The rollout of ChatGPT’s Developer Mode is one of its most significant updates of the year. This new mode allows users to connect ChatGPT with thousands of external applications using “connectors.”
By integrating Zapier’s Multi-Connector Platform (MCP), you can automate tasks across a vast ecosystem of tools—all within ChatGPT. This playbook walks you step-by-step through how to set up and use ChatGPT Developer Mode with Zapier MCP.
Important Prerequisites and Considerations
Before you begin, there are several key points to understand about Developer Mode:
- Paid Subscription Required: Developer Mode is only available to paid ChatGPT users (Plus, Pro, Teams, etc.) and cannot be accessed with a free account.
- Beta Status: The feature is still in beta, so occasional bugs or glitches may occur.
- Availability Restrictions: Developer Mode cannot be used inside GPTs or Projects.
- Memory Limitation: The memory function is disabled when Developer Mode is active.
- Security Warning: OpenAI advises users to proceed “at their own risk.” Be especially cautious when connecting apps involving payment or sensitive data (like Stripe). Only integrate trusted sources.
- Native Connectors: If you plan to connect major apps like Outlook, HubSpot, Gmail, Dropbox, or Canva, it’s recommended to do so directly through their native connectors rather than Zapier MCP.
Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step 1: Enable Developer Mode in ChatGPT
- Log into your paid ChatGPT account (e.g., ChatGPT Plus).
- Click your profile icon in the bottom-left corner.
- Select Settings.
- Click Connectors.
- Scroll to Advanced settings.
- Toggle Developer Mode on.
Developer Mode is now enabled.
Step 2: Set Up Your Zapier MCP Account and Tools
- Go to mcp.zapier.com and create a free account.
- After signing up, integrate your ChatGPT client.
- Add the tools you want to use (e.g., Google Sheets, Calendly, Slack, Appify) by selecting Add Tool.
- Choose specific actions for each app—for instance, “Find user by ID” or “Find message” for Slack.
- Once your tools are configured, click Connect to generate an integration URL.
Step 3: Create and Verify the Zapier MCP Connector in ChatGPT
- Return to ChatGPT’s Connectors interface.
- Click Create to add a new connector.
- Enter a name (e.g., “Zapier MCP”) and an optional description.
- Paste the integration URL from Zapier into the MCP server URL field.
- Leave the authentication fields as they are.
- Check I trust this application and click Create.
- Verify your account using the confirmation code sent to your email.
- When prompted, allow ChatGPT to access your Zapier account.
- You should now see the message “Zapier MCP is connected.”
Your connector is ready for use.
Step 4: Add Future Applications and Refresh the Connection
To add more apps later:
- Go back to mcp.zapier.com and click Add Tool.
- Select the new app (e.g., YouTube) and click Connect.
- Choose the actions you want the app to perform.
- Return to ChatGPT, open your existing Zapier MCP connector, and click Refresh.
This ensures new apps appear within ChatGPT. Once refreshed, you’ll see the new integrations (like YouTube) available for use.
Step 5: Use Developer Mode for Automated Tasks
- Open a New Chat (note: Developer Mode doesn’t work within GPTs or Projects).
- Click the + icon.
- Choose More → Developer Mode.
- Select Zapier MCP from the dropdown list.
- Give ChatGPT your command. For example:
- “Look at my Google Sheet titled Content Calendar and generate captions in Column C based on titles in Column A.”
- Provide necessary details, such as the exact file name and sheet/tab name.
- When prompted with a risk warning (“actions come with risk”), click Confirm and optionally enable ‘Remember for this conversation’ for ongoing actions.
- ChatGPT will then execute the Zapier MCP action, pushing or pulling data automatically—such as updating spreadsheet cells, creating tasks, or sending emails.