How to use ChatGPT: a beginner's guide (UK, free)
ChatGPT is a free AI chatbot. You type a question or request in ordinary words, and it writes back. It can explain a confusing letter, plan a week of meals or draft a polite complaint in seconds. This guide takes you through getting started for free, step by step – no tech knowledge needed.
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What ChatGPT is (and isn't)
ChatGPT is made by OpenAI, an American company. Think of it as a well-read assistant: quick with words and patient, but sometimes confidently wrong. It's great for drafting, explaining and coming up with ideas. It isn't a solicitor, a doctor or an accountant, and it isn't a search engine you can trust without checking.
Step 1: Sign up for free
- On a computer: go to chatgpt.com. You can try a few questions without an account, but a free account lets you go back to your chats later.
- On a phone: download the app called “ChatGPT” from the App Store or Google Play. Check the developer is OpenAI – there are lots of copycat apps, and some charge a subscription.
- Tap Sign up and use your email address, or your Google, Microsoft or Apple account. If you use email, pick a strong password you don't use anywhere else.
- Confirm your email and add your name and date of birth if asked. You need to be at least 13, and under-18s need a parent's or guardian's permission.
- That's it. You don't need a card for the free version. If a screen offers you an upgrade, you can simply close it.
Step 2: Find your way around
- The message box at the bottom is where you type. Press Enter (or the arrow button) to send.
- New chat starts a fresh conversation – use one per topic.
- Past chats are in the sidebar (or the menu on a phone).
- The microphone lets you speak instead of typing.
- The + or paperclip button lets you add a photo or document, such as a letter you want explained. Read “What not to share” below first.
Step 3: Your first prompts for everyday UK life
A “prompt” is just what you type. Copy any of these, change the details and send.
- A council or official letter: “Explain this letter from my council in plain English. What do they want me to do, and by when? [paste the text, with your name, address and reference numbers removed]”
- Recipes in UK measurements: “Give me a simple shepherd's pie recipe for 4 people. Use grams and millilitres, oven temperatures in °C and gas mark, and ingredients from a UK supermarket.”
- Travel plans: “Plan a 3-day trip to York by train from Birmingham for two adults. Include things to do if it rains and keep it budget-friendly.” Then check times and fares on National Rail or the train company's site.
- DVLA questions: “In simple terms, what do I need to do to renew the photo on my driving licence?”
- HMRC questions: “What does a tax code like 1257L mean on my payslip? Explain it like I'm new to this.”
Always check GOV.UK. ChatGPT can be out of date or simply wrong about rules, deadlines and fees. Use it to understand the jargon, then confirm on gov.uk, or with the DVLA or HMRC directly, before you act. Official GOV.UK services charge only the official fee – watch out for copycat websites that add extra charges.
Step 4: How to get better answers
- Give some background. “I'm a retired teacher writing to my energy supplier” gets a better result than “write a letter”.
- Say the tone and length. For example “polite but firm, under 150 words”.
- Ask for UK English so you get “colour” and “organise”, and UK dates.
- Keep the conversation going. Reply with “make it shorter”, “less formal” or “explain step 2 again”. You don't have to get it right first time.
- Ask it to ask you questions. “Before you answer, ask me anything you need to know.”
What not to share
- Passwords, PINs, or card and bank details.
- National Insurance, passport or NHS numbers.
- Your full name and address together, or anything else that identifies you on an official letter.
- Other people's private information, or confidential details from work.
In ChatGPT's settings, look under Data controls for an option along the lines of “Improve the model for everyone”. Switch it off if you don't want your chats used to train future versions. A Temporary chat option also lets you chat without saving it to your history. More tips, including how to spot AI-powered scams, are in our AI safety guide.
Free vs Plus: do you need to pay?
For most everyday people, the free version is enough. It does have limits: after a certain number of messages it may switch to a less capable model or ask you to wait, and there are tighter limits on things like creating images and uploading files. These limits change over time.
Paid plans give higher limits, the newest models and extra features. OpenAI's pricing page lists Go, Plus, Pro and Business plans. At the time of checking (17 October 2026), UK price trackers listed ChatGPT Plus at about £20 a month including VAT, with the cheaper Go plan at around £7 a month and Pro costing far more. Prices change, and app store prices can differ slightly from the website, so check the official page before paying: ChatGPT plans and prices.
Our advice: use the free version for a couple of weeks first. If you upgrade, pay monthly, put a reminder in your calendar to review it, and remember that if you subscribed through the App Store or Google Play you cancel it there. Compare ChatGPT with Copilot, Gemini and Claude in our free vs paid guide.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Believing everything it says. ChatGPT sometimes makes things up – facts, quotes, even laws – and sounds just as sure of itself. Check anything that matters.
- Using it instead of proper advice. For health worries use NHS 111 or your GP; for money, debt or legal problems try Citizens Advice or MoneyHelper.
- Pasting in private details – see the list above.
- Downloading a fake app or paying a website that isn't OpenAI. The real thing is free to start.
- Copying answers word for word for job applications or homework. Employers and teachers can often tell, and many schools have rules about AI.
Frequently asked questions
Is ChatGPT free to use in the UK?
Yes. There is a free version on the website and the phone app, and you don't need to enter card details to use it. Paid plans are optional.
Is ChatGPT safe to use?
For everyday jobs like explaining letters, planning meals or drafting emails, it's generally fine – as long as you don't type in personal or financial details and you check anything important. Only use the official website (chatgpt.com) or the official app from OpenAI.
Do I need to download an app?
No. ChatGPT works in any web browser at chatgpt.com. The app is handy if you want to talk to it out loud or snap a photo of something to ask about.
Can ChatGPT read a letter or a photo?
Yes. You can upload a photo or a document and ask it to explain it. Cover or crop out your name, address, account numbers and reference numbers first.
Is ChatGPT's information up to date?
Not always. It can look things up on the web for some questions, but it can still get rules, prices and dates wrong. For anything official, check GOV.UK, the NHS website or the organisation itself.