How to set up ChatGPT Dots: create your first dot

You create a dot from the Your dot entry in ChatGPT's sidebar, on a computer. It takes about a minute: a few short screens, then your dot says hello and asks what to call it.

Have these three things before you start.

What you need

A plan that includes a dot: Pro, Business Premium, or an Enterprise workspace where an admin has turned dots on. Check yours.
ChatGPT on a computer. A dot can't be created on a phone.
Two minutes.

#Create your dot

The walkthrough shows each screen in order, with a circle on the part that matters.

Walkthrough

Create your dot

Image: Pat Simmons

1Click Your dot in the sidebar
Open chatgpt.com on a computer. Your dot sits at the top of the sidebar, right under New chat. Click it.

No Your dot entry? Find out why your dot isn't showing up.
Image: Pat Simmons

2Read what you're getting, then click Continue
The Create your dot screen says three things about a dot before you make one. Click Continue.
Image: Pat Simmons

3Choose which Google apps to connect, or skip
Make your dot more helpful offers four Google apps: Email, Calendar, Contacts and Drive. Click Continue with Google to connect them, or Continue without giving your dot this context to skip.

Once an app is connected, your dot reads it without being asked, to look for ways to help. Connect what you're happy for it to read. What your dot can see has the detail.
Image: Pat Simmons

4On Google's screen, tick every box
If you chose Google, ChatGPT reminds you to select all permissions before it sends you there. Click Continue to Google, tick every box on Google's own screen, and confirm.

Back in ChatGPT, a small notice says how many plugins were installed, for example "2 plugins installed". Then Setting up your dot shows for a few seconds.
Image: Pat Simmons

5Choose where your dot can work
Your dot gets its own computer in the cloud, and that row is already ticked. Letting it use your computer as well is optional. Click Continue.

Not sure about your own computer? Leave it for now. Let your dot use your computer covers when it's worth it.
Image: Pat Simmons

6Say hello and give it a name
Your dot writes first. It introduces itself and asks what you want to call it. Type a name and send it.

You should see
The top of the conversation and the sidebar entry change from Your dot to the name you chose. That's your dot, ready for a job.

#Change its name or its look

Once your dot has a name, you can change it, and its picture, at any time. Click Customize your dot in its first messages, or the pencil on its picture in its profile.

The Customize your dot dialog: rows of Colors, Characters and Pets on the left, a preview with the dot's name on the right, and a Save button — Image: Pat Simmons

You can also rename your dot by asking it. "Call yourself Juno from now on" is enough.

#Can't see Your dot in the desktop app? Switch it to ChatGPT

Everything so far works the same in the desktop app, with one catch. The app has two modes, ChatGPT and Codex. If the top of the sidebar says Codex and there's no Your dot entry, click Codex and choose ChatGPT.

The desktop app's mode menu, opened from the word Codex: ChatGPT, Create, learn, and explore; and Codex, Build, debug, and ship — Image: Pat Simmons

Your dot now appears under New chat. If the app shows Create your dot again, click Continue: it's the same dot, and the app only needs the next screen from you.

#Two mistakes to avoid

If setup didn't go as shown, check these two.

#Check you've got it

Your dot exists. One question about what it can do right now.

Predict

You skipped the Google apps and your own computer. What can your dot do now?

Nothing until you connect something
Work on its own cloud computer, and use any apps you'd already connected to ChatGPT
Only chat, like a normal conversation

Show the answer

Work on its own cloud computer, and use any apps you'd already connected to ChatGPT

A dot always has its own cloud computer with a browser, so it can research, build and keep going while you're away. Apps and your own computer add reach. They aren't required.

#Next step

Your dot is set up and waiting. Give it something to do, or run a practice first day in the simulator before you hand over a real job.

Next lessonGive your dot a job

Type a four-part brief into your dot's conversation, ask for a schedule in plain words, check on the work in Recent activity, and stop it three ways.

Can I have more than one dot?

Each person gets one dot.

6 October 2026
Rebuilt around the real setup screens.
5 October 2026
First published.

#Create your dot

1Click Your dot in the sidebar

2Read what you're getting, then click Continue

3Choose which Google apps to connect, or skip

4On Google's screen, tick every box

5Choose where your dot can work

6Say hello and give it a name