WhatsApp to end ChatGPT support in January 2026: Here’s how to save your chat history

TOI Tech Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Nov 07, 2025, 12:06 IST

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ChatGPT will cease to be available on WhatsApp from January 15, 2026, due to Meta's new policy restricting general AI chatbots. Over 50 million users are affected. OpenAI is guiding users on how to link their accounts and preserve chat history before the service ends, ensuring conversations remain accessible via ChatGPT's standalone apps and web version.

WhatsApp to end ChatGPT support in January 2026: Here’s how to save your chat history

AI-generated image for representational purpose

OpenAI has confirmed that ChatGPT will no longer be available on WhatsApp after January 15, 2026, following Meta’s new policy restricting general-purpose AI chatbots on the platform. The update to WhatsApp’s Business API rules will only allow specialized AI tools for customer support, meaning users chatting with ChatGPT through WhatsApp will soon lose access. In a blog post, OpenAI announced that more than 50 million users use ChatGPT on WhatsApp. To help users retain their conversations and continue chatting elsewhere, OpenAI has shared a way to link accounts and move chat history before the service ends.

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Why ChatGPT will not be available on WhatsApp from January 15, 2026

Meta has introduced a new policy that blocks general-purpose AI chatbots from operating on WhatsApp Business APIs, effective January 15, 2026. The company cited higher system load and message volume caused by AI chatbots as one of the reasons for the change.OpenAI said in a statement that while it would have preferred to continue on WhatsApp, it is now “focused on making the transition as easy as possible” for users.

How to keep your chat history

WhatsApp does not allow direct chat exports from AI bots like ChatGPT. However, OpenAI offers a way to store past conversations by linking your WhatsApp number with your ChatGPT account. This ensures your message history remains visible within ChatGPT even after the WhatsApp integration shuts down. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to save ChatGPT’s chat history on WhatsAppStep 1: Download the ChatGPT app

Available on Android, iOS, and desktop.
You can also use ChatGPT through your web browser at chat.openai.com

Step 2: Create and sign in to your ChatGPT account

If you already have a ChatGPT account, simply sign in with your existing credentials.

Step 3: Link your ChatGPT account to WhatsApp

Open ChatGPT’s WhatsApp profile (1-800-ChatGPT).
Tap the URL in the contact profile to connect your account.

Once linked, your phone number will be associated with your ChatGPT account, and your previous WhatsApp conversations will appear in your ChatGPT history.

What happens to chat history after January 15, 2026

After that date, WhatsApp will no longer support ChatGPT or similar chatbots. If you haven’t linked your account by then, your WhatsApp chat history with ChatGPT will not transfer automatically and will be lost.ChatGPT will continue to be available through its standalone apps and web version, offering features like voice conversations, file uploads, and image generation.

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