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4 min read Last verified: 2026-04-24

How to create a free ChatGPT account

Takes about 2 minutes. No payment needed.

ChatGPT is the AI tool that powers SEND Parents Help. You'll need a free account to use our custom assistant. Here's how to set one up.

What you'll need

Just one of the following:

Google logo
Google
Gmail account
Microsoft logo
Outlook, Hotmail, work
Apple ID
Email
Any email address

A free ChatGPT account is all you need to get started with SEND Parents Help. Free works fine for trying it out and asking questions. If you're working through SEND paperwork, we'd recommend a paid plan (from around £7/month, cancel anytime) for higher message limits and better file uploads.

Step-by-step setup

Go to the ChatGPT website

Open chatgpt.com in your web browser. You'll see a welcome page with a Sign up button. Tap or click it.

Choose how to sign up

You'll see buttons for Continue with Google, Continue with Microsoft, and Continue with Apple. Tap any of these to sign up instantly using an account you already have. If you'd rather not, enter your email address and create a password instead.

Verify your email

If you signed up with an email and password, OpenAI will send you a verification email. Check your inbox (and your spam or junk folder, just in case) and click the verification link. If you used Google, Microsoft, or Apple sign-in, this step happens automatically.

You're in

That's it. You'll see the ChatGPT chat screen with a text box at the bottom. You're ready to start using SEND Parents Help.

Using ChatGPT on your phone

ChatGPT works in your phone's web browser, but there's also a free app for iPhone and Android. The app lets you use voice input, which some parents find easier than typing.

Trouble signing up?

Verification email not arriving?

Check your spam or junk folder. Gmail sometimes files it under Promotions.

Already have an account?

If you've ever used ChatGPT before, tap Log in instead of Sign up. You can reset your password if you've forgotten it.

Using a school or work email?

Some organisations block sign-up emails. Try a personal email address like Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo instead.

Account ready? Let's go

Open our SEND Parents Help assistant and ask your first question.
Get started now

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