OpenAI announced that the ChatGPT integration with WhatsApp is changing and that users must move their conversations if they want to keep them. Sound like a mess? Relax, here I explain step by step what happened, what you need to do, and why it’s worth acting before the deadline. (openai.com)
What OpenAI announced and what it means for you
The post published by OpenAI on October 21, 2025 says more than 50 million people used ChatGPT on WhatsApp, but the integration will end due to a change in WhatsApp’s policies and terms. ChatGPT will no longer be available on WhatsApp after January 15, 2026. (openai.com)
Practical result? If you use ChatGPT inside WhatsApp and want to keep your conversation history, you need to link your ChatGPT account before that date. If you don’t, your WhatsApp chats won’t be transferred automatically after January 15, 2026. (openai.com)
Simple steps to keep your conversations
OpenAI lays out a clear path so you don’t lose anything. Do this as soon as you can:
- Download the ChatGPT app on Android, iOS, or desktop. (openai.com)
- Create a ChatGPT account or sign in at chat.openai.com. (openai.com)
- Link your account from the 1-800-ChatGPT contact in WhatsApp: there you’ll find the URL to link your number. Doing this will associate your number with the account and your past WhatsApp conversations will appear in your ChatGPT history. (openai.com)
Wondering why this isn’t automatic? OpenAI says WhatsApp doesn’t support the chat export needed for an automatic transfer, so pre-linking is the recommended way to keep your history. (openai.com)
What ChatGPT offers outside of WhatsApp
OpenAI’s message also reminds you that ChatGPT is available on iOS, Android, the web, and ChatGPT Atlas for macOS. On those platforms you’ll find extra features like voice conversations, deeper research tools, and the ability to upload files. If you want more tools than WhatsApp provides, that’s the route to take. (openai.com)
Quick recommendations and common cases
- Should I link my account now? Yes — it’s a good idea to do it soon to make sure your history copies into ChatGPT before January 15, 2026. (openai.com)
- Can I export my chats from WhatsApp myself? According to OpenAI, WhatsApp doesn’t allow the export needed for an automatic transfer, which is why linking is the suggested method. (openai.com)
- What if I work with clients or automations on WhatsApp? Review contracts and processes: the service shutdown can affect integrations and support flows. If you rely on that integration, consider alternatives and inform your users.
How to ask for help
OpenAI says you’ll receive reminders before the deadline and that their Help Center has step-by-step instructions if you need assistance with the linking process. If something doesn’t work, that should be your first stop. (openai.com)
Too much information? The core is simple: link your ChatGPT account from WhatsApp before January 15, 2026 to keep your history. If you want, I can prepare a personalized guide with screenshots or a checklist for your team.