ChatGPT can now browse the internet for you, how to use the new feature

• ChatGPT has a new feature
• The AI chatbot can now search the web
• The new feature is available only for paid users

When ChatGPT was launched by OpenAI in 2022, it surprised people with its many abilities. The generative AI chatbot could compose poems, come up with life advice, write content, write code and whatnot. Gradually, OpenAI added more features to the chatbot, improving the overall user experience. Recently, ChatGPT got the powers to browse the internet. But the feature isn’t available for all users. Read on to know more.

ChatGPT gets a new feature

ChatGPT’s new feature opens up access to real-time information, allowing the generative AI chatbot to pull details directly from the web, whether it’s sports scores, breaking news, or the latest market insights.

Initially trialed as “SearchGPT,” the web search feature provides ChatGPT with access to data from reputable online sources, giving users a seamless experience where they can gain knowledge without leaving the chat.

Thus, while ChatGPT was previously restricted to pre-trained knowledge up to a certain date, the chatbot can now dynamically respond to queries that require up-to-date information, giving it an edge over traditional AI chat interfaces. The addition transforms ChatGPT into a powerful tool that could challenge search engine giants, integrating the benefits of conversational AI with immediate, reliable web results.

This new capability also supports transparency by linking to original sources directly within chats. Once ChatGPT completes a search, users can click a “Sources” button to view citations, which appear as a sidebar with links to relevant articles and websites. These attributions provide users with direct access to further reading while ensuring content authenticity, a feature warmly welcomed by publishing partners.

According to a blog post by OpenAI, the sourcing partnerships aim to improve answer quality while supporting journalism by directing more readers to verified, high-quality information from news publishers. Visuals for specific types of data—such as weather, financial markets, sports results, and maps—have also been introduced, enhancing user interactions with an appealing, well-organized display of complex information.

Aside from real-time web search, OpenAI is also adding an Advanced Voice Mode in the ChatGPT desktop app, initially available for Mac and Windows. This feature, based on OpenAI’s powerful GPT-4 model, allows users to hold live conversations with ChatGPT, even enabling emotional awareness in responses. Originally launched in May 2024 as part of the mobile app update, Advanced Voice Mode’s desktop arrival enhances accessibility for users who may find voice interaction more intuitive than text.

How to search the web using ChatGPT

Using ChatGPT’s web search function is quite straightforward. To initiate a web search, users can either type a question that demands current information or click the globe icon by the input bar to start a search manually. When ChatGPT identifies a query requiring real-time data, it automatically turns to the web, returning an answer enriched with references and source links. Alternatively, users can manually activate the search feature by clicking a globe icon next to the chat input.

Additionally, if you want to verify the provided information, you can access a sidebar of links by selecting the “Sources” button beneath ChatGPT’s response. This feature will lead you directly to the articles or websites used in ChatGPT’s answer, making it simple to confirm facts or continue reading on a topic.

The web browsing feature is currently exclusive to ChatGPT Plus and Team members, but OpenAI plans to roll it out to free-tier users in the near future.

“All ChatGPT Plus and Team users, as well as SearchGPT waitlist users, will have access today. Enterprise and Edu users will get access in the next few weeks. We’ll roll out to all Free users over the coming months,” OpenAI said in a blog post.