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How to turn off ChatGPT's default web search

Matthias Bastian
Matthias Bastian View the LinkedIn Profile of Matthias Bastian
Nov 3, 2024
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OpenAI now includes web search in ChatGPT by default. When you type a query, ChatGPT decides on its own whether to search the internet.

While you can force a web search using a small web button in the chat window, turning it off takes a few extra steps. If you want to stop seeing internet sources with your responses, here's how to disable web search:

1. Click your username in the top-right corner
2. Select "Customize ChatGPT"
3. Find "Web Search" under "GPT-4 Capabilities" in the bottom left
4. Toggle the setting off

ChatGPT Screenshot Customize ChatGPT Interface
You can disable web search in the bottom-left corner. In chat, you can reactivate it for individual searches using the WWW button. | Image: Screenshot THE DECODER

Even with web search disabled in settings, you can still use it for specific queries by clicking the web button in chat. This gives you manual control over when ChatGPT searches the internet.

Screenshot of ChatGPT interface highlighting globe icon and
The web search button appears in the chat interface, letting you manually trigger internet searches even when the default setting is off. | Bild: OpenAI

You can always turn the default web search back on through the same settings menu if you change your mind.

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