OpenAI Confirms ChatGPT Leaving WhatsApp Following Meta’s AI Rules
OpenAI has officially confirmed that ChatGPT will be leaving WhatsApp following Meta’s updated rules on third-party AI chatbots. According to an updated FAQ on OpenAI’s website, 15 January 2026 will be the final day ChatGPT operates on the messaging platform.
“On Jan 15, 2026, ChatGPT will no longer be available on WhatsApp. ChatGPT remains available on iOS, Android, and the web,” OpenAI stated.
The company advises users to link their accounts on WhatsApp to preserve chat history, as the platform does not support chat exports.
“We recommend linking your account soon to maintain your history. Your WhatsApp conversations won’t transfer automatically after January 15, 2026. WhatsApp does not support chat exports.”
Users will also have the option to unlink their phone numbers from ChatGPT accounts after linking.
Why ChatGPT is Leaving WhatsApp
Meta recently updated its WhatsApp Business API policy, effectively banning general-purpose AI chatbots on the platform. This decision affects ChatGPT, Perplexity, Luzia, Poke, and other third-party AI assistants.
“Providers and developers of artificial intelligence or machine learning technologies, including but not limited to large language models, generative artificial intelligence platforms, general-purpose artificial intelligence assistants, or similar technologies as determined by Meta in its sole discretion (‘AI Providers’), are strictly prohibited from accessing or using the WhatsApp Business Solution, whether directly or indirectly,” reads the new WhatsApp business API policy.
Meta cites server load as a key reason for the policy change, but it also ensures that Meta AI will become the sole AI chatbot available on the platform.
Over time, Meta’s AI has been expanding across its apps, leaving users without a single option to opt out of AI interactions. Meta recently revealed plans to target ads and personalise content based on user interactions with AI across Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and its standalone AI app.
“On Jan 15, 2026, ChatGPT will no longer be available on WhatsApp. ChatGPT remains available on iOS, Android, and the web,” OpenAI stated.
The company advises users to link their accounts on WhatsApp to preserve chat history, as the platform does not support chat exports.
“We recommend linking your account soon to maintain your history. Your WhatsApp conversations won’t transfer automatically after January 15, 2026. WhatsApp does not support chat exports.”
Users will also have the option to unlink their phone numbers from ChatGPT accounts after linking.
Why ChatGPT is Leaving WhatsApp
Meta recently updated its WhatsApp Business API policy, effectively banning general-purpose AI chatbots on the platform. This decision affects ChatGPT, Perplexity, Luzia, Poke, and other third-party AI assistants.
“Providers and developers of artificial intelligence or machine learning technologies, including but not limited to large language models, generative artificial intelligence platforms, general-purpose artificial intelligence assistants, or similar technologies as determined by Meta in its sole discretion (‘AI Providers’), are strictly prohibited from accessing or using the WhatsApp Business Solution, whether directly or indirectly,” reads the new WhatsApp business API policy.
Meta cites server load as a key reason for the policy change, but it also ensures that Meta AI will become the sole AI chatbot available on the platform.
Over time, Meta’s AI has been expanding across its apps, leaving users without a single option to opt out of AI interactions. Meta recently revealed plans to target ads and personalise content based on user interactions with AI across Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and its standalone AI app.
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