# Add a “Priority” checkbox to Custom Instructions

**URL:** <https://community.openai.com/t/add-a-priority-checkbox-to-custom-instructions/1396319>\
**Category:** Feature requests\
**Tags:** chatgpt, feedback\
**Created:** [September 10, 2026, 9:58am UTC](https://community.openai.com/t/add-a-priority-checkbox-to-custom-instructions/1396319 "2026-09-10T09:58:42Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![sergiom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7ab992/32.png) [@sergiom](https://community.openai.com/u/sergiom)\
**Post date:** [September 10, 2026, 9:58am UTC](https://community.openai.com/t/add-a-priority-checkbox-to-custom-instructions/1396319/1 "2026-09-10T09:58:42Z")

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Add a single checkbox next to the existing Custom Instructions box:

☐ Priority

When enabled, the instructions in that box cannot be overridden by a user message. They can only be changed by editing the Custom Instructions in Settings.

When disabled, Custom Instructions behave normally.

Rationale: Users may want certain instructions to function as firm, persistent rules rather than preferences that can be overridden in conversation. Requiring changes to be made through Settings would provide a simple, deliberate mechanism for changing those rules without adding a complex instruction hierarchy.

This could be implemented without adding additional instruction boxes or changing the existing behavior for users who leave the option disabled.