AI Agent Mode: Unlocking the Power of Agent GPT

ON 11 September , 2025

ChatGPT’s AI Agent Mode was officially launched on July 17, 2025, marking a major step forward in OpenAI’s development of more autonomous, goal-driven AI systems. Introduced by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the feature gained attention when he described watching ChatGPT agents complete complex tasks as a breakthrough moment. On X (formerly Twitter), he called it a true “feel the AGI” experience.

AI Agent Mode is designed to handle multi-step projects with minimal human guidance, making it a foundational feature for future intelligent systems. Though Elon Musk is no longer affiliated with OpenAI, he acknowledged the rise of agent-based AI, referencing similar efforts at his company xAI.

Many organizations, including every major AI development company, are closely watching this evolution to stay ahead in enterprise automation.

With built-in tools like web browsing, file analysis, and code execution, AI Agent Mode enables users to plan, delegate, and resume complex tasks over multiple sessions. Initially available to Pro, Plus, and Team users, it’s expected to expand to Enterprise and Education plans. Learning to use it today offers professionals a clear edge in tomorrow’s AI-powered workflows.

What is Agent Mode?

Agent Mode in ChatGPT is an advanced feature that enables the AI to carry out complex, multi-step tasks on your behalf using a secure, built-in virtual computer. It can browse the web, fill out forms, execute code, analyze spreadsheets or data, and generate content such as reports, slideshows, or emails.

Designed for productivity and automation, Agent Mode reduces the need for manual input while still keeping you in control. It always asks for your confirmation before performing sensitive actions like logging into accounts, sending emails, or making purchases. Tasks typically take between 5 and 30 minutes depending on complexity.

It opens the door to building more scalable and custom AI solutions for everyday business processes.

Available to users on Pro, Plus, and Team plans, Agent Mode supports integrations with services like Gmail, GitHub, and Notion to extend its capabilities. It also includes strong privacy protections such as session isolation, cookie clearing, and prompt injection safeguards. This makes it useful for professionals, teams, and creators seeking intelligent task automation.

User interacting with ChatGPT's Agent Mode on laptop, showcasing step-by-step process for automating a research project—opening Agent Mode, entering a research prompt, generating a summary report, pausing and resuming tasks seamlessly using AI Agent GPT capabilities.

Step-by-Step: How I Used ChatGPT Agent Mode to Automate My Research Project

Let me walk you through exactly how I used the new AI Agent Mode inside ChatGPT — and how it completely changed how I do research.

Step 1: Opened Agent Mode in ChatGPT

User interface of ChatGPT with Agent Mode activated, showing task suggestions like researching cross-border data laws and creating Google Maps lists, highlighting the functionality of AI agent tools.

I logged into chat.openai.com, clicked on the Tools tab in the left sidebar, and selected Agent mode.

A clean interface popped up asking:

“What can I do for you?”

This is where the magic starts.

Step 2: Entered My Research Prompt

User inputting a detailed research prompt in ChatGPT Agent Mode, asking for a summary report on top 10 AI companies in Europe with recent funding and innovation trends, showcasing agent GPT's collaborative capabilities.

I typed in my long-term goal:

“Help me research and write a summary report on the top 10 AI companies in Europe with recent funding and innovation trends.

I didn’t overthink it. Just typed what I needed. The agent understood instantly and responded:

  • Asking clarifying questions

  • Suggesting a step-by-step plan

  • Offering to browse the web and pull live data

It felt more like a collaboration than just a command.

Step 3: Let Agent Mode Do the Work

ChatGPT Agent Mode verifying updates on European AI funding after receiving a research prompt, showcasing autonomous browsing and data collection for a structured report on top AI companies.

Within minutes, the Agent:

  • Used the browser tool to search current AI startups across trusted sources like TechCrunch and Crunchbase

  • Collected details like funding rounds, industries, and key innovations

  • Organized everything into a clean, structured report format

  • Suggested headings and sections for the final summary

And I didn’t have to prompt it for every step — it moved on automatically once I approved the initial outline.

