How to Use ChatGPT?

As of 2026, the answer to this question has become more complex, not because AI has become harder to use, but due to the increased options available—official connections, aggregation platforms, API access, etc. Many users find it difficult to choose the right path.

Moreover, after using the service for a while, many people want to delete their accounts or unsubscribe from memberships but struggle to find the option in the settings.

This article clarifies the entire process from registration to uninstallation. Whether you are a complete beginner or an old user looking to part ways, you can follow this guide.

1. Registration: Three Paths to Choose From

It’s important to clarify that in 2026, ChatGPT is still not in a “ready-to-use” state in many regions. However, compared to a few years ago, the available options have matured significantly.

Option 1: Aggregation Platforms—True Zero Threshold (Recommended)

If you just want to use AI for writing, coding, or translation without pursuing the “authentic” official experience, aggregation platforms are currently the lowest barrier option.

Steps:

1. Open an aggregation platform (like ZzMAX: z.kkmax.cn / flux-art.cn)
2. Register with your phone number and log in with a verification code
3. Choose a model (GPT-5.5, Claude, Gemini, etc.)
4. Start chatting

Features:

• No need for VPN, overseas phone number, or international credit card
• Direct payment via Alipay/WeChat
• One account can access multiple models

Suitable for: Most domestic users.

Option 2: Official Direct Connection—Most Features but Highest Barrier

If you need the complete official experience (GPT Marketplace, Custom GPTs, DALL-E image generation, etc.), the official option is the only choice.

Registration Steps:

1. Prepare a foreign email (Gmail or Outlook)
2. Visit chat.openai.com and click Sign Up
3. Verify your email
4. Key Point: A foreign phone number is required to receive the verification code.
5. You can obtain a temporary number through a verification code platform.
6. When filling in, remember to remove the country code prefix.
7. After registration, the default version is free (GPT-5.3 Instant).

Upgrade to Plus:

• Find Upgrade to Plus in settings.
• Requires an international credit card (Visa/Mastercard).
• Monthly fee is $20 (approximately 145 RMB).

Suitable for: Heavy users and geeks seeking a complete experience.

Option 3: API Access—Flexible Choice for Developers

If you have programming skills and want to integrate ChatGPT into your workflow, the API is the most flexible option.

Quick Start (using Codex CLI as an example):

npm install -g @openai/codex
codex --model gpt-5.5

The first run will open a browser for ChatGPT OAuth login, and you can start using it without an API Key.

Suitable for: Developers and batch task processing.

2. Usage: From Basics to Advanced

2.1 Basic Conversations

After successful registration, simply type your questions in the input box. Mixed input in Chinese and English is supported, and daily conversations can be conducted entirely in Chinese.

2.2 Image Upload (Multimodal)

As of 2026, ChatGPT fully supports multimodal input.

Web Operation:

• There is a paperclip icon or a + button on the left side of the input box.
• Click to choose “Upload File” or “Select from Album.”
• Supports common formats like JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP, etc.

Common Scenarios:

• Screenshot Analysis: “What improvements can be made to this UI?”
• Document Recognition: Upload a photo of a paper document to extract text.
• Chart Interpretation: Upload data charts to analyze trends.
• Code Screenshot: Upload a screenshot of an error and ask, “What is wrong with this code?”

API Call Example:

from openai import OpenAI

client = OpenAI()
response = client.chat.completions.create(
    model="gpt-5.5",
    messages=[
        {
            "role": "user",
            "content": [
                {"type": "text", "text": "What is in this image?"},
                {"type": "image_url", "image_url": {"url": "https://example.com/image.jpg"}}
            ]
        }
    ]
)

Notes:

• The single image limit is about 20MB.
• HEIC format may be incompatible; it is recommended to convert to PNG.
• When uploading multiple images, remember to specify “Please analyze the first image” or “Compare the differences between the two images.”

2.3 Image Generation (GPT-Image2)

Launched in April 2026, GPT-Image2 addresses the common issue of Chinese character garbling in AI drawing.

Usage: Simply input a description in the conversation:

“Generate a spring reading club poster, with the main title in Kai font: ‘Spring Reading Club’, background of cherry blossom trees, 4K.”

GPT-Image2 will return the generated image directly in the conversation, supporting partial edits and iterative optimization.

2.4 Model Selection Tips

The version system of ChatGPT has become quite clear:

Suggestion: For daily use, keep the default model. Switch to Thinking mode manually when deep reasoning is needed (e.g., mathematical proofs, complex code).

