5 Hidden ChatGPT-5 Settings You Should Enable Now

September 28, 2025 Harneet Pasricha
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AI, ChatGPT

ChatGPT-5 is powerful by default — but these lesser-known settings take it from “good” to “exactly how I like it.” Here are five you’ll want to flick on today.

1) Voice Mode

Talk to ChatGPT instead of typing.

Why enable it
Voice mode is hands-free, quick, and feels more natural than tapping letters, especially when you’re cooking, driving, or multitasking.

How to turn it on

  • Open ChatGPT mobile app
  • Tap the headphones / voice icon
  • Enable Voice
  • (Optionally) enable Vision / camera mode so it can interpret what it sees

2) Memory Mode

Let ChatGPT remember your style and preferences across sessions.

Why enable it
You won’t have to re-explain yourself. ChatGPT can recall your tone, favorite topics, and writing style.

How to turn it on

  • Go to Settings → Personalization → Memory
  • Turn Memory on
  • Optionally, manage or delete saved memory entries whenever needed

3) Custom Instructions

Set the rules once so you don’t repeat them.

Why enable it
You tell ChatGPT: “Talk like a coach,” “Avoid slang,” or “Use bullet points,” and it obeys—every time.

How to turn it on

  • Open Settings → Custom Instructions
  • Fill out the questions about tone, style, or how you like replies
  • Save, and every chat reflects those defaults

4) Advanced Model Switching (for Plus users)

Pick speed or depth — depending on your task.

Why enable it
Sometimes you want fast answers, sometimes you want depth. This setting lets you toggle between “fast / light” and “thinking / thorough.”

How to turn it on

  • Go to Settings → Model Preferences
  • Enable Advanced Model Switching
  • During chats, switch between modes depending on what you need

5) Data Controls & Export

Manage your history, retain privacy, and get backups.

Why enable it
You get control: see, delete, or export past chats. Great for privacy or archiving your notes.

How to turn it on

  • Open Settings → Data Controls (Privacy section)
  • Manage chat history: view, clear, or export
  • Adjust model training permissions if available

Pro tip: Don’t enable them all at once. Start with one or two (Memory + Custom Instructions) and see how your ChatGPT feels more like your assistant.

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