Open your store
On iPhone, open the Apple App Store. On Android, open Google Play. Use the store already on your phone — not a link someone sent you.
Get the real app
Download the ChatGPT app safely.
The official ChatGPT app is free and available on both iPhone and Android — but the stores are full of look-alikes that charge upfront or copy the logo. This guide walks you through installing the genuine app from OpenAI, confirming the developer, spotting fakes, meeting the system requirements, and signing in without falling for a scam link.
At a glance
Where to get it and what to check
Two stores, one developer name to look for. Everything else is noise. Use this quick reference before you tap Install.
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Store | Apple App Store on iPhone, Google Play on Android. Don't sideload or use an APK site. |
| Developer | Must read OpenAI. Any other name is a clone. |
| Price | Free to download. Fakes often charge an upfront or weekly fee to unlock basic chat. |
| Popularity | The genuine app has a very large download count and a long review history. |
| Links | Ignore QR codes and links in ads or emails — open the store and search yourself. |
This is an independent guide, not affiliated with OpenAI. Confirm the current listing on the App Store, Google Play and OpenAI's help center.
Step by step
Install the official ChatGPT app
The process is short and free. The important part is confirming the developer before you tap Install, whether you're on iOS or Android.
Search "ChatGPT"
Type ChatGPT into the search box. The genuine app usually sits at the top, but sponsored clones can appear above it, so read carefully.
Confirm the developer
Tap the listing and check the developer reads OpenAI. Look at the download count and reviews. If the name is different, back out.
Install and open
Tap Get or Install, wait for it to finish, then open the app. It's free to download — no upfront payment is required.
Sign in or register
Sign in with your account, or create one free with email, Apple, Google or Microsoft. This syncs your history across devices.
Set it up
Add the widget, allow notifications if you want them, and head to our features tour and mobile tips.
Stay safe
Avoiding fake and paid clone apps
Clones are the single biggest risk when downloading ChatGPT. They mimic the name and icon, then charge aggressive subscriptions or harvest your data. Here's how to tell them apart.
| Red flag | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Developer isn't OpenAI | The clearest sign of a clone. The real app is published by OpenAI on both stores. |
| Upfront or weekly charge | The official app is free to install; fakes often gate basic chat behind a costly subscription. |
| Odd name or logo | Slight spelling changes ("Chat GBT", "AI Chat GPT") and altered logos signal an imitation. |
| Few reviews | The genuine app has millions of downloads. A brand-new listing with a handful of reviews is suspect. |
| Ad or email link | Legitimate downloads don't come from pop-up ads. Open the store and search yourself instead. |
If you're comparing the app to browser access, our app vs website guide explains the differences. And if a fake got in the way of signing in, the not working guide can help you recover.
Requirements & sign-in
System requirements and creating an account
The app runs on most phones updated in the last few years. Setup takes a minute once you have the genuine app installed.
iPhone requirements
A reasonably current version of iOS is needed. If the App Store says your device isn't compatible, update iOS in Settings where possible. See our iPhone guide.
Android requirements
A supported, recent Android version is required. Update the system in Settings if Google Play flags an incompatibility. See our Android guide.
Create an account
Register free with email, or continue with Apple, Google or Microsoft. One account works across the app and the website.
Link & QR safety
A QR code only opens a link — a malicious one can send you to a fake page. Trust codes only from openai.com, and prefer searching the store yourself.
Minimum OS versions and account options change. Always check current requirements on OpenAI's help center and the official store listings before installing.
FAQ
Downloading ChatGPT — common questions
Is the official ChatGPT app free to download?
Yes. The genuine ChatGPT app from OpenAI is free to download and free to use with a standard account on both iPhone and Android. A paid ChatGPT Plus or higher plan adds higher limits and extra features, but you never pay just to install the app. If an app charges an upfront fee to download or to unlock basic chat, treat it as a probable clone.
How do I confirm the developer is OpenAI?
Open the store listing and read the developer or seller name near the app title. On the App Store it should read OpenAI, and on Google Play the developer link should point to OpenAI. Also check for a very large download count, a long review history and a link to openai.com. If the developer name is anything else, do not install it.
How can I spot a fake or clone ChatGPT app?
Warning signs include a developer name that is not OpenAI, upfront charges or aggressive weekly subscriptions to unlock basic features, a slightly altered name or logo, few reviews, and pushy ads. Fakes may also request odd permissions or route you to a payment page immediately. Stick to the top listing from OpenAI and ignore sponsored copycats.
What are the system requirements for the ChatGPT app?
OpenAI supports reasonably recent versions of iOS and Android, so a phone updated within the last few years should run the app. Very old operating systems may be unsupported. If the store says the app is not compatible with your device, update your operating system where possible and check OpenAI's help center for current minimum versions, since these change over time.
Do I need an account to use the ChatGPT app?
You create or sign in with a free account to use the app fully. You can register with an email address or continue with Apple, Google or Microsoft. Some limited use may be available without signing in depending on region and version, but an account lets your history sync across devices and unlocks settings and plan features.
Is it safe to scan a QR code to download ChatGPT?
Only if the QR code comes from a source you trust, such as OpenAI's official website. A QR code just opens a link, and a malicious one could send you to a fake store page or website. The safest route is to open the App Store or Google Play yourself and search for ChatGPT rather than following a code or link from an ad, email or unknown poster.
Should I download ChatGPT from an APK site on Android?
No. Installing ChatGPT from a third-party APK or unofficial download site is risky because the file can be tampered with or bundled with malware. Always install from Google Play so updates and safety checks come through the official channel. If Google Play is unavailable in your region, verify any alternative source carefully and check OpenAI's guidance first.
How do I sign in if the app keeps looping on login?
Make sure the app is updated to the latest version, check your internet connection, and try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data. If a login loop persists, reset your password from OpenAI's site, or remove and reinstall the app so it starts a fresh session. Our fixes guide covers sign-in loops and other login problems in more detail.