Highlights
- OpenAI confirmed ChatGPT will be discontinued on WhatsApp from January 15, 2026 after Meta’s updated policy banning third-party AI chatbots.
- OpenAI advises WhatsApp users to link their accounts to preserve chat history as WhatsApp does not support chat exports or automatic transfers.
- Meta’s policy shift aims to reduce server load and promote its own AI assistant across platforms.
Caption – (Photo by ilgmyzin on Unsplash)
Meta changed its policies so 1-800-ChatGPT won’t work on WhatsApp after Jan 15, 2026.
Luckily we have an app, website, and browser you can use instead to access ChatGPT.
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) October 22, 2025
OpenAI has officially confirmed that ChatGPT will no longer be available on WhatsApp starting January 15, 2026. This announcement comes after Meta updated its policy restricting third-party AI chatbots on the platform. The company shared the announcement in an X post and also updated the FAQ section on its website, marking the end of ChatGPT’s integration with WhatsApp.
OpenAI stated, “On Jan 15, 2026, ChatGPT will no longer be available on WhatsApp. ChatGPT remains available on iOS, Android, and the web.”
Users Advised to Link Accounts Before Discontinuation
Caption – ChatGPT on WhatsApp. (Image credit – OpenAI)
OpenAI is urging current WhatsApp users to link their accounts to preserve their chat history, since WhatsApp does not support chat export functionality.
The company added, “We recommend linking your account soon to maintain your history. Your WhatsApp conversations won’t transfer automatically after January 15, 2026. WhatsApp does not support chat exports.”
Users who have already linked their phone numbers will also have the option to unlink them after integration with ChatGPT if they choose.
To keep chatting with ChatGPT—
1. Download the ChatGPT app on Android or iOS, web, or ChatGPT Atlas on macOS.
2. Save your chats by linking your account through 1-800-ChatGPT’s contact profile in WhatsApp.
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) October 22, 2025
Until now, WhatsApp users could interact with ChatGPT by messaging the chatbot on 1-800-242-8478, allowing them to ask questions, search the web, generate images, or chat with the AI assistant. Similar services have also been offered by other AI bots such as Perplexity, Luzia, and Poke.
Why ChatGPT Is Leaving WhatsApp?
The exit follows Meta’s quiet update to its WhatsApp Business API policy, which effectively bans general-purpose AI chatbots from operating on the platform.
The updated policy states, “Providers and developers of artificial intelligence or machine learning technologies, including but not limited to large language models, generative artificial intelligence platforms, general-purpose artificial intelligence assistants, or similar technologies as determined by Meta in its sole discretion (‘AI Providers’), are strictly prohibited from accessing or using the WhatsApp Business Solution, whether directly or indirectly.”
Meta claims the move is aimed at reducing server load caused by third-party AI integrations. However, industry analysts suggest the deeper motive is to make Meta AI the sole chatbot available across its ecosystem.
As a result, popular third-party AI assistants including ChatGPT, Perplexity, Luzia, and Poke will be forced to shut down their WhatsApp chatbots.
Meta AI Tightens Its Grip Across Platforms
The decision highlights Meta’s increasing focus on integrating its own AI assistant throughout its apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and its standalone AI app. Users currently have no option to fully disable AI features within these platforms.
Adding to privacy concerns, Meta recently announced that it would personalise ads and content based on users’ interactions with Meta AI across its services.
FAQs
Q1. When will ChatGPT stop working on WhatsApp?
Answer. ChatGPT will no longer be available on WhatsApp starting January 15, 2026, due to Meta’s updated policy banning third-party AI chatbots from the platform.
Q2. What should users do to preserve their ChatGPT chat history on WhatsApp?
Answer. OpenAI recommends linking your account before January 15, 2026, as WhatsApp does not support chat exports and conversations won’t transfer automatically.
Q3. Why is Meta banning third-party AI chatbots like ChatGPT from WhatsApp?
Answer. Meta updated its WhatsApp Business API policy to prohibit general-purpose AI assistants, citing server load concerns and aiming to prioritise its own Meta AI assistant.
Also Read –
https://www.mymobileindia.com/meta-ai-chatbot-whatsapp-launch/