Updated October 1, 2026 · 5 min read
ChatGPT Astra: how to find and use it
Searching for "ChatGPT Astra"? That's GPT-6 Astra, OpenAI's flagship model released September 3, 2026 — and inside ChatGPT it doesn't always sit where you'd expect. Here's exactly where to find it on each plan, and how to start using it.
Where Astra lives in ChatGPT
Astra isn't a separate app or a plugin. It's a model inside ChatGPT — but its location depends on your plan:
| Plan | Where to find Astra |
|---|---|
| Free | Nowhere — not available |
| Go ($8) | Nowhere — not available |
| Plus ($20) | Switch from Chat to Work at the top of ChatGPT, then pick GPT-6 Astra in the model menu. Also available through Codex. |
| Pro ($100–$200) | In the regular chat model menu — labelled "GPT-6 Pro" |
| Business | Standard or Premium tiers; depends on your workspace setup |
| Enterprise | Off by default — an admin must enable it |
How to start using it (Plus plan, step by step)
- Step 1. Log in at chatgpt.com on a Plus account. If you're on the free plan, you'll need to upgrade first — see our guide on whether Astra can be used free.
- Step 2. At the top of the screen, switch from Chat to Work. On Plus, Astra is not in the regular chat model picker.
- Step 3. Open the model menu inside Work and select GPT-6 Astra.
- Step 4. Give it a multi-step task — Astra is built for operating a computer on your behalf: browsing the web, filling forms, editing files, and completing workflows with less supervision.
- Step 5. Watch your allowance. It resets every 5 hours, and heavy agent tasks burn through it quickly — roughly 5–45 messages per window depending on task weight.
Why you might not see Astra in your account
- The rollout was staged. Accounts received access gradually after the September 3 launch. If it's still missing, wait a few days.
- You're looking in the wrong screen. On Plus, check the Work screen — not the regular chat model picker.
- Your plan doesn't include it. Free and Go accounts don't get Astra at any setting.
- Enterprise default is off. If you're on a company workspace, ask your admin to enable it.
What to actually use Astra for
Everyday chat and writing don't need Astra — the previous default (GPT-5.6 Sol) handles those well and costs you nothing extra. Astra earns its allowance on jobs like:
- Multi-step web research that involves opening sites and filling in forms
- Producing documents, spreadsheets, and slide decks that follow your existing templates
- Long agent tasks on huge documents — its context window holds roughly 1,050,000 tokens
- Building and hosting simple web apps and games through ChatGPT's Sites feature
FAQ
Is "ChatGPT Astra" different from "GPT-6 Astra"?
No — same model. "ChatGPT Astra" is just how people search for it inside ChatGPT. OpenAI's official name is GPT-6 Astra.
Is there an Astra app or extension?
No. Astra only exists inside ChatGPT (chatgpt.com), the OpenAI API, and major cloud providers. Any site claiming to offer a standalone "Astra app" is not legitimate.
Do I need the mobile app?
Access follows your plan, not the device. But the Work screen experience is designed around desktop-class tasks, so the web version is the best starting point.
How much does it cost?
Cheapest entry is Plus at $20/month, with limits. Full breakdown in our pricing guide.