ChatGPT to Cease Operations on WhatsApp by January 15, 2026
Executive Summary
OpenAI has announced it will discontinue the ChatGPT service on WhatsApp, effective January 15, 2026, due to a policy and terms change from WhatsApp. The company is encouraging its over 50 million users on the platform to migrate to the native ChatGPT applications on iOS, Android, web, and macOS. To facilitate the transition, users can link their accounts to transfer their WhatsApp conversation history before the deadline.
Key Takeaways
* Discontinuation Date: The ChatGPT integration with WhatsApp will end after January 15, 2026.
* Reason: The shutdown is a direct result of a change in WhatsApp's policies and terms of service.
* User Migration Path: Users are instructed to download a native ChatGPT app and create an account to continue using the service.
* History Transfer: Users can link their phone number to a ChatGPT account to import their past conversation history from WhatsApp.
* Transfer Deadline: This history transfer must be completed before January 15, 2026, as it will not be possible after this date.
* Native App Benefits: The official ChatGPT apps offer features not available on WhatsApp, including voice conversations, deep research, and file uploads.
Strategic Importance
This move forces OpenAI to consolidate its user base onto its owned platforms, reducing dependency on third-party messaging apps and giving it greater control over the user experience and feature set.