Agent Mode: How to use ChatGPT agent mode step by step

The Agent Mode is one of the most exciting new features in ChatGPT — but also one of the more complex ones. It allows you to use AI-controlled agents who can independently plan and execute tasks and even interact with external tools such as Gmail or Google Drive.

But how do you actually activate Agent Mode? Who has access? And what do you have to pay attention to — particularly in the EU or Switzerland, where the function is not yet officially available?

In this post, we'll give you a practical step-by-step instructions, with which you can successfully set up Agent Mode and use it sensibly.

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What is Agent Mode in ChatGPT?

The Agent Mode turns ChatGPT into a digital assistant that not only answers, but actively Complete tasks Can.

Instead of just a conversation, you can use it to create a Hire agentsto carry out specific activities, such as:

• Appointments to plan
• Sort emails
• to create presentations
• Carry out research
• Analyze files

The special thing: Depending on the configuration, the agent accesses external tools (so-called connectors) and performs tasks independent and structured off.

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Who can use Agent Mode — and who can't?

Only paid users have access to Agent Mode by ChatGPT. The function is not in the free version available.

At least one of these plans is required:

• Plus plan: 40 agent tasks/month
• Pro plan: 400 agent tasks/month
• Team plan: Individually scalable depending on the number of users

Important:
Currently, the Agent Mode officially NOT available in the EU and Switzerland. If you still want to use it, you can use a tried and tested trick — more about that in the next section.

Activate Agent Mode: Step-by-Step Guide

As soon as you have access (e.g. via VPN+Pro plan), you can the Agent Mode Activate as follows:

1. Login to ChatGPT
2. Start a new or existing chat
3. Select the model “gPT-4o”
4. Click on “Tools” in the bar below the text input box
5. Activate “agent mode”

👉 Alternatively, you can simply use the command in chat /agent enter — this also starts the mode.

Now you can enter a specific task — the agent will take over from here.

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Set up connectors: So your agent can do more

In order for the agent to work effectively, you should Activate connectors — i.e. interfaces to external tools. Depending on the task, these include:

• Google calendar — for scheduling
• gmail — for email processing
• Google Drive — for file access
• Notion, Slack, Microsoft 365, and more

How to set up connectors:

1. At the bottom left, click on your profile picture
2. Go to takes
3. Dial “Connectors”
4. Add desired services or use the “Create” button for individual connections (advanced)

The agent can only work meaningfully if the right connectors are set up — otherwise it remains blind to external data.

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Practical examples: What Agent Mode can do in ChatGPT

Agent Mode is particularly helpful when tasks are clearly described and include several steps. Here are three realistic examples from everyday life:

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Example 1: Reserve a restaurant table‍

🧠 Objective: A good table in a steakhouse in Stuttgart — on a free evening.

Prompt:
“Find a good steak house in Stuttgart, book a table there next week at 7 p.m. — on a day when I have time. ”

What the agent does:

• Search restaurants for reviews
• Check your calendar (if connector is active)
• Fill out the reservation form
• Ask you for confirmation before sending

✅ Result: The table is booked — at your request.

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Example 2: Mark important emails‍

📩 Goal: Automatically recognize and mark important emails in your Gmail inbox

Prompt:
“Mark all important emails from July 19th in my Gmail inbox. Only those that need to be answered urgently. ”

Prerequisite: Gmail connector + login

What the agent does:

• Sign in to Gmail
• Search relevant emails
• Mark important messages with a star

✅ Result: Prioritized emails in the inbox.

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Example 3: Create a presentation from drive files‍

🎥 Objective: Sales presentation based on drive documents + online research

Prompt:
“Create a sales-boosting presentation for me using the 3 files in the Google Drive folder 'KI Presentation'... (including deep research, structure, design, content, storage in Drive)”

What the agent does:

• Retrieve files from the folder
• Carries out supplementary research
• Create outline & slides
• Save file back to Drive

✅ Result: Rough version of a high-quality presentation

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What Agent Mode is not (yet) suitable for

Despite many advantages, Agent Mode currently has clear limits. You shouldn't use it for:

• Safety-critical tasks: No automation of sensitive systems or access
• Legally relevant communication: No substitute for specialist advice
• Unclear orders: Vague prompts lead to misunderstandings
• Complex creative work: Fine-tuning still requires human expertise
• Mass data processing without API access: This is where agents reach their limits

Agent Mode is a powerful tool — but not an autonomous employee.

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Conclusion: Agent Mode offers new opportunities — with preparation

The Agent Mode in ChatGPT takes AI usage to a new level: automated processes, smart assistants and real work simplification — if you use it correctly.

But getting started requires a bit of setup: VPN, connectors, access via a payment plan. Anyone who is willing to work on this will be rewarded with a versatile assistant who provides useful assistance with everyday tasks, planning and structuring.

👉 The KI Company We are happy to help you use agents effectively — from configuration to integration into your workflows.

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FAQ — Frequently asked questions about ChatGPT Agent Mode

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What is Agent Mode in ChatGPT?‍

A mode that allows AI agents to plan and execute tasks autonomously — including access to tools and connectors.

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Who can use Agent Mode?‍

Only paid users with a Plus, Pro, or Team plan. The function is also restricted by region.

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How can I activate Agent Mode in Germany/the EU?‍

Only via a VPN located outside the EU (e.g. USA). Otherwise, the mode is not visible.

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What tools can an agent use?‍

Depending on the connector, such as Gmail, Google Drive, Calendar, Slack, or APIs.

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Are there any risks when using it?‍

Yes — for example in the case of sensitive data, lack of control or unclear prompts. Responsible use is important.

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