The latest update to ChatGPT 5 introduces Connectors, a powerful feature that allows users to integrate their external applications and data directly into the chat interface. With over 500 app connections available, this tool enables users to manage emails, organize files, update a CRM, and analyze data without leaving the conversation. This guide explains what Connectors are, how to use them, and the different types available for various subscription plans.
What are ChatGPT Connectors?
Connectors are secure integrations that allow ChatGPT to access third-party applications like Google Drive, Slack, GitHub, and Microsoft Teams. This lets you search files, pull live data, and reference external content directly within your chat. The goal is to make ChatGPT a central hub for your entire workflow, automating multi-step tasks and allowing you to concentrate on more important work.
The system is built on GPT-5 and can automatically use certain connected apps when it detects they are relevant to your prompt, starting with Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Contacts.
How to set up and use Connectors
Getting started with Connectors involves a one-time setup for each application you want to link. Once connected, you can use them in any new chat.
How to connect to a new application
- Click on your profile icon in the top-right corner of ChatGPT and go to Settings > Connectors.
- Find the application you want to link and click Connect.
- You will be redirected to that application’s login page. Sign in and grant ChatGPT permission to access your data.
How to use Connectors in a chat
- Open a new chat in ChatGPT.
- Click the Tools icon at the beginning of the prompt box.
- Select either Use connectors for quick searches or Deep research for more complex tasks.
- Choose one or more of your connected applications as a source.
- Ask your question. ChatGPT’s response will include citations that link directly back to the original file or data in the connected app.
The different types of Connectors explained
ChatGPT offers several types of connectors, each designed for different tasks and workflows. The availability of these types depends on your subscription plan.
Chat Connectors
These are designed for quick, one-off searches and everyday tasks. They are ideal for finding a specific file, synthesizing content from a few sources, or iterating on an idea. For example, you could ask, “Show me our Q2 goals in Google Drive” or “Find last week’s roadmap in Box.”
Deep research Connectors
For more complex projects, Deep Research mode allows you to run queries across many sources at once, including your internal data and the web. This is useful for tasks like competitive analysis, code reviews, or creating detailed reports with full citations.
Synced Connectors
This feature allows you to sync and index content from selected sources in advance, creating an up-to-date knowledge base within your workspace. When you ask a question, ChatGPT can automatically reference this indexed data to provide faster and higher-quality answers without needing to query the source app each time. This is currently available for sources like Google Drive, Microsoft SharePoint, and GitHub.
Custom Connectors
Available for Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu users, this developer-focused feature allows you to connect to your own internal or third-party apps using the Model Context Protocol (MCP). In a business workspace, these must be added and enabled by an administrator. Custom connectors are not verified by OpenAI and should only be used if you trust the underlying application.
Connector availability by subscription plan
The availability of specific connectors and features varies depending on your ChatGPT plan. The table below provides a general overview, but note that some connectors may not be available to users in the EEA, Switzerland, and the UK on certain plans.
Business, Enterprise, and Edu Plans
- Full access to Chat, Deep Research, and Synced connectors for most apps, including Google Drive, Microsoft 365, GitHub, and Dropbox.
- Ability to add Custom Connectors.
Pro Plan
- Full access similar to business plans, though some app connectors may be unavailable in certain regions.
- Ability to add Custom Connectors.
Plus Plan
- Access to Chat and Deep Research connectors for most apps, but Synced and Custom connectors are not available.
- Some app connectors may be unavailable in certain regions.
