ChatGPT Connectors: How to Connect ChatGPT to Other Apps
OpenAI has rebranded ChatGPT connectors as plugins, enabling native integrations with external services like Google Workspace and GitHub for reading and action-taking within the chat interface.
OpenAI originally introduced connectors to link ChatGPT with third-party apps, but the terminology has shifted over time. The company now refers to these integrations as plugins, though the older term 'connectors' persists in common usage. These plugins act as installable bundles that grant ChatGPT access to external services, facilitating tasks such as retrieving data or performing actions without leaving the chat window.
Plugins operate on the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open standard that enables AI tools to communicate with external services. While OpenAI’s official plugins run on MCP, users can also connect to third-party or self-hosted MCP servers. This flexibility allows for broader integration options, though native plugins include built-in guardrails that custom connectors may lack.
The functionality of ChatGPT plugins varies by service, but they generally fall into two categories: read and write capabilities. Read functions allow ChatGPT to search and retrieve data from connected apps, such as customer records or documents, eliminating the need for manual copy-pasting. Write functions enable ChatGPT to take actions like creating records, drafting messages, or sending files directly within integrated apps.
To use a plugin, users can search for and install it from the ChatGPT interface, following an authorization flow to grant permissions. Once installed, plugins can be managed through the settings menu, where users can disconnect or uninstall them as needed. For services without a native plugin, users can add custom connectors, though they should exercise caution with third-party or self-hosted options due to potential security risks.