Meta Discontinues OpenAI’s 1-800-ChatGPT Messaging Feature on WhatsApp

In a strategic move reminiscent of age-old competitive tactics, Meta has seemingly opted to stifle the performance of rivals rather than enhance its own offerings. This is exemplified by their decision to deactivate a WhatsApp feature that enables users to access OpenAI’s ChatGPT AI model.

OpenAI’s 1-800-ChatGPT to Discontinue WhatsApp Access Post-January 15, 2026

Meta changed its policies so 1-800-ChatGPT won’t work on WhatsApp after Jan 15, 2026. Luckily we have an app, website, and browser you can use instead to access ChatGPT.

— OpenAI (@OpenAI) October 22, 2025

In a recent blog update, OpenAI confirmed that due to changes in Meta’s policies, their 1-800-ChatGPT service will no longer function on WhatsApp after January 15, 2026.

This service allowed users to interact with the ChatGPT language model simply through a voice call or text message, leading to an impressive user base of 50 million worldwide. OpenAI has provided guidance for users to transition smoothly:

Download the ChatGPT app on Android, iOS, or desktop.
Create an account and sign in to ChatGPT.
Link your account to WhatsApp by visiting the 1-800-ChatGPT contact profile and clicking the URL provided.

OpenAI further explained:

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

This move by Meta appears driven by a desire to promote its own AI capabilities. Having launched its “Meta AI” features prominently within WhatsApp, including a notable presence in the app’s search bar, it seems intent on ensuring that its Llama language models receive the attention they seek.

Coinciding with these developments, OpenAI has also unveiled a new dedicated AI browser, named ChatGPT Atlas, marking its entry into a competitive field dominated by Google’s Chrome and Perplexity’s Comet. Currently available only on macOS, it is anticipated to launch soon on Windows, iOS, and Android platforms.

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