ChatGPT Is Being Removed from WhatsApp Due to Meta Policy Change

In a significant move affecting millions, OpenAI has announced that its popular AI assistant, ChatGPT, will no longer be available for use directly within WhatsApp. This change is not immediate but will take effect after January 15, 2026.

The reason cited by OpenAI is a direct result of a "policy and terms change from WhatsApp," which is owned by Meta. This decision impacts over 50 million users who had embraced the convenience of accessing ChatGPT through the familiar messaging app.

Why is ChatGPT Leaving WhatsApp?

OpenAI's official statement makes it clear: the decision was prompted by changes implemented by WhatsApp/Meta.

In their announcement on October 21, 2025, OpenAI stated:

"Unfortunately, due to a policy and terms change from WhatsApp, ChatGPT will no longer be available on WhatsApp after January 15, 2026. While we would have much preferred to continue serving you on WhatsApp, we are focused on making the transition as easy for all of our users as possible."

While OpenAI hasn't detailed the specific WhatsApp policy that forced this change, the cause is explicitly attributed to Meta's platform rules. This could relate to various factors, such as how third-party services integrate, data usage policies, or commercial terms for automated services operating on the platform.

What Does This Mean for Users?

If you are one of the millions using ChatGPT via the 1-800-ChatGPT number on WhatsApp, the service will stop working after January 15, 2026. You will no longer be able to send prompts or receive replies through that WhatsApp contact.

Your past conversation history within WhatsApp might also become inaccessible through that specific chat thread after the cutoff date, depending on how WhatsApp handles the defunct integration.

What Should You Do to Keep Your Chats and Continue Using ChatGPT?

OpenAI wants to ensure users don't lose their history and can easily transition. They recommend the following steps:

1. Download the Official ChatGPT App or Use the Web/Atlas: Ensure you have the ChatGPT app installed (available on iOS and Android) or plan to use the web version or the new ChatGPT Atlas browser (currently on macOS).
2. Create a ChatGPT Account: If you don't already have one, sign up for a free OpenAI account.
3. Link Your WhatsApp History: This is the crucial step. OpenAI provides a method to link your phone number (used on WhatsApp) to your ChatGPT account.
   • Go to the 1-800-ChatGPT contact profile within your WhatsApp.
   • Click the URL provided in the profile.
   • Follow the instructions to link your phone number to your main ChatGPT account.
4. Do It Before the Deadline: You need to link your account before January 15, 2026. After this date, OpenAI states that WhatsApp conversations won't transfer automatically, and WhatsApp itself doesn't support chat exports for this integration.

Once linked, your past conversations from WhatsApp should appear in your chat history on the ChatGPT app, website, or Atlas browser.

Conclusion

While the convenience of using ChatGPT directly within WhatsApp was a major draw for many, Meta's policy changes have forced OpenAI to end the integration. The good news is that OpenAI is providing a clear transition path. By linking your account before the January 15, 2026 deadline, you can preserve your conversation history and continue interacting with ChatGPT through its dedicated apps and web platforms, which also offer additional features like voice conversations and file uploads.

sources - openai.com, openai.com