Are you wondering if ChatGPT can be connected to the Internet connection so that you can generate content based on the latest data, and stats? Is that even possible since ChatGPT is trained only on datasets that contain information up to September 2021?
Well, the answer is kind of Yes.
Yes, because the ChatGPT beta plugin that I will discuss more about, is available for ChatGPT Plus subscribers which allows ChatGPT access to the internet.
Not just that, the workaround that I’m going to discuss in this post today will help connect ChatGPT with the internet.
AI has existed for a long time but grabbed the attention when OpenAI’s ChatGPT was launched in November 2022.
Benefits of allowing ChatGPT Internet Access
Although OpenAI’s ChatGPT is one of the most powerful AI content generation tools but it has certain limitations as well.
One of the biggest limitations is that it cannot answer queries about the events that happened after September 2021.
For example, I asked the ChatGPT the release date of iPhone 12, and it quickly answered this question as you can see in the below screenshot. Since the iPhone 12 was released before September 2021, the ChatGPT has the answer
On a similar note, when I asked about the ChatGPT release date of iPhone 13, instead of telling me the date, it told me that its knowledge is limited to September 2021.
While answering questions, the ChatGPT totally relies on the datasets it is trained on and it restricts this amazing tool from providing up-to-date information.
By allowing ChatGPT internet access, we can remove this barrier and expand its knowledge beyond September 2021.
How to Give ChatGPT Internet Access
The ChatGPT, however, trained on data up to November 2021; if you want to ask a question about an event after November 2021, it will not be able to answer.
This problem can be resolved if ChatGPT can be given access to the internet connection.
We will learn how to do that.
I am going to discuss the methods for both, the ChatGPT normal users as well as for ChatGPT Plus subscribers.
Things are easy for the ChatGPT Plus subscribers because they can use a plug-in that helps the ChatGPT connect with the internet being a Plus subscriber.
It will only require you to enable the Plug-in from settings.
However, the normal or free users will have to try a simple workaround.
Let’s get started.
The ChatGPT Plus Subscribers
Things are way easier for the ChatGPT Plus users. However, being a Plus user, you will have to pay recurring $20 per month.
So if you are a ChatGPT Plus user, do this.
Step 1- Start ChatGPT.
Step 2- Go to the three dots against your name from the bottom left menu.
Step 3- Go to Settings.
Step 4- Then select “Beta features“
Step 5- Enable “Browse with Bing” using the slider button.
Step 6- Go back to the ChatGPT chat box. and select “ChatGPT-4“.
Step 7- You will see a downward arrow the moment you select “ChatGPT-4“. Click the arrow and select “Browsing“.
That’s all!
Now ChatGPT can use the Bing Search engine to fetch the latest information required to answer your queries.
The main reason behind using the Bing search engine, and not Google is that Microsoft is the biggest investor in OpenAI and invested over a whopping $10 billion with a promise that ChatGPT will be integrated with the Bing search engine.
Now, type your queries and get an up-to-date answer to your queries.
The ChatGPT Normal Subscribers
If you are not a ChatGPT Plus user for any reason, you can try this workaround to give ChatGPT internet access so that it can provide you with up-to-date answers to your queries.
You’ll be required to add a cool Chrome extension that is also available for the Firefox browser as well and the ChatGPT will be ready to use the Internet.
Here is how to do that.
Step 1- Open the Google Chrome browser. Do the same if you are using Firefox.
Step 2- Go to https://chrome.google.com/webstore/ or Click here. Type “WebChatGPT” in the search box. You will see the plugin in the search results.
Step 3- Add the Chrome extension to your browser by clicking the “Add to Chrome” button. Allow it for some time.
Step 4- Once the installation is completed, you will see some additional settings are added to the ChatGPT chat window.
Step 5- Enable “Web access” with a slider button. It means you have allowed the ChatGPT access to the internet.
Now you can type your queries and get up-to-date answers.
This extension allows you to use your preferred search engine. Click on “Advanced” and select the one you want to use.
Alternative method
If you don’t want to use any of the above methods and looking for an alternative, you can try BingAI.
BingAI is an official partner of ChatGPT as the parent company of Bing search engine-Microsoft has invested more than $10 billion in OpenAI with a contract that OpenAI will integrate ChatGPT with the Bing search engine.
Earlier, to use BingAI, you would require an Edge browser as it was not working with Google Chrome or any other web browser.
However, you will still a message about trying the “Chat in Edge” browser.
All you have to do is to follow these steps:
- Open your favorite browser
- Type “BingAI” and search for it.
- Open the first website link that will take you to the Microsoft website.
- Click “Try Bing” at the top right corner. It will start the Bing chat window.
- Type your query now.
Wrapping up
ChatGPT is undoubtedly one of the most powerful AI chatbot but it has certain limitations as well. Training on limited datasets is one of the biggest advantages of ChatGPT.
Connecting ChatGPT with the internet can unleash the power of this amazing AI chatbot. However, Amazons GPT55X is said to be even more powerful and will be a complete package.
The ChatGPT can be connected to the internet using an extension for free users and if you are a ChatGPT plus user, you can enable the internet using a plug-in which is in the beta phase and only available for ChatGPT-4 users.
