ChatGPT WhatsApp discontinued on January 15, 2026, here is its migration guide.

On October 21, 2025,OpenAIOfficially announces the termination of access.ChatGPT WhatsAppwhich will take effect on15 January 2026This decision surprised many users, especially those who have relied on ChatGPT on WhatsApp for personal or business communication.

OpenAI says that policy changes and requirements from WhatsApp's side were the main reason behind this termination. In its statement, OpenAI emphasizes that they would actually rather continue serving users on WhatsApp, but the new policy implemented by Meta's platform makes it no longer possible to continue the service.

This decision marks the end of one of the popular forms of integration between conversational AI and instant messaging applications used by billions of people around the world.

The reason OpenAI stopped ChatGPT on WhatsApp.

This announcement was posted on OpenAI's official website on October 21, 2025. In its official statement, the company highlighted sudden changes toWhatsApp Business API Terms of Useand third-party AI integration policy.

That change makes OpenAI unable to maintain the quality of service any longer without violating WhatsApp's new terms. In addition, data security and user privacy factors are cited as the main concerns in this decision.

Limitations of the New WhatsApp Policy

The new WhatsApp policy is deemed to limit the ability to directly integrate with third-party AI models. According to a report fromThe Verge, this restriction includes stricter encryption mechanisms and tighter controls over user data, including a ban on the automated processing of messages by external systems.

OpenAI considers the change to potentially hinder the user experience and the integration that has long been ChatGPT's strength on WhatsApp.

OpenAI's commitment to user privacy.

Even though the service has been stopped, OpenAI reiterates its commitment to user privacy. They guarantee that no user conversation data will be deleted without notice, and provide time until15 January 2026to perform account migration so that the chat history can be preserved.

Guide to Migrating ChatGPT WhatsApp to the Official App

OpenAI provides simple steps for users who want to preserve the conversation history before the service is shut down.

These steps are important to perform before the deadline expires so that the data remains stored and does not disappear after the termination date.

Step 1: Download the official ChatGPT app

Users are asked to download the app.ChatGPTatAndroid, iOS, or desktopThis app has become the main platform that replaces WhatsApp integration.

With the latest version, the ChatGPT app provides a more interactive interface, including a voice conversation mode, file uploads, and access to in-depth research features that are not available on WhatsApp.

Step 2: Log in or create a ChatGPT account

For long-time users, simply sign in using your existing OpenAI account. For new users, account creation can be done directly in the app using an email address or an Apple/Google account.

After logging in, the system will display an option to connect a WhatsApp number so that the previous chat data can be imported.

Step 3: Connect your WhatsApp number to your ChatGPT account

The process of affiliation is carried out through official contact.1-800-ChatGPTon WhatsApp. The user needs to send a "Link Account" message to start the verification process. Once connected, the phone number will be associated with the ChatGPT account, and your previous conversations will automatically appear in the app's history.

Step 4: Complete the migration before January 15, 2026

OpenAI recommends that users perform the migration process as soon as possible. After that deadline, the WhatsApp system no longer supports transferring chat history to other platforms.

The impact of the termination of ChatGPT WhatsApp for users and businesses.

This decision has a significant impact on millions of users who have been utilizing ChatGPT on WhatsApp for personal, educational, and even business needs.

Disruption to Customer Service and Business Automation

Many small and medium-sized businesses use ChatGPT on WhatsApp as a virtual assistant to answer customer questions, manage schedules, or provide automated support. With this discontinuation, they must adapt to the new platform offered by OpenAI.

The business integration that was previously simple via WhatsApp now needs to be redirected toChatGPT app or OpenAI API directly, which provides similar features with a higher level of control.

Opportunity to Utilize the ChatGPT App's Advanced Features.

Although this change causes inconvenience, OpenAI says that users will receive a richer experience in the ChatGPT app.

Features such assound mode, Upload document, danreal-time researchIt enables much more flexible interactions compared to the WhatsApp version.

In addition, the featurepersonal memoryThe ChatGPT app allows the system to recognize users' habits and provide more contextual answers in the future.

Challenges for Users in Certain Regions

The discontinuation of ChatGPT on WhatsApp also raises concerns in a number of countries, including Indonesia, where WhatsApp is the dominant communication platform.

However OpenAI states that users in any region can still access the full services through the official app or the web app onchat.openai.com.

Preventive measures to prevent data loss.

Users are advised to perform manual backups to avoid data loss.

Export Chat and Important Notes

Since WhatsApp does not support automatic export to other platforms, users should manually copy important conversations or save them to the cloud.

This step is particularly important for conversations used in a business or research context.

Notice to the Team and Customers

For companies that use ChatGPT on WhatsApp as a customer chatbot, it is important to inform these changes in advance.

Use an automated message that directs users to switch to a new channel, for example a link to the official ChatGPT account.

Community and Industry Reactions

The discontinuation of ChatGPT on WhatsApp has sparked varied reactions. Some users are disappointed by the loss of the convenience of direct integration, while others see it as a reasonable step to safeguard data security.

Some technology analysts view this decision as a signal ofMetato tighten control over the use of third-party APIs.

On the other hand, OpenAI is deemed to focus on strengthening.its own ChatGPT ecosystem., including integration withChatGPT Atlas, the new AI browser announced this month.

Industry observers such asTechCrunchStating that this strategy aligns with the major trend among AI companies to consolidate services under their own ecosystem, in order to have greater control over data and user experience.

In the end, the terminationChatGPT WhatsAppto become a momentum for users to adapt to new ways of interacting with AI.

Although it may seem burdensome for some users, this step opens up the opportunity to use more advanced features provided by the official ChatGPT app.

For additional information and the latest technical guidance, users can visit the official website.OpenAI ChatGPT Transition.

Read also related articles atInseminationRegarding the evolution of the ChatGPT ecosystem and cross-platform AI integration.