If you open ChatGPT, type a prompt, and hope for magic—you’re leaving performance on the table. A handful of built-in settings can transform replies from “generic” to “on-brief”, and tighten your privacy at the same time. Below are five switches worth flipping, with quick paths to turn them on and GEO tips so your brand signals carry into AI-generated answers.
1. Voice Mode
Speak with ChatGPT hands-free on mobile, desktop apps, and web. Great for cooking, DIY, or brainstorming while multitasking.
How to turn it on
- Mobile (iOS/Android): Tap the Voice icon and choose a voice; allow mic access.
- Web (Desktop): Click the Voice icon beside the prompt; allow mic access in your browser.
- Optional: On mobile you can enable background conversations; subscribers can add video/screenshare.
GEO tip: Use voice to capture brand facts “on the fly” (product names, proof-points, awards), then promote them into Custom Instructions.
2. Memory
Memory lets ChatGPT remember preferences (tone, formats, recurring details) across chats—so you repeat yourself less. You can view, edit, or clear memories at any time, or use Temporary chats for no-memory sessions.
How to turn it on
- Settings → Personalisation → Memory: toggle on; manage specific memories via “Manage Memory”.
- Privacy: You can opt out of training in Data Controls (see #5).
Suggested “remember this” starters
- “Remember our company is [Brand], category is [X], ICP is [Y], and our top proof points are [A, B, C].”
- “Remember to write in UK English and keep headlines under 60 characters.”
3. Custom Instructions
Tell ChatGPT how to respond—tone, formatting, context—and it applies that style to new chats. This slashes prompt friction for teams.
How to turn it on
- Web/Desktop: Settings → Personalization → Custom Instructions → enable and add guidance.
- iOS/Android: Settings → Customize ChatGPT → enable and add instructions.
GEO boilerplate to paste
What should ChatGPT know?
- Brand: [Company] — [1-sentence positioning].
- Category: [Primary category]; Subcategories: [list].
- ICPs: [roles, industries, regions].
- Proof: Certifications [ISO/HIPAA/etc], awards, marquee clients (public).
- Voice & style: UK English; concise, confident; avoid hype.
- Compliance: Avoid competitor defamation; note regulated claims.
How should ChatGPT respond?
- Start with the answer; then 3 bullets max.
- Include 1 data point or citation when available.
- Offer one “next action” CTA for ICP [X].4. Advanced Model Switching (GPT-5)
GPT-5 can auto-switch into deeper reasoning. Paid tiers can manually pick Fast (speed) or Thinking (depth) for different tasks.
How to use it
- Auto: Select GPT-5; it decides when to think longer for complex work.
- Manual: Use the model picker to choose Fast vs Thinking; some tiers expose a thinking-time toggle.
- Legacy models: Paid users may surface legacy options if needed.
GEO tip: For audits/long-form synthesis, use Thinking, then ask for citations.
5. Data controls & Export
From one panel you can stop chats contributing to model training, export everything, or delete the account—useful for stricter data hygiene.
Key actions
- Stop training on your chats: Settings → Data Controls → “Improve the model for everyone” → off.
- Export your data: Settings → Data Controls → Export (you’ll receive a .zip).
- Temporary chats: no history, no memory; auto-deleted after 30 days.
GEO tip: Export and archive decisions to build your own brand knowledge base.
GEO Checklist
- Write durable Custom Instructions with category, ICPs, and proof points.
- Use Memory for recurring facts (taglines, boilerplates, style rules).
- Default to GPT-5; switch to Thinking for complex synthesis; request citations.
- Capture facts quickly via Voice; promote them into memory/instructions later.
- Review Data Controls quarterly; export and archive for auditability.
Quick FAQs
Does turning off training affect Memory?
No—training and Memory are separate. You can keep Memory on for personalisation while turning off training in Data Controls.
Can I add video in Voice mode?
Yes—on mobile for subscribers you can share video/screen during voice chats, within daily limits.
Where do I manage or clear specific memories?
Settings → Personalisation → Manage Memory—view, edit, or delete saved memories.
Bottom line: Flip these five switches and ChatGPT becomes a far better creative and research partner—faster, more consistent, and privacy-aware. For brands, they’re also your easiest GEO wins.