Step 4: Got a Summary Report

Once the Agent completed the research, it generated a structured and detailed summary report that addressed all key aspects of the project. The content was relevant, well-organized, and covered essential information such as company data, funding details, market trends, and references.

It aligned with the goal I had provided and was formatted in a way that made it easy to review and use. At the end of the report, it included a prompt stating,

“Let me know if you need any updates or further analysis.”

This allowed me to continue working on the project in an iterative way—requesting updates, adding new requirements, or refining specific sections without starting from scratch.

Step 5: Paused the Task and Resumed Later

ChatGPT Agent Mode displaying detailed summary of top AI companies in Europe, including funding rounds and innovations, with session resuming automatically after user returns, retaining full project context.

Partway through the task, I needed to step away. I closed the session, and when I returned the next day, AI Agent Mode resumed the project without requiring any re-entry of information.

It retained full context, including:

  • The project topic

  • Previously used sources

  • The report’s structure

  • Remaining tasks

Upon reopening, it provided a clear prompt indicating where we had left off and offered to continue with the next section of the report.

Step 6: Continued Research with Updated Requirements

ChatGPT Agent Mode actively researching AI market trends and upcoming events in Europe, building on previous context and updating the report without repeated instructions, ensuring seamless project continuity.

I proceeded by requesting the addition of market trends and upcoming events related to AI developments in Europe. The agent used the browsing tool to collect updated information from credible sources, integrated the findings into the existing report, and clearly indicated which sections had been modified.

The continuity was seamless, and no prior instructions had to be repeated.

AI Agent Mode Usage and Task Limits

ChatGPT’s Agent Mode currently operates with a usage quota system, which limits the number of active agent tasks a user can initiate within a given period. This quota is visible within the AI Agent Mode interface and is subject to change based on system updates or user plans.

Key Usage Guidelines:

Responsive Table
Feature Description
Available Tasks Users are allocated a fixed number of tasks (e.g., 25) per usage period. The remaining quota is displayed within the Agent interface.
One Task per Goal Each distinct project or research objective initiated within AI Agent Mode is counted as one task.
Quota Refresh Task limits are expected to reset on a monthly basis, though the exact renewal date may vary or remain unspecified.
Session Continuity Resuming an existing agent task does not consume additional quota, as long as the task remains active.

Quota Extensions and Limitations

At this time:

  • There is no option available to purchase or extend the Agent Mode task limit beyond the allocated amount.

  • If the task limit is reached, users may need to wait for the next quota refresh cycle or remove inactive agent tasks, if permitted.

  • Quotas and availability are subject to change as OpenAI continues to monitor usage patterns and adjust the feature’s access across different subscription tiers.
Person using smartphone and laptop with chatbot interface, symbolizing how ChatGPT’s AI Agent Mode performs backend research tasks like planning, web browsing, data extraction, and content synthesis for automated, goal-driven workflows.

How ChatGPT Agent Mode Performs Research in Backend

ChatGPT’s Agent Mode is designed to handle multi-step, goal-driven tasks — such as research — using a combination of planning, memory, and tool access. While the exact backend implementation details are proprietary to OpenAI, we can explain how it generally functions in practice. These kinds of capabilities are increasingly being offered as part of professional-grade AI agent development services for clients who need advanced task automation.

1. Goal Interpretation and Task Planning

When a user provides a research prompt (e.g., “analyze trends in renewable energy”), Agent Mode performs the following:

  • Interprets the objective using natural language understanding (NLU)

  • Breaks it into sub-tasks such as identifying data sources, gathering information, and drafting summaries

  • Creates a structured task plan that can be executed step-by-step over multiple sessions

This planning is driven by the model’s internal reasoning capabilities and guided by the long-term memory feature.

2. Tool Selection and Execution

To gather real-time or external information, AI Agent Mode activates internal tools such as:

  • Web browsing – Searches for publicly available, up-to-date content on the internet

  • Code interpreter (Python/Advanced Data Analysis) – Parses data, generates charts, or runs analysis

  • File handling – Allows reading of uploaded PDFs, CSVs, and other documents

Depending on the goal, the agent determines which tools are required and executes queries or commands autonomously.

