What Is ChatGPT Search? How to Use the AI Search Engine

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Jun 09, 2025 By Alison Perry

Search engines like Google help us find information by showing links. However, now AI tools like ChatGPT Search can provide us with direct answers in a smarter and faster way. Instead of clicking 5 to 6 websites, you can ask a question and get a clear, easy-to-read reply.

ChatGPT Search is not just a chatbot. It can also search the internet in real-time (if you're using the right version). So, if you ask, "What's the weather today in Delhi?" or "Who won the IPL match yesterday?" it can browse the web and provide you with the latest information.

In this guide, we'll explain what ChatGPT Search is, how it works, how it's different from Google, and how you can use it step by step. It's perfect for beginners who want to save time and get smart answers.

What Is ChatGPT Search?

ChatGPT Search is a smart feature that helps you find real-time information from the internet. It works just like a search engine but gives you direct answers instead of showing many website links. This means you can ask questions like, "What are the latest mobile phone prices?" or "What happened in the news today?" and ChatGPT will search the web and provide a concise answer.

This feature is available only if you are using ChatGPT Plus or a version that includes web browsing. It uses a tool called GPT-4 with browsing capabilities, which can access online content, read pages, and retrieve updated information. So, it's not just giving answers from memory — it's searching live for you. It's helpful when you want fast, clear answers without spending time clicking on different websites. It's like having a smart assistant who does the searching for you!

How Is ChatGPT Search Different from Google?

Google is a traditional search engine. When you type something into Google, it shows you a list of websites. You then have to click and read each one to find your answer. It works well, but sometimes it takes time and can be confusing.

ChatGPT Search works differently. Instead of showing many links, it reads the websites for you and gives a short, clear answer in one place. You don't need to open many tabs or scroll through long articles.

For example, if you ask Google, "What are the best places to visit in Paris?" it will provide you with 10–20 links. However, if you ask ChatGPT the same question, it will list the best places directly, in simple language, just as if you were having a conversation. Both are useful, but ChatGPT Search saves more time when you want quick, easy answers.

Requirements to Use ChatGPT Search

To use ChatGPT Search effectively, the first important step is to have the correct version of ChatGPT. This feature is only available in ChatGPT Plus or higher subscription plans. Users of the free version do not have access to this internet search option.

After subscribing to ChatGPT Plus, you need to select the GPT-4 or GPT-4o model. These models include a special feature called the Browsing tool. This tool enables ChatGPT to access the internet and retrieve the most up-to-date information for you. So, when you ask a question, ChatGPT doesn't only rely on its pre-existing knowledge but also fetches fresh data from the internet in real-time.

Additionally, you must make sure the "Browse with Bing" or simply "Browsing" option is turned ON in your chat settings or while selecting the model. If this setting is off, ChatGPT will only give answers based on its training data, which may not be current. This way, ChatGPT becomes a powerful search engine that can quickly provide you with accurate and up-to-date answers by searching the web live.

Step-by-Step: How to Use ChatGPT Search

Using ChatGPT Search is simple, even for beginners. You need to ask the right question, and ChatGPT will search the internet on your behalf. Follow these easy steps to get the best results.

Step 1 – Open ChatGPT and Choose GPT-4 with Browsing

First, log in to your ChatGPT account. Make sure you select the GPT-4 model that has the browsing feature enabled. This lets ChatGPT search the internet for live information.

Step 2 – Type Your Question or Request

Next, type a clear and specific question. For example, you can ask, "The latest news about electric cars?" or "What are the current prices of laptops in the US?"

Step 3 – Wait for ChatGPT to Search the Web

After you submit your question, ChatGPT will use its browsing tool to look for the latest information on the internet. This usually takes a few seconds.

Step 4 – Read the Answer

ChatGPT will then provide you with a concise and easy-to-understand answer based on the information it finds online. Sometimes, it will also share links to the sources it used.

Step 5 – Ask Follow-Up Questions

If you would like to know more or require clarification, please ask follow-up questions. ChatGPT can help keep the conversation going and provide more detailed answers.

Best Use Cases for ChatGPT Search

ChatGPT Search is very helpful in many situations where you need up-to-date or real-time information. Here are some of the best ways you can use it:

  • Latest News Updates:
  • Ask ChatGPT, "What's happening in world news today?" and get a summary of current events without visiting multiple websites.
  • Product Prices and Comparisons:
  • You can search for current prices, such as "What is the price of iPhone 15 in India?" or compare products, like "Which is better: iPhone 15 or Samsung S24?"
  • Travel Info:
  • Find updated travel tips, flight status, visa rules, or tourist spots by asking questions like "Best time to visit Dubai?"
  • Event Dates and Schedules:
  • Ask about upcoming concerts, sports matches, or conferences, e.g., "When is the next India cricket match?"
  • Recent Research or Stats:
  • Search for the latest data like "2024 unemployment rate in the US" or "New studies on climate change."

Conclusion

ChatGPT Search is a smart and easy way to get real-time answers from the internet. Instead of searching through many links, you can ask your question and get a clear, helpful reply in seconds. It's perfect for checking news, prices, updates, and more all in one place. With the right version and a simple prompt, anyone can use this AI tool like a personal search assistant. Try it out, ask follow-up questions, and enjoy faster, smarter searching!

As AI tools like ChatGPT continue to grow, the way we search for information is also changing. Instead of typing keywords and clicking through websites, we can now talk to AI and get answers in a natural, human-like way. This not only saves time but also makes learning and researching much easier for everyone, from students and professionals to casual users.

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