Speak · Listen · Check
How to use voice conversations with AI
Voice mode lets you speak naturally and hear an AI response. It can be useful for practising, brainstorming and hands-free questions, but it can mishear you and its answers still require judgement.
Getting started
Find the voice control and allow the microphone deliberately
- 01Open the official assistant. In ChatGPT, voice is available to eligible logged-in users in supported mobile apps and on the web.
- 02Select the Voice icon. Its appearance and position may change as the app is updated.
- 03Allow microphone access. Your device or browser asks because the service needs to hear you. Decline if you did not intend to start voice.
- 04Speak one short request. Pause for the reply. If it interrupts or mishears you, use shorter turns or move somewhere quieter.
- 05Mute or exit when finished. Learn which control stops the microphone and which ends the conversation.
Good voice tasks
Use conversation where speaking genuinely helps
Practise a language
Have a beginner conversation with me in Spanish about ordering coffee. Speak slowly, use one sentence at a time and explain corrections in English.
Think through a plan
Ask me one question at a time to help me make a packing list for a three-day walking holiday. Summarise the final list in text.
Understand a topic
Explain how a heat pump works in plain English. Pause after each main idea and ask whether I want an example.
Ask for a written summary at the end so you can review names, dates, numbers and claims rather than relying on what you heard once.
Privacy and surroundings
Treat spoken information like information you type
- !Do not read out passwords, one-time codes, payment details or identity numbers.
- !Remember that people nearby may hear your question and the spoken answer.
- !Avoid discussing another person's private information without their knowledge and a valid reason.
- !Check the provider's current voice data controls and retention information before sensitive use.
- !Turn off background conversation settings if you do not want voice to continue while using other apps or when the screen is locked.
When it sounds convincing
A natural voice can make a wrong answer feel more trustworthy
Fluent speech, warmth and quick responses are presentation—not evidence. Ask the assistant to show the answer in text and provide sources for claims that may have changed. Dates such as “today” or “next Friday” can also be misunderstood; say the full date, time zone and location when they matter.
Do not use voice mode as emergency or professional advice
For urgent medical, safety or security situations, use the appropriate emergency service or trusted professional route. An AI conversation cannot assess your full circumstances or take responsibility.