Are you one of the millions using OpenAI's ChatGPT? While this powerful AI can write anything from a quick email to an entire article, a crucial question is being asked by users worldwide: where does all that data go? Your chat history, filled with personal and professional queries, is saved by default. But a simple solution exists to wipe the slate clean and protect your privacy.
We've got the foolproof, step-by-step guide to help you take back control of your conversations on any device.
On Your Phone: The Quick Privacy Button You Didn't Know You Needed
For mobile users, deleting your digital footprint is easier than you think. A few taps can ensure that your past chats are no longer visible.
Here's how to do it:
1. Open the ChatGPT app on your smartphone.
2. Tap the menu icon (two lines or a single horizontal line) in the top-left corner to access the sidebar.
3. Tap on your profile icon or name at the bottom of the screen.
4. Navigate to "Data Controls".
5. In this menu, you'll find the option to "Clear Chat History".
6. Tap it and confirm your decision. Your chat history on the app will be wiped clean.
On the Web: A Single Click to a Clean Slate
If you use ChatGPT primarily on your computer, the process is just as simple. You can delete your entire history in one go.
Here's the simple method:
1. Go to the ChatGPT website and log in.
2. Click your profile icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
3. A menu will appear. Click on "Settings".
4. In the settings menu, look for the "Data Controls" tab.
5. Inside the "Data Controls" section, click on the button that says "Delete All Chats".
6. Confirm your action, and all your past conversations will be gone from the web interface.
While this method clears your visible history from both the app and website, it is important to remember that OpenAI's help centre states that chats are scheduled for permanent deletion from their systems within 30 days. This means some data may be retained temporarily for security or legal obligations. For those who want to prevent their data from being used for model training, there is also an option in "Data Controls" to turn off "Chat history & training".
