chatgpt can no longer be accessed via whatsapp
cessation of chatgpt service on whatsapp
OpenAI, the developer of the chatgpt service, has announced that the chatgpt service on WhatsApp will be discontinued on January 15, 2026. This decision was taken in response to a new policy issued by META, the owner of the WhatsApp platform. With the closure, users will no longer be able to access chatbot chatgpt via this popular instant messaging app.
Reason for closing the service
The new Meta policy prohibits the use of the WhatsApp Business API by third-party AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, Luzia, and Poke. The main reason for this ban is because the WhatsApp system is considered burdened by the increasing volume of messages due to the use of chatbots. In addition, this policy is also intended to ensure that the WhatsApp API is only used in official use scenarios, namely for businesses that serve customers.
Once this policy takes effect, the AI meta will be the only AI assistant available on WhatsApp. Meanwhile, other chatbots can no longer operate on the platform.
When will the chatgpt service on WhatsApp end?
The chatgpt service on WhatsApp was actually just released in December 2024. However, with the new Meta policy, the service will be discontinued after January 15, 2026. This means that users only have about three months to use the service.
Although the closure was carried out by META, OpenAI stated that they had no desire to stop this service. Instead, the decision was taken due to a policy change from WhatsApp which prohibits third-party AI services.
Alternative use of chatgpt
Although the chatgpt service on WhatsApp will be stopped, users can still access this chatbot through another channel. Some of the available alternatives include:
- chatgpt app for android and ios: Users can download the ChatGPT application for mobile devices.
- web chatgpt version: This chatbot is also available in the web version, which can be accessed via a browser or via the Atlas chatgpt browser on macOS devices.
- account creation: To get a more complete experience, users need to create an account first.
Transfer chat history
Before the chatgpt service on WhatsApp is terminated, OpenAI provides the option for users to transfer chat history to an existing chatgpt account. The process is quite simple, namely:
- If you haven’t downloaded ChatGPT Mobile, download it first or access ChatGPT Web and create an account.
- Open chatgpt on whatsapp.
- Click the link in the WhatsApp chatgpt profile.
- Users will be redirected back to the chatgpt chat page on WhatsApp, to send the account link command.
- Send a draft command.
- Wait until the account link confirmation appears.
- If successful, users can see the WA number in the chatgpt account, for example from ChatGPT on Android.
OpenAI advises users to immediately link accounts in order to secure conversations with ChatGPT on WhatsApp. After January 15, 2026, chat history will no longer be able to be transferred.
Meta’s new policy
The new Meta policy changes the WhatsApp API usage rules. This prohibition applies to all third-party AI chatbots, including ChatGPT, Perplexity, Luzia, and Poke. This policy comes into force as of January 15, 2026.
In an official WhatsApp statement, it is stated that AI providers and developers, generative AI platforms, general-purpose AI assistants, or similar technologies are strictly prohibited from accessing or using WhatsApp Business Solution, either directly or indirectly.
Although this policy is enforced, Meta ensures that the changes will not affect business clients who use AI to serve customers on WhatsApp. For example, travel companies that run bots for customer service can still use the service.
new policy objectives
The purpose of this new policy is to ensure that the WhatsApp Business API is used according to the official use scenario, namely for businesses that serve customers. The use of chatbots on WhatsApp is considered to burden the instant messaging application system, due to the increasing message volume. This practice requires different technical support and is not ready to be accommodated by the company.
As a result of this policy, WhatsApp is no longer a distribution platform for AI chatbots. In addition, this policy will also make META AI as the only AI assistant available on WhatsApp.
