AI WORLDHow to set ChatGPT custom instructions so it answers your way
Tell ChatGPT your preferences once to get perfectly tailored answers every single time.
Hook: Imagine never having to repeat your job title, your family's dietary requirements, or your preferred writing style every single time you open a new chat. This step-by-step guide is for anyone who wants to save time by teaching ChatGPT their personal preferences just once.
- You need a free or paid ChatGPT account from OpenAI.
- You can do this on a computer web browser or using the official ChatGPT app on your mobile phone.
Find the customisation settings
To begin, we need to locate the section where ChatGPT saves your personal preferences.
If you are on a computer, look at the bottom-left corner of your screen. Click on your profile picture or your name to open the main menu, and look for a button labelled Custom instructions or Personalise ChatGPT. If you are using the mobile app, swipe open the left-hand sidebar, tap the settings cog icon, and look for Custom instructions.
Think of this feature like giving the AI a permanent "About Me" sticky note that it secretly reads before answering any question you ask.
Tell the AI who you are (Box 1)
Once you open this menu, you will see two boxes. The first box asks: "What would you like ChatGPT to know about you to provide better responses?"
In this box, write a few simple details about your background, your location, or your daily life. You do not need to write a long biography; simple bullet points work beautifully.
- I mainly design brand logos and websites for local small businesses.
- I cook for a family of four, and we prefer healthy, dairy-free meals.
Decide how you want the AI to reply (Box 2)
The second box asks: "How would you like ChatGPT to respond?"
This is where you control the tone, length, and format of the answers. This saves you from having to type a long prompt (the instruction you give to an AI — think of it like a recipe you hand to a chef) every single time.
- Organise information with clear headings and bullet points.
- Use a warm, friendly tone and use Australian English spelling (like 'colour' and 'organise').
- Never make up facts; tell me honestly if you do not know the answer.
Save and test your new setup
At the bottom of the window, make sure the toggle switch next to Enable for new chats is turned on (it will show a bright colour when active). Click the Save button.
To make sure it works, start a brand-new chat session. This is important because the settings will not apply to conversations you have already started.
Watch how ChatGPT automatically suggests dairy-free recipes that feed four people, without you having to explain your dietary needs or family size again!
- Overcomplicating your instructions: Do not try to fit your entire life story into the boxes. Keep your points clear, direct, and focused on the tasks you do most often.
- Over-restricting the AI: If you write "always keep responses under 50 words", the AI will struggle to write a longer email draft for you later. Keep your formatting preferences flexible.
- Expecting past chats to update: Remember that custom instructions only apply to new conversations. If you are in an older chat, it will still use your old settings.
Open ChatGPT right now, navigate to your settings, and turn on Custom Instructions. In the second box, type: "Always summarise complex ideas using a simple analogy." Save it, open a new chat, and ask: "How does the internet work?" See how much easier the explanation is to understand when the AI knows exactly how you like to learn!
✦ Original step-by-step guide by AI World Co.'s AI editorial team. Written in plain language, reviewed for accuracy.
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