WhatsApp to Ban ChatGPT Bots—Here’s How to Save Your Chat History

Meta has updated its WhatsApp Business API policy to prohibit general-purpose AI chatbots like ChatGPT from operating on the platform starting January 15, 2026. While customer service bots will still be allowed, this change affects over 50 million users who currently use WhatsApp to chat with ChatGPT. OpenAI responded by offering a way for users to save their chat history before the cutoff. The process involves creating a ChatGPT account and linking it to the WhatsApp bot profile. Once linked, past conversations will appear in the ChatGPT app or web interface under the user’s history. This migration ensures continuity for users who want to preserve voice messages, image uploads, and AI-generated content previously exchanged via WhatsApp. OpenAI clarified that WhatsApp does not support native chat exports, so linking an account is the only way to retain past interactions. Users who already have a ChatGPT account and previously connected it to WhatsApp don’t need to take further action. However, those new to the platform should download the ChatGPT app, sign in, and tap the bot’s profile link in WhatsApp to complete the connection. After January 15, ChatGPT will no longer function within WhatsApp, and users will need to switch to the standalone app or web version to continue using the AI. This transition marks a shift in how AI tools are integrated into messaging platforms, with Meta drawing a clear line between business automation and general-purpose AI.