How to Switch Back to GPT-4o in ChatGPT After the GPT-5 Update Rolls Out

Update (08/13/2025): ChatGPT’s GPT-4o model is back for paid users; And o3, o4-mini, GPT-4.1 are also restored

As OpenAI rolls out GPT-5 across ChatGPT, many users are finding themselves automatically upgraded to the latest version, only to realize they’d prefer the more familiar experience of GPT-4o. While GPT-5 offers enhanced reasoning, faster performance, and adaptive “Thinking” modes, not everyone needs its complexity or wants to give up the functionality of 4o, especially for casual conversations or specific workflows.

If you’re among those looking to return to GPT-4o, here’s how to do it, and what might be stopping you.

Step-by-Step: Switching Back to GPT-4o

• Open ChatGPT on the web or mobile app.
• Look for the model selection icon, usually represented by a lightning bolt or star, near the bottom of the screen.
• Click or tap the icon to bring up the model dropdown menu.
• If GPT-4o is listed, select it manually. You’ll switch instantly to using that model in your current chat or a new one.

On mobile, some users may need to long-press the model name or open a new chat to see available options. If you’re still in a GPT-5 session, try starting a fresh conversation, older threads may stay locked to GPT-5 or its equivalents.

What If You Don’t See GPT-4o in the Menu?

GPT-4o access isn’t guaranteed in all accounts anymore. Here are the most common reasons it might be missing:

• Subscription Tier Restrictions: GPT-4o may not be available if you’re on a free tier and have exceeded usage limits. In this case, you’ll need to wait for your daily quota to reset.
• Model Deprecation: OpenAI is gradually retiring older models, including GPT-4o, from most user tiers. Pro and Team users may temporarily retain access under certain conditions, but for Free and Plus users, GPT-5 is now the default model.
• Forced Upgrade by OpenAI: As part of the GPT-5 rollout, some users and workspaces may be automatically migrated. If your account has been fully transitioned, GPT-4o may no longer be available at all.
• Interface Limitations: If your app or browser hasn’t updated or synced recently, you might be missing the latest options. Try logging out and back in or updating the app.

Understanding the GPT-5 Rollout

OpenAI began rolling out GPT-5 to Plus, Pro, and Team users on web, mobile, and desktop platforms. Free users also get access, though with message caps (10 messages per 5 hours). GPT-5 is now the default model for new chats across most plans.

GPT-5 introduces a dual-mode system:

• Chat Mode for faster, casual use.
• Thinking Mode for deeper analysis and reasoning.

For complex tasks, GPT-5 can automatically switch to its more powerful “Thinking” mode. This process happens behind the scenes unless you manually choose GPT-5-Thinking from the model picker (available for Pro and Team tiers).

Usage Caps and Auto-Switching

Each tier comes with its own limits:

• Free: 10 messages per 5 hours, plus 1 GPT-5-Thinking use daily.
• Plus: 80 messages per 3 hours, with 200 GPT-5-Thinking messages per week.
• Pro and Team: Higher or unlimited access, depending on the plan.

Once usage limits are hit, users are downgraded to mini versions of GPT-5 until the timer resets.

Why You Might Still Want GPT-4o

Despite GPT-5’s technical advantages, GPT-4o remains popular for a few reasons:

• It powers Voice Mode, which GPT-5 doesn’t yet support.
• It’s generally faster for short-form writing and casual chats.
• Some users find its tone or outputs more predictable for certain tasks.

If those are priorities for you, retaining access to GPT-4o can still be valuable, if your plan allows it.

Model Sunset: GPT-4o and Others Being Phased Out

OpenAI has already confirmed that several older models are being deprecated:

• GPT-4o
• GPT-4.1, 4.5, and their “mini” variants
• GPT-3.5 variants like o3 and o3-Pro

Continuing old conversations that used these models now automatically reopens them in GPT-5 or the closest equivalent, which can alter how responses appear or function.

Temporary Workarounds and Tips

If you’re locked into GPT-5 but miss GPT-4o, here are a few things to try:

• Start a new chat, some users have found GPT-4o still available for new sessions, especially during early rollout windows.
• Upgrade or downgrade: Depending on your current plan, upgrading may unlock more options. In some cases, downgrading to Free and waiting for a reset can temporarily restore access to GPT-4o.
• Voice mode access: GPT-4o is still used behind the scenes for voice interactions, so using ChatGPT’s voice feature gives you indirect access even during GPT-5 sessions.

The Bottom Line

Switching back to GPT-4o is possible for some users, but not all. As OpenAI transitions to GPT-5 as its flagship model, GPT-4o is rapidly becoming legacy software. Whether or not you can access it depends on your subscription tier, usage limits, and whether OpenAI has fully migrated your account.

For now, if GPT-4o is still important to your workflow, your best bet is to check the model picker in a new conversation and monitor any changes to your account’s access settings.