3. Source Extraction and Content Filtering

When browsing is used, the agent:

  • Identifies relevant URLs based on the research objective

  • Visits trusted domains (e.g., news, scientific, government, or business sources)

  • Extracts key content sections (titles, paragraphs, tables, summaries)

  • Filters out irrelevant, outdated, or duplicate information

It ensures content relevance by matching the results to the original task plan.

4. Information Synthesis and Structuring

Once the data is collected, the agent:

  • Summarizes findings using natural language generation (NLG)

  • Organizes content into structured outputs (e.g., lists, tables, reports)

  • Highlights key insights based on user preferences or task context

  • Maintains consistent formatting across sections

All of this is performed within the same session or across multiple sessions if the task is paused and resumed later.

5. Memory and Context Tracking

AI Agent Mode leverages ChatGPT’s memory feature to:

  • Store key decisions, user preferences, and research progress

  • Track completed vs. pending subtasks

  • Resume work without needing repeated instructions

This enables users to work on long-term research projects over time, without losing context or repeating input.

6. Data Handling and Privacy

All actions performed by AI Agent Mode are subject to OpenAI’s privacy and safety standards. Browsing and data extraction are limited to publicly accessible information. Uploaded files and conversations are processed securely and, depending on user settings, may be retained or discarded.

Professions That Can Benefit from ChatGPT’s Agent Mode

Agent Mode is designed to support users who manage complex, information-heavy, or long-term tasks. Its ability to plan, research, summarize, and remember context across sessions makes it highly useful across a wide range of professions.

Key Professions That Can Effectively Use AI Agent Mode

  • Researchers and Analysts
    To collect data, track trends, summarize findings, and manage multi-phase studies.

  • Content Writers and Editors
    For drafting articles, creating outlines, fact-checking, and organizing ongoing writing projects.

  • Educators and Academic Professionals
    To build course material, research teaching topics, and assist with grading support or document summaries.

  • Marketing and SEO Specialists
    For analyzing competitors, researching keywords, drafting campaign plans, and content scheduling.

  • Consultants and Business Strategists
    To develop market research briefs, analyze industry trends, and prepare presentations or proposals.

  • Lawyers and Legal Researchers
    For summarizing case studies, comparing statutes, and preparing outlines or briefings.

  • Students and Graduate Researchers
    To plan thesis work, gather sources, and keep research progress organized over time.

  • Project Managers
    To break down goals into tasks, track deliverables, and generate progress summaries.

Limitations of ChatGPT Agent Mode

Responsive Table
Category Limitation
Usage Quota Limited number of agent tasks available per month (e.g., 25); no current option to extend the quota.
Tool Dependency Dependent on built-in tools (browser, code interpreter, file reader); tool access may vary by account.
Customization No support for custom workflows, API integrations, or advanced configuration like the Agent API offers.
Research Scope Limited to publicly accessible data; cannot access paywalled, private, or secure content.
Task Complexity Performs best on well-defined tasks; may struggle with abstract, multi-domain, or highly dynamic goals.
Memory Context Memory works across sessions but may occasionally lose or require clarification on complex goals.
Collaboration Designed for single-user use; no support for shared tasks, real-time collaboration, or project syncing.
Export & Formatting Can export to PDF/DOCX/Markdown on request, but formatting may need manual refinement before use.
Person reading expert article on a laptop titled “Why You Should Learn Agent Mode Today,” highlighting the growing importance of mastering ChatGPT’s AI Agent Mode for automating workflows, research, and professional productivity.

Expert Insight: Why You Should Learn Agent Mode Today

When ChatGPT was first introduced, it redefined how individuals and businesses interacted with AI. In a short span, it has become one of the most widely adopted AI tools across industries — from education and research to marketing, legal, healthcare, and software development.

Professionals who took the initiative early — who explored its capabilities and adapted their workflows around it — are now operating at a significantly more advanced level. Many are already leveraging AI for automation, scaling their content, managing research, or even building AI-integrated products and services.

