General Questions
Is Atlas free to use?
The browser itself is free to download and use for all ChatGPT users. Basic features work with free accounts. However, advanced capabilities like agent mode, GPT-4 access, and voice features require ChatGPT Plus subscription ($20/month).
Does Atlas require ChatGPT Plus?
No. Free users can browse with Atlas and access GPT-3.5 chat integration. Plus unlocks premium features: agent mode, GPT-4, advanced voice, and priority performance.
Will conversations sync with web ChatGPT?
Yes. All Atlas conversations sync with web ChatGPT in real-time. Start a chat on Atlas, continue on web seamlessly and vice versa.
Can Atlas work offline?
No. Atlas requires internet for ChatGPT features. You can view previous conversation history offline, but new queries need connectivity.
How much storage does Atlas use?
Initial installation: 250-350MB. With usage and cached data, expect 500MB-1.5GB total. Clear cache regularly in Settings to manage size.
Technical Questions
What macOS versions work?
macOS 13.0 Ventura or newer required. Compatible with Sonoma (14.x) and Sequoia (15.x). Not compatible with Monterey (12.x) or earlier.
Does Atlas work on Intel Macs?
Yes. Atlas runs on both Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) and Intel processors. Apple Silicon offers better performance due to native optimization. Intel Macs may use more resources.
Why is Atlas using significant RAM?
Normal usage: 300-600MB depending on open tabs and chat length. This is standard for modern browsers. If exceeding 1GB consistently, try clearing cache or restarting Atlas.
Can I run multiple Atlas windows?
Yes. Open multiple windows via File > New Window (⌘+N). Each window maintains independent browsing but shares the same ChatGPT account and memories.
How do I completely remove Atlas?
Quit Atlas, delete from Applications, empty Trash. For complete removal: delete ~/Library/Application Support/ChatGPT Atlas and ~/Library/Preferences/com.openai.atlas.plist. Conversations remain on web.
Feature Questions
What can agent mode actually do?
Agent can navigate sites, click links/buttons, fill forms, scroll pages, open/close tabs, and gather information across multiple sites. Cannot download files, run code, or access your file system. Best for research, comparison shopping, data gathering.
How do browser memories work?
When enabled, Atlas remembers key context from sites you visit: topics researched, products viewed, articles read. Uses this context to provide personalized assistance later. Fully controllable—view, archive, or delete anytime.
Can I import bookmarks from other browsers?
Yes. Import from Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, and most browsers. Process available during setup or later via Settings > Import Data. Imports bookmarks, passwords, history, and settings.
Does voice mode work without Plus?
Basic voice input (speech-to-text) available to all. Advanced voice mode—real-time conversational AI with natural voice responses—requires ChatGPT Plus subscription.
Can I access custom GPTs in Atlas?
Yes, Plus subscribers access custom GPTs via model selector. Browse GPT Store, search specific GPTs, or use favorites. All custom GPTs sync across platforms.
Privacy Questions
Is my browsing data private?
Atlas encrypts data in transit and at rest. Conversations stored locally and synced to OpenAI servers. OpenAI's privacy policy applies—may use data for improvement unless opted out. You control what ChatGPT can see via visibility toggles.
Can I prevent training on my browsing?
Yes. By default, browsing content not used for training. If you've enabled chat training, browsing may be included. Disable via Settings > Data Controls > Chat History. Pages opting out of GPTBot never used regardless.
What is incognito mode?
Incognito mode (File > New Incognito Window) logs you out of ChatGPT completely. No memories created, no chat history saved, page visibility disabled. Truly private browsing that doesn't persist after closing.
Can I lock Atlas with password?
Not currently. macOS user account protection recommended. You can sign out of ChatGPT in Atlas to prevent access to chat features while keeping browser functional.
Where are browser memories stored?
Locally on your Mac (encrypted) and synced to OpenAI servers for cross-device access. Memories are private to your ChatGPT account. Delete by clearing history or archiving individually in Settings.
Comparison Questions
Should I use Atlas or Chrome/Safari?
Use Atlas if: you regularly use ChatGPT, want AI-assisted browsing, value agent automation, do significant research/learning online. Use traditional browsers if: you need extensive extensions, require multi-profile support, prefer established ecosystems.
How does Atlas compare to Arc browser?
Arc focuses on organization (spaces, split view, tidy tabs). Atlas focuses on AI intelligence (agent, memories, chat integration). Arc has more productivity features; Atlas has superior AI capabilities. Many users may use both.
Is Atlas better than ChatGPT web + regular browser?
Depends on workflow. Atlas advantages: seamless integration, agent mode, browser memories, no tab switching. Traditional approach advantages: established browser features, extension variety. Atlas best for heavy ChatGPT users.
Troubleshooting Questions
Atlas won't install on my Mac—why?
Common causes: (1) macOS too old (need 13.0+), (2) insufficient disk space (need 1GB+), (3) corrupted download (redownload), (4) security settings (check Privacy & Security). Verify requirements and retry.
Can't sign into ChatGPT in Atlas?
Verify: (1) internet connected, (2) correct sign-in method for account, (3) credentials work on chat.openai.com, (4) VPN/firewall not blocking, (5) OpenAI services operational (check status page).
Agent mode unavailable even with Plus?
Check: (1) signed into correct Plus account, (2) Settings > Features > Agent enabled, (3) gradual rollout (not all Plus users simultaneously), (4) restart Atlas after subscription change.
Conversations not syncing between devices?
Ensure: (1) same account on all devices, (2) internet connected everywhere, (3) latest Atlas version, (4) chat history enabled in settings. Sign out/in to force sync.
Import from other browser failed?
Common fixes: (1) close source browser during import, (2) import data types separately (bookmarks first, then passwords), (3) ensure source data not password-protected, (4) manual export/import if automatic fails.
Usage Questions
How often is Atlas updated?
Updates ship every 2-4 weeks with improvements. Major features every 1-3 months. Atlas auto-checks for updates and notifies when available. Manual check: Atlas menu > About > Check for Updates.
Will Atlas come to Windows/Linux?
Windows version announced as in development. Expected 2026 but no specific date. Linux not officially announced. Currently macOS exclusive with iOS/Android also planned.
Can I use Atlas alongside other browsers?
Absolutely. Many users keep traditional browsers for specific needs while using Atlas for AI-enhanced work. No conflict running multiple browsers. Atlas doesn't interfere with others.
What happens if I cancel ChatGPT Plus?
Atlas remains fully functional as free browser. Lose access to: agent mode, GPT-4, advanced voice, priority performance. Keep: basic browsing, GPT-3.5 chat, all standard browser features.
Can businesses/schools use Atlas?
Yes. ChatGPT Business and Enterprise can enable Atlas for teams. Includes admin controls, team features, and privacy management. Education accounts can enable if institution administrator allows.
Additional Resources
If your question wasn't answered:
- OpenAI Help Center: help.openai.com for official documentation
- Community Forum: OpenAI community for user discussions
- Official Support: Contact through account settings
- Status Updates: status.openai.com for service status
- Release Notes: Check Atlas menu > About for changelog