How to Connect ChatGPT to Gmail, Google Drive, Canva and More
This guide was updated Feb 2026 to ensure accuracy based on the latest OpenAI documentation and platform changes.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make ChatGPT genuinely useful in your day-to-day business—not just for writing emails or brainstorming ideas—this updated guide is for you.
OpenAI has significantly changed how ChatGPT connects to external tools. Older integration approaches have been replaced by a more unified system built around Apps, Agent mode, and clearer safety controls.
This article reflects the most accurate information available in OpenAI’s documentation as of 2026.
Please feel free to contact us if you need further assistance. We’re happy to help!
Why Connecting ChatGPT to Your Business Tools Matters
Connecting ChatGPT to the tools you already use allows it to search, analyze, and summarize information across email, documents, design assets, CRMs, and project platforms.
Instead of manually switching between apps or copying information into prompts, you can ask ChatGPT to work with existing context from your business systems. This reduces friction, saves time, and makes it easier to understand what’s happening across your operations.
What’s New
OpenAI now organizes third-party integrations using a three-part system.
Apps (formerly called “connectors”)
Apps allow ChatGPT to access data from third-party tools such as Gmail, Google Drive, Canva, Slack, HubSpot, Dropbox, and others.
Most apps provide read-only access for searching, summarizing, and analysis. Some apps may support limited actions, but only with explicit user permission and confirmation.
Official documentation:
https://help.openai.com/en/articles/11487775-connectors-in-chatgpt
Synced Apps
Some apps support syncing, which indexes your files to improve speed and accuracy when searching inside ChatGPT. Sync availability and behavior vary by app.
Official documentation:
https://help.openai.com/en/articles/10847137-chatgpt-synced-connectors
What Tools Can You Connect to ChatGPT
Available apps appear in ChatGPT’s App Directory, which can be found in the left nav bar or via the + -> Explore Apps submenu in the dialog bar.
Common examples include tools for:
Email and communication
Gmail, Outlook, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Intercom, Help Scout
File storage and collaboration
Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, SharePoint
Project and productivity management
Notion, ClickUp, Basecamp, Linear, Teamwork, Azure Boards, Aha!
Design and content
Canva
CRM and customer platforms
HubSpot, Zoho CRM, Zoho Desk
Plus much more, including Target for shopping, Apple Music and Spotify for playlist creation…the list goes on.
Availability depends on your plan, region, and OpenAI updates. Always check the App Directory inside ChatGPT for the most current options.
How to Connect Your Tools to ChatGPT
The setup process follows OpenAI’s current documentation.
Open ChatGPT on web, desktop, or mobile
Go to Settings
Select Apps or Connected Apps
Choose the tool you want to connect
Click Connect and complete the login process
Enable Sync if the app supports it
Once connected, ChatGPT can access data from those apps based on the permissions you grant.
How to Invoke (use) an App Inside ChatGPT
Connecting an app doesn’t automatically make ChatGPT use it.
You must actively invoke the app inside your conversation.
This is the step most people miss.
There are three simple ways to do it.
Method 1: Mention the App Directly in Your Prompt
The easiest way is to reference the app naturally when you type.
Examples:
Canva, create an Instagram post announcing a three-day weekend.
Search my Google Drive for last month’s proposals.
Summarize emails from the last week in Gmail.
ChatGPT recognizes the connected app and routes your request to it.
This works especially well with tools like Canva, Google Drive, and Gmail.
Method 2: Use the + Button (Best for Beginners)
In the chat box:
Click the + icon
Select the connected app (Canva, Google Drive, Gmail, etc.)
Then type your instructions
This guarantees ChatGPT knows exactly which tool to use.
If you’re ever unsure whether an app is being invoked, this is the safest option.
Method 3: Attach a Google Drive File
For documents, spreadsheets, or PDFs:
Paste a Google Drive link into chat
ChatGPT automatically converts it into an attached file (if Drive is connected)
Then you can say things like:
Summarize this document.
Extract action items.
Turn this into a checklist.
This is often faster than relying on sync.
A Quick Mental Model That Helps
Think of it like this:
Connecting an app gives ChatGPT permission.
Invoking an app tells ChatGPT what to use.
No invocation = no integration.
Important Limitations to Know
OpenAI documents several important guardrails:
Most apps provide read-only access unless explicitly stated otherwise
High-impact actions require user confirmation
Some tasks require manual login through the agent’s browser
Prompt injection risks exist, so vague instructions are discouraged
Agent sessions may generate screenshots or logs that persist until the chat is deleted, subject to OpenAI’s retention policies
Training can be disabled in Settings under Data Controls
Business and Enterprise plans exclude customer data from training
These safeguards reduce risk, but users should still avoid entering unnecessary sensitive or regulated information.
Practical Use Case Ideas
The following workflows align with documented capabilities and low-risk usage.
