ChatGPT Agent
Until now, everything we have covered requires you to read and act on ChatGPT's output. It gives you text, you do something with it. But what if ChatGPT could take action for you -- browsing websites, filling out forms, clicking buttons, and completing real-world tasks on the internet?
That is what ChatGPT Agent does. It is an AI agent that can control a web browser, navigate websites, and perform multi-step tasks on your behalf. Think of it as a capable assistant who can actually do things on the web, not just tell you how.
Today you will learn what the ChatGPT Agent can do, how it works under the hood, and how to use it effectively.
From Operator to ChatGPT Agent
In early 2025, OpenAI launched Operator -- a research preview of an AI that could use a web browser. It was impressive but limited. It ran in a separate interface, had a small set of supported websites, and felt like an experiment.
In 2026, Operator evolved into ChatGPT Agent -- fully integrated into the main ChatGPT interface. Instead of switching to a separate tool, you simply describe what you want done, and the agent handles it right from your ChatGPT conversation.
The key improvements:
- Integrated experience -- it works inside the ChatGPT interface you already know
- Powered by o3 reasoning -- uses advanced reasoning to plan and execute complex multi-step tasks
- Broader website support -- works across a much wider range of websites
- Better error recovery -- when something goes wrong, it can diagnose the problem and try alternative approaches
What the agent can do
ChatGPT Agent can perform a wide range of web-based tasks:
Browse and research. Navigate websites, read content, extract specific information, and compile findings. More hands-on than Deep Research -- it actually interacts with web pages.
Fill out forms. Complete online applications, registration forms, surveys, and checkout processes.
Book and reserve. Search for flights, hotels, and restaurants. Compare options and make bookings on your behalf.
Order and purchase. Add items to shopping carts, apply coupon codes, and complete purchases (with your confirmation before payment).
Manage accounts. Update settings, change preferences, and navigate account dashboards on supported websites.
Compare and analyze. Visit multiple competitor websites, extract pricing information, and compile comparison tables.
Here is the critical distinction: the agent works on the web only. It controls a web browser. It cannot control desktop applications, local files, or mobile apps. If a task requires something that exists only on a website, the agent can probably handle it.
How it works behind the scenes
When you give the agent a task, here is what happens:
1. Planning. The agent uses o3 reasoning to break your request into steps. For booking a flight, it might plan: search multiple sites, compare prices, filter by your criteria, present options, and then book upon confirmation.
2. Execution. It opens a browser session and starts navigating. It reads page content, identifies buttons and form fields, types text, clicks links, and scrolls -- just like a human would.
3. Reasoning through obstacles. If a page layout is unexpected, a pop-up appears, or a form requires information it does not have, the agent reasons through the problem. It might close a pop-up, try a different navigation path, or ask you for clarification.
4. Confirmation before critical actions. The agent will always pause and ask for your confirmation before taking irreversible actions like submitting a purchase, signing up for a service, or making a booking. You stay in control.
5. Reporting back. Once the task is complete, the agent summarizes what it did, what it found, and any actions it took.
Availability and best practices
Availability. ChatGPT Agent is currently available on the Pro plan first, with a gradual rollout to Plus users. OpenAI is expanding access as the feature stabilizes and improves.
Best practices for using the agent effectively:
Be specific about what you want. Instead of "find me a hotel," say "find me a hotel in downtown Chicago for April 5-7 with a gym and free cancellation, under $200 per night." The more detail you provide, the better the agent performs.
Let it ask clarifying questions. If the agent is unsure about something, it will ask. Answer those questions rather than assuming it will figure it out.
Review before confirming. Always review the agent's findings and proposed actions before giving the go-ahead on bookings, purchases, or sign-ups. The confirmation step exists for a reason.
Start with lower-stakes tasks. Get comfortable with the agent on research and comparison tasks before using it for purchases or bookings. Build trust in how it works.
Be patient with complex tasks. Multi-step tasks take time. The agent might need to navigate several pages, wait for content to load, and try different approaches. This is normal.