How to Disable ChatGPT in iOS 18

Apple Intelligence in iOS 18 allows system tools and Siri to hand off complex requests to third-party models like OpenAI's ChatGPT. While Apple requires explicit user confirmation before any data is shared, users can fully opt out of these external integrations. This guide outlines how to completely turn off ChatGPT integration, restrict third-party intelligence access, and prevent your iPhone from prompting you to use external AI services.

Understand the Default Privacy Protections

By default, iOS 18 does not automatically send your queries to external models. Whenever Siri or the system Writing Tools encounter a query that ChatGPT could assist with, iOS displays an explicit prompt asking for permission to share the request. If you decline, the request remains on your device or uses Apple’s Private Cloud Compute. Furthermore, if you do not link an OpenAI account, Apple obscures your IP address, and OpenAI cannot train its models on your requests.

Completely Turn Off ChatGPT Integration

If you prefer never to see prompts recommending ChatGPT, you can disable the integration entirely in your system settings:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone running iOS 18.
  2. Scroll down and tap Apple Intelligence & Siri.
  3. Under the extensions or integrations section, select ChatGPT.
  4. Toggle the switch next to ChatGPT to the Off position.

Once disabled, Siri and Writing Tools will no longer suggest using ChatGPT, and all external model handoffs will be deactivated.

Turn Off Confirmations (If Using Selectively)

If you still want access to ChatGPT on your own terms but want to avoid accidental data sharing, you can manage the confirmation settings instead of a full shutoff:

  1. Navigate to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > ChatGPT.
  2. Locate the Confirm Requests toggle.
  3. Ensure this toggle is switched On. This guarantees that no text, photo, or document is ever sent to OpenAI without a manual confirmation tap on your screen.

Restrict External AI via Screen Time

For managed devices or stricter control across an entire family plan, external AI integrations can be blocked using Screen Time:

  1. Open Settings and tap Screen Time.
  2. Select Content & Privacy Restrictions and toggle the feature on if it is not already active.
  3. Tap Allowed Apps & Features (or Intelligence Extensions depending on your specific iOS 18 build).
  4. Toggle off ChatGPT or external intelligence providers.

Setting a Screen Time passcode will prevent these integrations from being re-enabled without administrative authorization.