You logged into ChatGPT expecting to try the latest GPT-5, but all you see is GPT-4, an old chat, or no new features at all. You’re not alone — lots of users face the same issue. The good news? Most of the time, GPT-5 isn’t broken. It’s just being rolled out gradually or a simple setting is blocking access.
This guide explains why GPT-5 might not be showing up for you, how to quickly check what’s going on, and what you can do to fix it.
Quick Reference Table: Common Reasons GPT-5 Isn’t Showing and What to Do
| Reason | What You See | How to Check | What to Do |
| Phased rollout | GPT-5 missing everywhere | Try new chat, different browser/device | Wait for rollout to reach your account |
| Plan limitations | Can’t manually select GPT-5 | Check subscription plan | Upgrade to Plus/Pro/Team for access |
| Usage limits reached | Switched to smaller “mini” model | Count recent GPT-5 messages | Wait for quota reset or reduce use |
| App/browser cache issues | GPT-5 shows in incognito only | Open incognito vs normal browser | Clear cache, logout/login, refresh |
| Device/version mismatch | Mobile shows GPT-5, desktop doesn’t | Check app updates | Update/reinstall app, refresh |
| Confusion about GPT-5 versions | Unsure whether to use GPT-5 or GPT-5 Thinking | See if “Thinking” shows slow reasoning | Use GPT-5 for general, Thinking for complex tasks |
Top Reasons GPT-5 Might Not Be Showing & How to Fix Them
GPT-5 Is Being Rolled Out in Batches
OpenAI enables GPT-5 gradually to manage demand and fix early bugs. That means some accounts get access before others.
What to do: Try opening a new chat or use a different browser or device. If it’s still missing, just wait — it usually appears within hours or days.
You Need a Paid Plan for Full Access
Free users may only get limited or automatic access to GPT-5. To choose GPT-5 manually and use advanced features like GPT-5 Thinking, you need Plus, Pro, or Team plans.
What to do: Check your subscription and consider upgrading if you want steady access.
You’ve Hit Usage Limits
Heavy GPT-5 use can hit soft quotas, causing the system to switch you to a smaller “mini” model temporarily.
What to do: Reduce heavy usage or wait for your quota to reset.
App or Browser Cache Issues
Sometimes your browser or app caches old data and won’t show new features.
What to do: Try logging out and back in, clear your browser cache, or open ChatGPT in an incognito/private window.
Differences Between Devices or Versions
Mobile apps and desktop browsers update at different times, so GPT-5 might show up on one device but not another.
What to do: Make sure your app is updated. Try refreshing or reinstalling.
Confusion Over GPT-5 vs GPT-5 Thinking
GPT-5 Thinking is a slower, more powerful mode meant for complex tasks. Regular GPT-5 is faster for everyday questions.
What to do: Use regular GPT-5 unless you need deep reasoning or coding help.
Quick Step-by-Step: How to Get GPT-5
- Confirm you’re on a Plus, Pro, or Team plan (free users have limited access).
- Log out and log back in to refresh your session.
- Update your mobile app or open ChatGPT in a private/incognito browser window.
- Start a new chat (old chats might still use older models).
- Open the model picker and look for “GPT-5” and “GPT-5 Thinking.”
- Select “GPT-5” for general use; switch to “GPT-5 Thinking” for complex reasoning tasks.
- If you still don’t see it, wait a few hours and try again — patience is key!
When to Contact Support
If you’ve waited a day or two and still can’t access GPT-5 after trying the above, gather info like your plan type, device, app version, exact error messages, and what troubleshooting steps you’ve tried, then reach out to OpenAI support for help.
Summary
- GPT-5 rollout is gradual, so it might just not be available to your account yet.
- Paid plans get more reliable and manual access.
- Cache and app versions can cause inconsistencies.
- GPT-5 Thinking is for advanced tasks and slower responses.
- Most “problems” fix themselves with a bit of patience and simple refreshes.