ChatGPT will stop working in WhatsApp on Jan 15, 2026 — what’s changing and how to save your chats
Heads-up for WhatsApp users: OpenAI says ChatGPT will stop working inside WhatsApp on January 15, 2026 due to a change in WhatsApp’s policies and terms. If you’ve been chatting with ChatGPT via the 1‑800‑ChatGPT contact on WhatsApp, there’s a simple way to preserve your conversation history before the cutoff.
Key points at a glance
- End date: Jan 15, 2026 — ChatGPT will no longer function within WhatsApp.
- Why: OpenAI cites a WhatsApp policy/terms change.
- History migration: WhatsApp doesn’t support chat exports, but you can link your ChatGPT account under the 1‑800‑ChatGPT contact to merge your WhatsApp queries into your ChatGPT history.
- Where to use ChatGPT next: Official apps on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS and the web.
How to save your ChatGPT WhatsApp history now
- Open the 1‑800‑ChatGPT contact in WhatsApp.
- Tap the option to link your ChatGPT account.
- Sign in and confirm. Your WhatsApp ChatGPT interactions will merge into your ChatGPT account history.
- Verify by opening the ChatGPT app or web app and checking your conversation list.
Note: There won’t be an automatic migration after the cutoff date, so it’s best to link and merge your history before Jan 15, 2026.
What’s behind the change?
OpenAI’s public explanation references a policy/terms change from WhatsApp. While neither company has detailed the fine print, it’s happening as Meta scales its own AI across apps. OpenAI estimates tens of millions used ChatGPT in WhatsApp, so the shift affects a large base of users.
What to use instead
- ChatGPT official apps: Web · iOS · Android · macOS · Windows (when available)
- Notifications & sharing: Pin the ChatGPT app to your home screen/dock, enable notifications and use share sheets/extensions to send text or images to ChatGPT.
- Alternatives within WhatsApp: WhatsApp may surface Meta AI features; however, these are separate from ChatGPT and have different capabilities and data policies.
Tips to prepare for the transition
- Migrate now: Link your account via the 1‑800‑ChatGPT contact so your conversations live in your ChatGPT history.
- Update your workflows: If you rely on WhatsApp for quick prompts, recreate those workflows in the ChatGPT apps (shortcuts, pinned prompts, custom instructions).
- Privacy check: Review data controls in ChatGPT and WhatsApp/Meta AI to ensure settings match your preferences post‑migration.
References:
Engadget coverage ·
OpenAI blog
Discussion: Will you move your chats to the ChatGPT app, switch to Meta AI inside WhatsApp, or try a different assistant altogether?