TemperStack
Beginner8 min readUpdated Mar 18, 2026

How to switch to GPT-4 mode on ChatGPT

Quick Answer

To switch to GPT-4 mode, click the model selector dropdown at the top of your ChatGPT interface and choose GPT-4. This feature requires a ChatGPT Plus subscription and provides access to more advanced reasoning capabilities.

Prerequisites

  1. Active ChatGPT Plus or Team subscription
  2. Logged into your OpenAI account
  3. Access to ChatGPT web interface or mobile app
1

Open ChatGPT and verify your subscription

Navigate to chat.openai.com and ensure you're logged in with a ChatGPT Plus or Team account. Look for the Plus badge next to your profile picture in the top-right corner.
Tip
If you don't see the Plus badge, you'll need to upgrade your subscription first
2

Locate the model selector

At the top of the chat interface, you'll see the current model name (likely GPT-3.5 by default). This appears as a dropdown button just above the message input area.
3

Click the model dropdown

Click on the model name dropdown to reveal available options. You should see GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 listed as available models.
Tip
The dropdown may also show additional GPT-4 variants like GPT-4 Turbo
4

Select GPT-4

Click on GPT-4 from the dropdown menu. The interface will update to show GPT-4 as the selected model at the top of your chat window.
Tip
GPT-4 responses may take slightly longer to generate but offer improved reasoning
5

Start a new conversation

Click New Chat in the sidebar or start typing your message. The model switch takes effect immediately, and all new messages will use GPT-4.
Tip
Existing conversations will continue with their original model unless you switch manually
6

Verify the model is active

Check that GPT-4 appears in the model selector and look for any visual indicators like a different colored header or GPT-4 label in the chat interface.

Troubleshooting

GPT-4 option not visible in dropdown
Ensure you have an active ChatGPT Plus subscription. Free accounts only have access to GPT-3.5. Check your subscription status in Settings > Plan & billing.
Model keeps reverting to GPT-3.5
The model selection is conversation-specific. Make sure to select GPT-4 for each new chat, or check if you're continuing an old conversation that was started with GPT-3.5.
GPT-4 responses are very slow
GPT-4 naturally takes longer to process than GPT-3.5. During high traffic periods, responses may be slower. Try refreshing the page or switching to GPT-4 Turbo if available.
Error message when selecting GPT-4
Check your internet connection and try refreshing the page. If the error persists, verify your subscription is active and hasn't expired in Settings > Plan & billing.

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