I recently noticed a process called "ChatGPTHelper" that automatically starts when I boot my Mac, runs in the background even when I'm not using the ChatGPT app, and strangely restarts itself if I try to kill it. It's also sending a bit of data, about a few dozen KB, which makes me uncomfortable. I found it by looking in Activity Monitor under the Network tab. Has anyone else encountered this process? I feel like it's a bit invasive, similar to the IPCserver process used by Steam to control piracy. Is there a way to stop this from running without it coming back? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
3 Answers
The ChatGPTHelper process you're seeing is part of the official ChatGPT desktop app from OpenAI. It helps with clipboard access and other functions in the app. It might launch on startup if you set it that way, and even if you're not actively using the app, some parts will still run in the background to manage shortcuts and other tasks. If it’s bothering you and taking up resources, you can safely quit it, especially if you're not using the app right now. But if you're using it, it's best just to let it run because it helps everything work smoothly. If it’s acting oddly, like high CPU usage, I can offer help to clean up any issues.
Totally agree! My macOS version behaves differently, but I still don’t like these background processes that resist being shut down.
Seriously, do we need all these background processes? I understand they help with functions in the app, but they can feel invasive, especially with how they restart themselves after you try to quit them. I’d prefer if we had more control over them.
On macOS, you won’t see a process literally named ChatGPTHelper, but there are helper processes launched by the app. You’ll find things like "ChatGPT Helper", which are normal. They help the app run efficiently, handling different tasks such as UI and graphics. If you find them slowing down your system, you can quit them in Activity Monitor or prevent them from starting up automatically from your System Preferences. It's all manageable, so no need to worry unless something's not working right! Let me know if you need a hand with checking your startup items.
So just because it’s for the app, it should be allowed to restart and send data when I’m not using it? Feels pretty aggressive for something that’s supposed to help.