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OpenAI revealed that its ChatGPT service will no longer support WhatsApp from January 15, 2026. The decision follows Meta’s updated Business Application Programming Interface (API) policies. These protocols prohibit general-purpose AI chatbots from accessing its infrastructure.
OpenAI acknowledged the shift in a post on X (previously Twitter), where it said, “1-800-ChatGPT won’t work on WhatsApp after Jan 15, 2026.”
Meta’s new policy specifically targets ‘AI Providers,’ which include developers of large language models and generative AI assistants. According to OpenAI, this update prevents the company from continuing its WhatsApp-based service.
OpenAI is pushing people to switch to its official channels in order to continue using ChatGPT. The service is available on iOS, Android, the web, and Mac’s ChatGPT Atlas. Users can also get the voice chat, deep research, and file upload features along with the new channels.
OpenAI is recommending that users link their WhatsApp accounts to ChatGPT to ensure a smooth transition before the cutoff date of January 15. After linking, users’ phone numbers will be associated with the chatbot, and WhatsApp chats will appear in the ChatGPT conversation history.
OpenAI has cautioned that WhatsApp chats will not be exported automatically post the cut-off date since the app is not supported for chat exports. Users have been advised to connect their accounts to ensure they have access to old chats and their continuity so that the conversation remains intact.
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The transition would impact thousands of users who depend on ChatGPT for everyday questions, learning, and research through WhatsApp. OpenAI, however, underlines that its application and website platforms possess more advanced functionalities and a more uniform experience compared to the WhatsApp interface; thus, the phaseout might be an inconvenience.
With the development of AI services, the policies of technology giants like Meta could change resource utilization completely. Currently, OpenAI is working on a smooth transition for the users and their data. Through this, the conversations and features are transcending to places outside WhatsApp.
