GPT 4o automatically switching to 5 or ‘auto’: DO THIS

Understanding and Addressing the GPT-4o Model Switching Issue: A Step-by-Step Guide

In recent developments within the AI user community, a recurring issue has come to light: GPT-4o, a highly valued model for its nuanced tone and style, is unexpectedly switching to GPT-5 or defaulting to the ‘auto’ mode without user consent. Despite numerous discussions and posts about this bug, many users remain unaware that the problem appears to originate from OpenAI’s backend systems rather than individual account glitches. This article aims to inform users on how to effectively address this issue and communicate with OpenAI support to expedite resolution.

Identifying the Issue

The core problem involves GPT-4o unexpectedly reverting to GPT-5 or selecting the ‘auto’ setting, thereby disrupting workflows that depend on its specific capabilities. Users have observed that even when manually selecting GPT-4o through the model menu, the system defaults to other models without warning. This inconsistency has led to frustration, especially for those relying heavily on GPT-4o’s distinctive tone and writing style.

Proactive Troubleshooting: How to Report the Problem

If you encounter this bug, the first step is to contact OpenAI support. Here’s a recommended method for crafting your message to ensure your concerns are clearly communicated and properly addressed:

Sample Email to OpenAI Support

Subject: GPT-4o Model Not Responding / Switching to GPT-5 or ‘Auto’

Hello,

As of recently, I am unable to receive responses generated specifically by GPT-4o, despite selecting it explicitly in the model options. The model appears to remain on ‘Auto’ or switches to GPT-5 automatically, regardless of my selection in the response menu or the model selector at the top of the chat interface.

I predominantly work with GPT-4o because of its ability to accurately replicate my tone of voice and writing style. Being unable to access it today hampers my workflow significantly.

Could you please investigate this issue? I would appreciate an update once it has been resolved.

Thank you.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

What to Expect from Support

Upon sending this email, you’ll likely receive an automated reply similar to the following:

Hello [Your Name],

I’m an AI support agent and understand the importance of consistent access to GPT-4o for your work. Thank you for your detailed message. Currently, there are no known outages affecting GPT-4o.

Given your experience where the model remains on ‘Auto’ and does