Customer communication
Summarize recent Gmail threads to identify recurring customer issues or themes
Operations
Search Drive for outdated SOPs, policies, or training materials
Sales
Review CRM-related emails and documents to produce a deal activity snapshot
Marketing
Review Canva assets or shared content for clarity, consistency, or messaging feedback
Finance
Analyze spreadsheets stored in Drive and generate readable summaries
These tasks help businesses stay organized and reduce time spent on manual review.
Security and Privacy: What Business Owners Should Know
According to OpenAI:
Agents only access tools you explicitly connect
Passwords are entered manually and not stored
Sensitive actions require confirmation
Business and Enterprise data is excluded from training
Plus and Pro users can opt out of training
Some websites may restrict automated access
The system is designed to reduce accidental actions, but responsible usage is still essential.
Why These Features Matter for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses
Most small and mid-sized businesses don’t have the time or staff to manually track information across multiple systems.
Apps and Agent mode help consolidate context across:
Email
Files
Design assets
Customer conversations
Project documentation
Spreadsheets
Online research
This reduces operational friction and gives business owners time back.
Need Help Setting This Up?
If you want help configuring apps, designing safe workflows, or using Agent mode effectively, we can walk you through best practices tailored to your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are new to ChatGPT Apps or Agent Mode, these answers explain what they can and cannot do for your business. All information is based on OpenAI documentation as of 2025.
What are ChatGPT Apps?
Apps are integrations that allow ChatGPT to access data from third-party tools for searching, summarizing, and analysis. Most apps provide read-only access unless otherwise stated.
What is ChatGPT Agent Mode?
Agent Mode allows ChatGPT to perform multi-step tasks such as navigating websites, analyzing files, running code, and using connected apps. The agent pauses for confirmation before high-impact actions.
Are Agent Mode and Apps available on the Free plan?
Agent Mode is not available on the Free plan. It is available on Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu plans.
Some Apps may be available on the Free plan with limited functionality, depending on the tool and region. Advanced features such as Agent Mode, multi-step workflows, and scheduled tasks require a paid plan.
Plan availability and limits may change over time, so users should check their account settings for the most current details.
Can ChatGPT connect to Gmail and Google Drive?
Yes. Gmail and Google Drive are supported apps. ChatGPT can read emails, files, and folders based on the permissions you grant.
Do I need to enable sync to use Google Drive with ChatGPT?
No. Sync is optional. You can use Google Drive by connecting the Drive connector and then pasting a Drive link into your message to reference a specific file. Sync is mainly for indexing so you can search and reference Drive content more broadly, and it may take time to complete.
Does ChatGPT automatically have access to everything in my connected apps?
No. ChatGPT only accesses data from connected apps when it is relevant to your request and within the permissions you’ve granted. For best results, clearly describe what you want it to review or summarize.
Can ChatGPT modify files or send emails through apps?
In most cases, no. Apps are typically read-only. Any actions beyond reading or analysis require explicit user confirmation and appropriate permissions.
Will ChatGPT change or send anything without my approval?
No. High-impact actions require confirmation, and most connected apps provide read-only access. ChatGPT does not send emails or edit files unless you explicitly approve an action.
Does connecting apps mean OpenAI stores my files or emails permanently?
Connecting an app grants scoped access based on the permissions you approve. You control access and can disconnect apps in Settings, and once disconnected, the app stops accessing and sharing data with that app going forward. OpenAI also provides Data Controls to manage how your conversations are used to improve models. This does not guarantee permanent storage behavior for third-party data, so it’s best to always review OpenAI’s Data Controls policies.
Is it safe to connect my business tools to ChatGPT?
Apps use scoped permissions and confirmation prompts. However, businesses should still avoid entering unnecessary sensitive or regulated information and follow OpenAI’s safety guidance when using Agent Mode.
What tools can I connect to ChatGPT?
ChatGPT connects to third-party tools through Apps (formerly called connectors). Available apps appear in ChatGPT’s App Directory, which is updated continuously and may vary by plan, region, and account type.
OpenAI does not publish a fixed or permanent list of supported apps. Tools may be added, removed, or restricted over time.
Common examples of apps that may be available include tools for:
Email and communication
Gmail, Outlook, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Intercom, Help Scout
File storage and collaboration
Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, SharePoint
Project and productivity management
Notion, ClickUp, Basecamp, Linear, Teamwork, Azure Boards, Aha!
Design and content
Canva
CRM and customer platforms
HubSpot, Zoho CRM, Zoho Desk
To see the most current and complete list of available apps, open ChatGPT and browse the App Directory within Settings or the Tools menu.
How do I make ChatGPT actually use a connected app?
After you connect an app, you still need to invoke it in the chat. OpenAI lists two primary ways: use an @ mention of the app in your prompt, mention it by name, or click the + button and choose More to select the app you want to add.
How do I schedule recurring tasks?
After a task completes, click the clock icon and choose a schedule. You can manage all scheduled tasks at:
https://chatgpt.com/schedules