OpenAI responds to WhatsApp ban on ChatGPT, offers alternative access

OpenAI has confirmed that ChatGPT will no longer be available on WhatsApp from January 15, 2026. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the company explained that Meta updated its policies, preventing general-purpose AI chatbots from operating on the platform. The policy change includes a specific clause for “AI Providers,” restricting developers of large-language models and generative AI assistants from distributing their bots through WhatsApp’s business infrastructure.

OpenAI reassured users that alternative access to ChatGPT remains available. The company highlighted that users can continue chatting via the ChatGPT app on iOS and Android, the web interface, and ChatGPT Atlas for macOS. These platforms also provide additional features such as voice conversations, file uploads, and research tools.

To maintain continuity and preserve chat history, OpenAI advises users to link their ChatGPT accounts to their phone numbers before January 15, 2026. The process involves downloading the ChatGPT app, creating or signing into an account, and connecting it with WhatsApp by tapping the link in the 1-800-ChatGPT contact profile. Once linked, previous WhatsApp conversations will appear in ChatGPT’s conversation history.

The company emphasised the importance of completing the linking process before the cutoff date, noting that WhatsApp does not support automatic chat exports after January 15, 2026. “We recommend linking your account soon to maintain your history. Your WhatsApp conversations won’t transfer automatically after January 15, 2026,” OpenAI stated.