instructions may not be available on mobile apps or for all account types. Try refreshing your browser or logging out and back in.

ChatGPT is not following my custom instructions

Check that your instructions are under the character limit and clearly written. Try starting a new conversation as instructions may not apply to existing chats. Verify your instructions are saved by returning to the settings page.

Custom instructions are too restrictive and limiting responses

Edit your instructions to be less specific or remove overly restrictive guidelines. Add phrases like when appropriate or unless I specify otherwise to give ChatGPT more flexibility in how it responds.

Cannot save custom instructions due to character limit

Reduce the length of your instructions by focusing on the most important preferences. Remove redundant information and use concise language. Each section has a limit of approximately 1,500 characters.

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