Tutorial

How to Set Your Default AI Model

Pick once. Use forever. Change whenever.

February 4, 2026 • 2 min read

Last week we wrote about users refreshing ChatGPT 10 times just to dodge GPT-5.2. The post hit a nerve.

Users found models they like (GPT-4o, GPT-4.1) and OpenAI keeps swapping them out without asking.

The Fix

You can pick your model and keep it.

In 1AI, you pick GPT-4o from November 2024, and that's what you get every time you open a new chat.

Step 1: Open the model picker

During onboarding, you'll see recommended models like GPT-5 and Claude Opus. These work great for most people. But if you want a specific model like GPT-4o, tap "See All Models" at the bottom.

1AI onboarding screen showing recommended models with See All Models button

Step 2: Search for what you want

Type "4o" and you'll see every version, including dated snapshots like gpt-4o-2024-11-20 that OpenAI keeps available through the API but hides from ChatGPT users.

1AI model search showing GPT-4o versions including dated snapshots

Step 3: Select it

Tap your choice. It becomes your default for every new chat.

1AI new chat screen showing gpt-4o-2024-11-20 as the selected model

Bonus: Tap the model name in the header to switch mid-conversation.

Your choice persists across sessions. Change it in settings whenever you want.

Try these models yourself

Claude, GPT, Gemini, Llama, and 300+ more. One app, you pick the model.