---
title: "Offline ChatGPT: You can't run ChatGPT offline, do this instead"
description: "Use offline AI with Jan, a free & open-source alternative to ChatGPT that runs 100% offline."
tags: AI, chatgpt offline, ChatGPT alternative, offline AI, Jan, local AI, privacy
categories: guides
date: 2025-02-08
ogImage: _assets/offline-chatgpt-alternatives-jan.jpg
twitter:
  card: summary_large_image
  site: "@jandotai"
  title: "Offline ChatGPT: You can't run ChatGPT offline, do this instead"
  description: "Use offline AI with Jan, a free & open-source alternative to ChatGPT that runs 100% offline."
  image: _assets/offline-chatgpt-alternatives-jan.jpg
---
import { Callout } from 'nextra/components'
import CTABlog from '@/components/Blog/CTA'

# Offline ChatGPT: You can't run ChatGPT offline, do this instead

ChatGPT itself can't run offline. ChatGPT can't run offline. You can’t download it. It always needs internet, because it runs on OpenAI's servers. 

If you want offline AI, you need local models. The easiest way: [Jan, an open-source replacement of ChatGPT](https://jan.ai/). It's free, open-source, and works 100% offline. With Jan, you can even use AI on a plane.

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**Quick Summary:**
- ChatGPT always needs internet - no offline mode
- Use Jan to use AI models 100% offline
- It's free & open-source, and works on Mac, Windows, and Linux
</Callout>

## How to use AI offline?
Offline AI means the model runs on your computer. So no internet needed, 100% private, and data never leaves your device. With Jan you can run offline AI models locally.

## Jan as an offline ChatGPT alternative

![Use Jan to chat with AI models without internet access](./_assets/offline-chatgpt-alternative-ai-without-internet.jpg)
*Jan lets you use AI offline - no internet connection needed*

Here's how to get started with offline AI in 3 simple steps:

### 1. Download Jan

Go to [jan.ai](https://jan.ai) and download the version for your computer (Mac, Windows, or Linux). It's completely free.

![Download Jan for offline AI use](./_assets/jan.ai.jpg "Get Jan for free and start using AI offline")

### 2. Download an AI model

You'll need an AI model to use AI offline, so download a model from Jan. Once it's on your computer, you don't need internet anymore. You can also use GPT models via Jan - check [running gpt-oss locally](https://www.jan.ai/post/run-gpt-oss-locally) post to see it.

![Choose an AI model that works offline](./_assets/jan-model-selection.jpg "Find the perfect AI model for offline use")
*Select an AI model that matches your needs and computer capabilities*

### Which model should you choose?
- For most computers: Try Mistral 7B or DeepSeek - they're similar to ChatGPT 3.5
- For older computers: Use smaller 3B models
- For gaming PCs: You can try larger 13B models

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Don't worry about choosing - Jan will automatically recommend models that work well on your computer.
</Callout>

If you'd like to learn more about local AI, check [how to run AI models locally as a beginner](https://www.jan.ai/post/run-ai-models-locally) article.

### 3. Start using AI offline

![Chat with AI offline using Jan's interface](./_assets/run-ai-locally-with-jan.jpg "Experience ChatGPT-like interactions without internet")
*Use Jan's clean interface to chat with AI - no internet required*

Once downloaded, you can use AI anywhere, anytime:

- Chat like you do with ChatGPT
- Work on documents offline
- Get coding help without internet
- Keep your conversations private
- Use AI even when servers are down

## How to chat with your docs in Jan?

Simply add your files and ask questions about them.

![Chat with your documents using Jan](./_assets/chat-with-docs-prompt.jpg "Ask questions about your documents offline")
*Chat with your documents privately - no internet needed*

I did this for you and got a reply from a 7B parameter model. If you'd like to learn what "7B" means and understand other local AI terms, check our [guide on running AI models locally](/post/run-ai-models-locally).

A response from AI, Qwen2.5 7B Instruct Q4:

`This document appears to be about the benefits and advantages of running artificial intelligence (AI) models locally on your device rather than using cloud-based or remote AI services. The key points it highlights include data privacy, offline functionality, freedom from paywalls and restrictions, and giving users full control over their AI models. Additionally, the text mentions that local AI is becoming a new trend and provides a link to a guide for beginners who want to learn more about this topic.`

Local AI makes possible offline AI use, so Jan is going to be your first step to get started. 

## Why choose Jan over ChatGPT?

1. **True Offline Use:** Unlike ChatGPT, Jan works without internet
2. **100% Private:** Your data never leaves your computer
3. **Free Forever:** No subscriptions or API costs
4. **No Server Issues:** No more "ChatGPT is at capacity"
5. **Your Choice of Models:** Use newer models as they come out

### "Is Jan really free? What's the catch?"
Yes, it's completely free and open source. Jan is built by developers who believe in making AI accessible to everyone.

### How does Jan compare to ChatGPT?"
Modern open-source models like DeepSeek and Mistral are very capable. While they might not match GPT-4, they're perfect for most tasks and getting better every month.

### "Do I need a powerful computer?"
If your computer is from the last 5 years, it will likely work fine. You need about 8GB of RAM and 10GB of free space for comfortable usage.

### "What about my privacy?"
Everything stays on your computer with Jan. Your conversations, documents, and data never leave your device unless you choose to share them.

Want to learn more about the technical side? Check our detailed [guide on running AI models locally](/post/run-ai-models-locally). It's not required to [use AI offline](https://jan.ai/) but helps understand how it all works.

## Need help?

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[Join our Discord community](https://discord.gg/Exe46xPMbK) for support and tips on using Jan as your offline ChatGPT alternative.
</Callout>

### FAQ

#### Can I download ChatGPT for offline use?
No. ChatGPT is cloud-only.

#### How to use ChatGPT offline?
You can't. ChatGPT has no offline mode. Use Jan instead for a ChatGPT-like offline experience.

#### Does ChatGPT have internet access?
Yes. It runs in the cloud. 

#### What's the best way to use AI offline?
Download Jan and run models like Mistral, DeepSeek, or GPT-OSS locally.

#### What's GPT offline?
OpenAI has open-source models you can run locally but not via ChatGPT. One of them is [gpt-oss](https://www.jan.ai/post/run-gpt-oss-locally) and you can run it via Jan.