ChatGPT Search is Now Available Without Logging In

OpenAI is expanding access to ChatGPT Search by making the chatbot’s web search feature free to use without an account. This will likely make ChatGPT an even bigger threat to Google Search and other traditional search engines.

ChatGPT Search first launched in private beta in July 2024 as “SearchGPT,” and the public launch followed on October 31 for ChatGPT Plus and Team users. On December 16, OpenAI made ChatGPT Search available to all logged-in users in regions where ChatGPT is available, but signing up is no longer required as of yesterday.

ChatGPT search is now available to everyone on https://t.co/nYW5KO1aIg — no sign up required. pic.twitter.com/VElT7cxxjZ

— OpenAI (@OpenAI) February 5, 2025

In practice, ChatGPT Search can be enabled by clicking the web search icon in the text box. ChatGPT could already search the web based on what you ask the chatbot, but the difference with ChatGPT search is that its answers will include links to relevant web sources. OpenAI has teamed up with various news and data providers to provide up-to-date information, and the chat interface still lets users ask follow-up questions.

“This blends the benefits of a natural language interface with the value of up-to-date sports scores, news, stock quotes, and more,” OpenAI explained last fall. At the time, the company also said it was working to improve ChatGPT Search with new travel and shopping features and bring this new search experience to ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice mode.