ChatGPT connectors
OpenAI now calls ChatGPT's connectors apps. An app connects ChatGPT to a service you use, such as Google Drive or Slack, so it can find information there and, for some apps, take actions. Custom MCP servers that take actions need ChatGPT Business, Enterprise or Edu, and Pro connects them for reading only.
Connectors are now apps
OpenAI's help center calls them connected apps. An app connects ChatGPT to a service you already use, such as Google Drive or Slack, so you can work with its information in a conversation, and some apps also show maps or cards or take supported actions in the service.1 Parts of OpenAI's pages still say connectors, such as the approved connectors list a workspace publishes custom apps to.2
A plugin packages capabilities into a workflow and can include apps, skills or both.1 The plugin directory is open on every ChatGPT plan, and whether you can install a given plugin depends on your plan, workspace, role and region.3
What apps can do
Depending on the app, ChatGPT can:
- find and reference information in the connected service;
- use it as a source in deep research;
- show maps, cards and documents in the chat;
- take supported actions, such as creating or updating information.1
Eligible users can also create a task in Work that runs when a connected app gets a matching event, such as a new Gmail message, a new Slack channel message or pull request activity on GitHub.1 OpenAI's article on custom MCP servers says to use one when you need an integration or a capability the available apps don't provide.2
Connect an app
- Open Settings > Plugins and select the app, or the plugin that includes it.
- Select Install plugin if it shows, then Connect, and sign in to the account that holds the information you need.
- Review the services and permissions it asks for, and finish the provider's sign-in.1
In a chat, mention the app with @, or select + and choose it.1
Add a custom MCP server
| Plan | Custom MCP servers |
|---|---|
| Business | Full access, including actions. Only admins and owners create and publish them. |
| Enterprise and Edu | Full access. Admins can let chosen members create them, and only admins and owners publish. |
| Pro | Reading and fetching only |
OpenAI's article on custom MCP servers lists these plans and doesn't list Free, Go or Plus.2 You add a server on the web; the mobile apps can't.2
- Go to Plugins, select +, then Add custom MCP server.
- Enter a name, then the server's public HTTPS address, or choose a Secure MCP Tunnel for a server on a private network.
- Set up its sign-in, then read the risk warning and confirm it.
- Select Create as a plugin and review the tools ChatGPT found.2
Once an admin approves a server for a workspace, ChatGPT keeps a snapshot of its tools, and changes the developer makes later reach the workspace when an admin refreshes them.2 Deep research can use custom apps to read and fetch only.2
When ChatGPT asks first
App permissions decide when ChatGPT asks before reading information or taking an action. The options can include Always ask, Allow read actions, Allow low-risk actions and, for an eligible app or account, Allow all actions.1 Allow all actions lets supported actions run without another confirmation, and OpenAI warns that it carries a higher risk.1 A permission only changes when ChatGPT asks; what an app can reach is set when you connect it, and by workspace controls.1
Workspaces and data
- In ChatGPT Business many apps are on by default, and admins change access in the Admin console under Plugins.1
- An Enterprise organization can ask OpenAI Support to stop accounts on its verified email domain from connecting outside its authorized workspaces.1
- An app can see relevant context from your conversation, relevant memories when Memory is on, and basic details such as your IP address and approximate location.1
- For Business, Enterprise and Edu, OpenAI doesn't train its models on information from connectors by default. On Free, Plus, Go and Pro it may, when "Improve the model for everyone" is on.1
Connect Conecto to ChatGPT
Conecto, our product, gives ChatGPT business tools such as a CRM, an inbox on your business's own subdomain, invoices and bookings, through one connector address. On ChatGPT Business, Enterprise or Edu, add it from Plugins as a custom MCP server with the address https://api.conecto.chat/v1/mcp, sign in with OAuth and tick the areas ChatGPT may use.4 On Pro it connects for reading only.2 The steps for ChatGPT show where to paste it.
Questions
Are ChatGPT connectors the same as apps?
Yes. OpenAI's help center now calls them apps,1 and some of its pages still say connectors.2
Can I add a custom connector on ChatGPT Plus?
OpenAI's article on custom MCP servers lists Business, Enterprise and Edu for full access and Pro for reading only, and it doesn't list Plus.2
Can I connect a local MCP server to ChatGPT?
ChatGPT connects to remote servers. A server on a private network or on your own computer can connect through a Secure MCP Tunnel.2
Can I add a custom MCP server on the ChatGPT app for my phone?
No. OpenAI's article says custom MCP servers are added on the web only.2
Does OpenAI train on data from connected apps?
OpenAI doesn't by default for Business, Enterprise and Edu. On Free, Plus, Go and Pro it may, when "Improve the model for everyone" is on.1
Sources
We read these pages on . Each number in the guide links to the page behind that sentence.
- Connected apps in ChatGPT, OpenAI Help Center
- Connecting custom MCP servers in ChatGPT, OpenAI Help Center
- Plugins in ChatGPT, OpenAI Help Center
- Conecto SKILL.md
Conecto publishes this guide and sells business tools for AI agents. How we write our guides. To report a mistake, write to hello@conecto.chat.
Written by Vadim Dunaevskiy, Co-founder of Conecto. LinkedIn