Use Custom Instructions for guidance you want to write and manage directly—such as response style or recurring constraints. Use Memory for useful personal context ChatGPT can carry forward from conversations and other available sources. You can use both: instructions tell ChatGPT what you want it to know or do, while Memory can carry context forward as it develops. What’s available and how it’s controlled can vary by plan, region, platform, and workspace.
How Memory and Custom Instructions differ
OpenAI describes Custom Instructions as direct guidance you provide about what ChatGPT should know and how it should respond. Memory can carry forward relevant information from saved memories, chats, and other available sources, depending on your settings. One is user-written guidance; the other is context that can develop or change over time.
| Question | Memory | Custom Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| What is it for? | Carrying forward useful context from memories, chats, and other available sources, depending on settings. | Providing direct guidance about what ChatGPT should know and how it should respond. |
| How does information get there? | ChatGPT may save useful details, and you can ask it to remember something. Reference chat history may also supply relevant context when enabled. | You write and manage the instruction text yourself. |
| How does it change? | Context may be updated as your needs change; information drawn from chat history can change over time. | You edit or remove the text. Updates apply immediately to chats, while earlier versions may remain in chat history. |
| What is it not? | It is not a complete transcript or archive: not every detail from every conversation is retained, and a memory summary may omit details or sources. | It is not an archive of past chats or a substitute for Memory. |
| Where do you manage it? | Settings > Personalization > Memory; available labels and controls vary. | Web and desktop: Settings > Personalization > Custom Instructions. iOS and Android: Settings > Customize ChatGPT. |
| Availability | Varies by plan, region, platform, and workspace. | OpenAI says it is available on all plans on Web, Desktop, iOS, and Android. |
These feature descriptions and availability statements are from the OpenAI Help Center’s Memory in ChatGPT page and its ChatGPT Custom Instructions page. Settings labels can change, and some workplace controls may be managed by an administrator.
Which one should you use?
Use Custom Instructions for deliberate, recurring guidance
Choose Custom Instructions when you want to specify preferences yourself—for example, a response style, recurring constraints, or information you want ChatGPT to consider. They are directly editable, and OpenAI says updates are applied immediately to chats. OpenAI’s current help page lists a limit of 1,500 characters for Free and Go users and 5,000 characters for Plus, Pro, Enterprise, Business, and Education users. Check your account for the limit and controls currently available to you.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Use Memory for context that is useful across conversations
Choose Memory for useful details or preferences you do not want to restate each time. ChatGPT may save relevant information, and reference chat history can provide context when enabled. Memory is not a perfect transcript: it does not retain every detail from every conversation, and summaries may leave out details or sources.
Use both when you have both kinds of needs
Custom Instructions and Memory can complement each other. Put stable, explicit guidance in your instructions; let Memory carry forward useful context as it develops. Neither feature is required for the other.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How to find and change the settings
Manage Memory
- Open Settings > Personalization > Memory.
- Review the available Memory controls. Depending on your account, labels may include Memory, Reference saved memories, Reference chat history, Memory summary, Manage, or Saved memories.
- Edit or remove relevant saved information using the controls shown in your account. If an option is missing, availability may depend on your account or workspace.
Manage Custom Instructions
- On Web or desktop, open Settings > Personalization > Custom Instructions. On iOS or Android, open Settings > Customize ChatGPT.
- Make sure Enable customization is on where that control appears.
- Edit or delete your instruction text. OpenAI says changes are applied immediately to chats; previous versions may still appear in earlier chat history.
OpenAI’s documented paths are current product guidance, but interface labels can change. Follow the labels shown in your app or account.
Turning a feature off is different from removing its information
Turning Memory off does not delete past chats. Deleting a chat alone does not necessarily delete a separate saved memory created from it. If you want information removed, OpenAI says you may need to delete both the saved memory and the original chat, and remove copies from places such as a memory summary, other chats, Library files, or connected apps, where applicable.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
OpenAI says deletion and Memory updates can take time to propagate. It may retain logs of deleted saved memories for up to 30 days for safety and debugging; this is a possible maximum retention period, not a promise that deletion completes exactly on day 30. For Custom Instructions, editing or deleting them changes future chats, but earlier versions may remain in chat history. OpenAI identifies clearing the relevant conversations as the way to remove those earlier versions from history.
Use Temporary Chat when you want a different personalization choice
Before starting a Temporary Chat, choose whether it should be personalized. An Unpersonalized Temporary Chat does not use Memory or Custom Instructions. A Personalized Temporary Chat can use existing memories and instructions. Neither choice creates or updates memories while the chat remains temporary, according to the OpenAI Help Center’s Temporary chat in ChatGPT page. OpenAI says the choice cannot be changed after the conversation begins.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
A Temporary Chat stays out of chat history unless you save it, but OpenAI may keep a copy for up to 30 days for safety purposes. That period is an upper bound for possible retention, not a guarantee of deletion exactly on day 30. If saved, the conversation becomes a regular chat and follows your account’s personalization and model-improvement settings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Memory personalization and model improvement are separate controls
Memory controls what context ChatGPT may use for personalization; they do not, by themselves, determine whether account content is used to improve models. OpenAI says personal ChatGPT account conversations and remembered information may be used for model improvement when Improve the model for everyone is on. It says Business, Enterprise, Edu, and ChatGPT for Healthcare workspace content is not used for model training by default. Review the settings that apply to your account or workspace rather than treating Memory as a model-training control.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Memory may include sensitive information you share. OpenAI recommends reviewing Memory settings and Sources. If you do not want a conversation to use Memory or Custom Instructions for personalization, select an Unpersonalized Temporary Chat before starting it.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
