Use the built-in browser when a task needs a web page. You and ChatGPT can see the same page, and ChatGPT can work across tabs, download files, or wait while you sign in.
The built-in browser is available in the ChatGPT desktop app on macOS and Windows. It uses its own browser state and supports richer sign-in, autofill, password management, extensions, downloads, and navigation. Available features may depend on your plan and workspace settings.
Open the browser
Open a chat in Work or Codex.
Open the browser from the toolbar or press Command (⌘)+Shift+B on macOS or Ctrl+Shift+B on Windows.
Ask ChatGPT to use the current page and follow any permission prompt.
Check the website and approve access when ChatGPT asks.
Choose the built-in browser or Chrome
The built-in browser keeps browsing inside the ChatGPT desktop app and uses its own browser state. Use it for local development, public pages, and tasks you want to keep inside the app. Use the Codex Chrome extension when a task needs your existing Chrome profile, signed-in session, open tabs, or Chrome extensions. Review the active account before allowing ChatGPT to continue.
Enter credentials only in the browser, never in the chat. Review the active account before allowing ChatGPT to continue.
Use tabs and download files
ChatGPT can open and move between several tabs during one task. It can also start downloads and may ask before saving a file.
Open a link outside the app when you want to continue in your regular browser.
Review a page with annotations
Use annotations to show ChatGPT the part of a page you want to discuss or change.
Open the webpage or local development page in the built-in browser.
Turn on Annotation mode.
Click an element or drag over an area, then describe the change you want.
Save the annotation and send a message asking ChatGPT to address it.
Inspect the result before continuing.
Be specific about the problem and the result you want. For example: “Keep this button inside the card on mobile without changing its label.”
Preview styling changes
Select Adjust beside the annotation’s text input to preview changes to text, fonts, spacing, or colors. Send the annotation with your feedback so ChatGPT can use the preview as a reference.
A preview helps communicate the change you want. It does not, by itself, save a permanent change to the website.
Use a website’s custom annotations
Some websites customize annotations for their content. Depending on the website, you may be able to:
Select a whole item, such as a product card or chart object.
Select text within a document.
Open an annotation from a button on the website.
Use custom controls, such as a design-token setting or a choice of writing tone.
A website can include extra context with a selection, such as an item’s name, identifier, or properties. That context helps ChatGPT understand the item when you send the annotation.
Review any suggested comment and your selections before sending. Available controls depend on the website and the browser features enabled for your account.
For more on commenting and styling feedback, see the Browser guide.
Manage website access safely
ChatGPT asks before using a new website unless you have already allowed that host or have selected a more permissive setting. Manage allowed and blocked websites in the desktop app settings.
In a workspace, your administrator may restrict Browser Use, website access, file transfers, history access, or saved approvals - not that any personal browser settings and approval prompts do not remove an applicable restriction. If a setting is unavailable or a website is blocked, ask your workspace administrator to review the applicable browser policy.
Treat website content as untrusted. Keep the task specific, check the site before approving access, and stop the task if ChatGPT opens the wrong account or page.
FAQ
Can I sign in to a website in the built-in browser?
Yes. Sign in through the browser when prompted. ChatGPT may suggest Chrome when the Codex Chrome extension can use an existing signed-in session.
You can clear cookies and logged-in status, as well as delete browsing history, in the desktop app Settings menu
Does the built-in browser use my Chrome profile?
No. The built-in browser uses its own browser state. Use the Codex Chrome extension when a task needs your existing Chrome profile, cookies, signed-in session, open tabs, or Chrome extensions.
How is the built-in browser different from cloud browser?
The built-in browser runs inside the desktop app, where you can follow and annotate the page. Cloud browser runs remotely in ChatGPT and can continue delegated web tasks in the background.
For more information, see the built-in browser and Codex Chrome extension guides.