Now, with the release of Agent Mode, ChatGPT takes another leap forward. This feature enables long-term task handling, intelligent planning, context retention, and autonomous research execution. It’s no longer just a conversational tool — it’s evolving into a powerful, goal-oriented assistant that can support professionals in managing complex, multi-step projects.

This is not just a trend — it’s a foundational shift in how modern work is done.

Why act now?

AI Agent Mode will continue to evolve, expand its capabilities, and integrate deeper into AI-powered ecosystems. Those who learn to use it today will be ahead of the curve tomorrow — whether you’re advancing in your career, serving clients more efficiently, or even launching your venture in the AI space.

“You don’t need to be a developer. You just need to be curious, adaptive, and willing to explore what’s next.”

So let’s start today. The sooner you align yourself with advanced AI tools like Agent Mode, the more prepared you’ll be for the opportunities AI will create tomorrow.

Who knows — in the near future, you might be running your own AI consulting firm, leading innovation in your industry, or handling global clients — simply because you chose to stay updated and build early expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions – ChatGPT Agent Mode

What is Agent Mode in ChatGPT?

Agent Mode is an advanced capability within ChatGPT that allows it to carry out multi-step, complex tasks on your behalf. Using a secure virtual environment, it can browse websites, fill out online forms, run code, analyze datasets, and create content like presentations or spreadsheets—all with minimal guidance.

To activate Agent Mode, open a ChatGPT chat window. Either choose “Agent Mode” from the Tools menu or type agent into the message box. Once activated, just describe your task, and the agent will walk you through any needed confirmations or clarifications.

As of July 2025, Agent Mode is available to users subscribed to the Pro, Plus, or Team plans. It is expected to roll out to Enterprise and Education users shortly. Free-tier users currently do not have access.

AI Agent Mode supports a wide range of actions, including:

 

  • Planning trips or itineraries
  • Managing calendar events
  • Conducting online research
  • Creating documents, slide decks, and spreadsheets
  • Booking reservations
  • Integrating with apps like Gmail, Notion, GitHub, and more

 

It always pauses for your confirmation before doing anything sensitive.



Task duration varies depending on complexity. Most Agent Mode tasks are completed within 5 to 30 minutes.

Yes, usage is capped by subscription tier:

 

  • Pro: Up to 400 agent interactions/month
  • Plus: Up to 40 agent interactions/month
  • Team: Similar limit to Plus, or usage counted via shared credits

 

Only user-initiated actions (e.g., starting or confirming tasks) are counted toward the limit.

Yes. After a task finishes, you’ll see an option (clock icon) to schedule it to run daily, weekly, or monthly. All recurring tasks can be edited or canceled from your settings.

Yes—always. AI Agent Mode never proceeds with sensitive actions (such as sending emails, accessing private data, or making payments) without getting your explicit confirmation. You can cancel or take control of the session at any point.

Agent Mode is designed with multiple layers of security.

 

  • Isolates browser sessions to prevent tracking
  • Requires manual login for secure accounts
  • Anonymizes browsing activity
  • Prevents prompt injection attacks
  • Lets you clear cookies and session data at any time
  • These measures help maintain user privacy and system integrity.

Users have reported using Agent Mode to:

  • Automate newsletter and blog content creation
  • Generate social media posts
  • Schedule marketing emails
  • Prepare pitch decks or business reports
  • Research competitors and markets

Many automate these workflows through third-party tools like Zapier or Make.

It can attempt to complete purchases on many online retailers. However, platforms like Amazon actively block bots, so results may vary. Success is generally better on smaller or less-restricted sites.

While powerful, Agent Mode is still in beta. Users sometimes report:

  • Slower processing during complex tasks
  • Occasional glitches in formatting documents or slides
  • Misunderstandings in multi-step workflows
  • Inconsistent results when dealing with unpredictable websites
  • Improvements are ongoing as feedback is collected.

No, Agent Mode is currently available only in select regions where OpenAI services and virtual browsing capabilities are supported. Some countries may have restrictions due to local laws, internet regulations, or infrastructure limitations. If Agent Mode is unavailable in your country, you’ll see an error, or the option may not appear in your interface. OpenAI is working to expand access over time. You can check on ChatGPT-supported countries on Google.



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