3. Uninstallation: Safe Unsubscribe and Account Deletion

3.1 Backup Data—The First Step Not to Skimp On

Before deleting anything, export your chat history first. This is a pitfall many people have encountered—deleting the account directly and then realizing important conversations cannot be retrieved.

Steps:

1. Click the avatar in the bottom left → Settings
2. Select Data Controls
3. Click the Export button
4. After confirmation, OpenAI will send an email to your registered email address
5. Download the compressed file and view the HTML file after extraction

Note: Data export may take several hours or even a couple of days (especially for accounts with extensive history). If the exported file shows garbled text, try opening it in a different browser; if Chrome doesn’t work, try Firefox.

3.2 Export Personalized Memory

If you plan to switch to other AI tools (like Claude or Gemini), you can also export the information ChatGPT remembers about you.

Method:

1. Go to Settings → Personalization → Manage
2. Here you can see all the “memories” recorded by ChatGPT
3. Manually copy this content and paste it into the corresponding settings of the new tool.

3.3 Cancel Subscription (Plus/Pro Users)

If you are on a paid plan, be sure to cancel auto-renewal before deleting your account; otherwise, you will still be charged next month.

Cancellation Steps:

• Web Version: Settings → Find Subscription → Cancel Plan
• iOS App: Cancel through Apple ID subscription management
• Android App: Cancel through Google Play subscription management

3.4 Delete Chat History

After canceling your subscription, you can clear all conversation history:

• Settings → Data Controls → Delete All Chats

OpenAI states that data may take about a month to be completely deleted from the server.

3.5 Completely Delete Account

If you are sure you no longer want to use it, you can completely delete your OpenAI account.

Operation:

1. Visit privacy.openai.com
2. Click Make a Privacy Request
3. Select Delete my ChatGPT account
4. Confirm deletion

Note: Once deleted, all data cannot be recovered. Ensure you have completed the backup steps mentioned earlier.

3.6 Revoke Third-Party Authorization

If you have previously connected to Google Drive or other external services, remember to revoke them as well:

• Settings → Apps → Remove all integrations

4. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: ChatGPT webpage won’t open/displays “Not available”?

• Check your network environment; the IP must be in a region supported by OpenAI.
• Aggregation platform users do not face this issue.

Q2: Not receiving SMS verification code during registration?

• Confirm if the country code for your phone number is correct.
• Try a different verification code platform or change the country/region.
• Some temporary numbers have been flagged by OpenAI and need to be changed.

Q3: What are the differences between the free and paid versions?

• Free version: GPT-5.5 Instant, fast speed but limited deep reasoning ability.
• Plus ($20/month): Full version of GPT-5.5, higher limits.
• Pro ($200/month): Unlimited use, highest priority.

Q4: Is it safe to use aggregation platforms? Will data leak?

• Regular aggregation platforms use API intermediaries and do not store user data.
• For conversations involving commercial secrets, it is recommended to use official channels or ensure data is anonymized.

Q5: How to completely delete if I no longer want to use it?

• Follow the steps in Section 3: Export data → Cancel subscription → Delete records → Delete account.

5. Summary in One Image

Registration:
   ├─ Regular Users → Aggregation Platform (z.kkmax.cn) → Phone Number Registration → 1 Minute to Start
   └─ Heavy Users → Official Direct Connection → Overseas Email + Phone Number → $20/month

Usage:
   ├─ Text Conversations → Direct Input
   ├─ Image Upload → Click Icon → Upload → Ask
   └─ Image Generation → Describe Needs → AI Generates Image

Uninstallation:
   ├─ 1️⃣ Export Data (Settings → Data Controls → Export)
   ├─ 2️⃣ Cancel Subscription (Cancel Plan)
   ├─ 3️⃣ Delete Records (Delete All Chats)
   └─ 4️⃣ Delete Account (privacy.openai.com)

Final Thoughts

In 2026, while the registration threshold remains, the choices have become very rich.

• For those who dislike hassle: Choose the aggregation platform, start in 1 minute, capped at 50 RMB/month.
• For those pursuing authenticity: Tinker with the official direct connection for a complete ecosystem at $20/month.
• For those who are tired of it: Follow the steps above to back up data, cancel subscriptions, and delete accounts.

Whether you are getting started or stepping away, I hope this comprehensive guide helps you save time searching for tutorials.