- Temporary mode prevents conversations from being saved in the history or used to train AI, although OpenAI retains the data for 30 days for security.
- There are two variants at the beginning: Non-Custom mode (totally neutral) and Custom mode (which reads previous memories and instructions).
- It is possible to convert a temporary chat into a normal conversation to save it permanently in the history and continue the chat later.
I'm sure it's happened to you: you're in the middle of a ChatGPT session using temporary mode so the AI doesn't keep your data or get influenced by past conversations, and suddenly you realize the chat was pure gold. The problem is that, by definition, these chats are ephemeral, and until recently, the feeling of frustration was overwhelming when you realized there was no way to retrieve that information before it disappeared forever.
The good news is that OpenAI has been refining this tool, transforming it from a simple "incognito mode" into something much more flexible. Now we can not only choose how much background information the AI knows, but we can also make a conversation permanent , preventing it from disappearing and allowing us to continue working on it in the future.
What exactly is Temporary Chat?
When we activate this option, we enter an isolated environment. The main idea is that the model doesn't use the conversation history or update its memory with what you type. Essentially, it's like starting with a blank canvas each time, ideal for those seeking anonymous and clean interaction, where the system's previous memories don't bias the responses.
However, it's important to understand that this isn't an instant and complete deletion. For security reasons and to prevent abuse, OpenAI stores a copy of these interactions on its servers for a maximum of 30 days . After that time, the information should disappear, although for more cautious users who prefer to delete their ChatGPT chat history to avoid having anything stored in the cloud, this is still something to consider.
Advanced settings: Custom vs. Non-Custom mode
- Non-Custom Mode: This is the classic configuration. The chat knows nothing about you, doesn't use your custom instructions, and doesn't access plugins. It's the ideal option if you want total privacy and a neutral response.
- Custom Mode: This is where things get interesting. You can allow the temporary chat to access your saved memories, plugins, and custom account instructions. The curious thing is that, although it can read this data, It does not generate new memories. as long as it remains temporary.
It's crucial to understand that this decision is made before sending the first message. Once the conversation has started, you can't change the switch; you're stuck with the chosen option until the chat ends or changes its nature.
How to save a temporary chat to the history
To solve the age-old dilemma of losing valuable information, OpenAI has implemented a key feature: the ability to convert a temporary session into a regular conversation . If you find the chat thread particularly useful, you can choose to save it to your history.
By making this change, the chat will no longer be temporary and will be governed by your account's regular rules. This means that the content could be used to train the models (depending on your privacy settings) and that the stored information may influence future AI responses as it becomes integrated into your user memory.
Quick guide to activating temporary mode
- In the web: Simply open a new chat and tap the pill-shaped button that says "Temporary" in the top right corner. You'll see the interface change, usually with a darker tone to alert you that you are in this mode.
- In apps (iOS and Android): When starting a new chat, select the "Temporary Chat" option and confirm the action. The system will display a notification confirming that there will be no record in the chat history.
Privacy and necessary precautions
While temporary chat is a fantastic tool, it's important not to let your guard down. If you use custom GPTs that connect to external services, remember that data can be transferred to third parties and be subject to their own privacy policies, so it's vital to know what not to ask ChatGPT to protect your security.
For those handling extremely sensitive data, the recommendation is to always use fictitious or anonymized data . Temporary chat is an extra layer of protection, but it's not an impenetrable bunker. Combining this mode with globally disabling history in your account settings is undoubtedly the best strategy for safeguarding your privacy.
Today we have a system that allows us to alternate between total anonymity and intelligent personalization, giving us the key to rescuing ephemeral conversations and turning them into permanent records. Control over our digital footprint in AI is constantly increasing, allowing us to decide what we want the machine to forget and what deserves to be preserved in our personal history.
