The short answer: no, not officially. OpenAI’s 1-800-ChatGPT number stopped working on WhatsApp on 15 January 2026, after Meta changed its rules for AI chatbots on WhatsApp. ChatGPT came back on WhatsApp in July 2026, but only in the European Economic Area. In India, use the ChatGPT app or website, or one of the WhatsApp options that still work.
What happened, in order
- December 2024: OpenAI launched 1-800-ChatGPT, letting people message ChatGPT on WhatsApp.
- October 2025: Meta updated the WhatsApp Business Platform terms to bar general-purpose AI chatbots from 15 January 2026. Business bots that serve their own customers stayed allowed. OpenAI said 1-800-ChatGPT would stop working on WhatsApp after that date, and Microsoft said Copilot would leave too.
- December 2025: Italy’s competition authority ordered Meta to pause the rule in Italy.
- 15 January 2026: the rule took effect. ChatGPT and Copilot stopped working on WhatsApp in India and most other countries.
- February to March 2026: the European Commission said the rule appeared to break EU competition law. Meta paused the ban in Europe but charged AI companies per message, which rivals said kept them out in practice.
- June 2026: the Commission ordered interim measures, requiring Meta to restore access for rival assistants.
- July 2026: OpenAI brought ChatGPT back on WhatsApp in the European Economic Area. Whether it works depends on your number’s country code, and Indian numbers are not included.
Why some people in India say it works
Some articles in mid-2026 reported that ChatGPT on WhatsApp worked for a few users in India. Neither OpenAI nor Meta has announced a return here, and OpenAI’s own notice lists the European Economic Area only. Treat any report of it working in India as unconfirmed, and expect it to stop without warning.
How to use ChatGPT in India now
Install the ChatGPT app from the Play Store or App Store, or open chatgpt.com in your browser. Everything 1-800-ChatGPT did on WhatsApp, and more, works there: questions, images, voice and files. The difference is that you have to open the app and ask; it won’t message you on WhatsApp.
What still works on WhatsApp
- Meta AI is built into WhatsApp and free. Open it from the chat list or type @Meta AI in any chat. It is good for quick questions, writing help, translation and images.
- Kaval is someone you text on WhatsApp for getting things done: bills, bookings, orders, complaints and refunds, reminders and plans, plus scam checks. It asks before it acts for you and follows up over days. Free to start; see pricing. Disclosure: Kaval is our product.
- Official business accounts of your bank, airline or delivery app, for that company’s own services.
Our full comparison is in the best WhatsApp AI assistants in India.
Watch out for fake “ChatGPT” numbers
Since January, many WhatsApp numbers advertise themselves as “ChatGPT on WhatsApp”. In India, none of them is OpenAI. Some pass your messages to an AI model and are harmless; others collect what you send, sell paid plans, or lead to scams.
- OpenAI does not offer ChatGPT on WhatsApp in India, so any number claiming to is someone else.
- Never send OTPs, UPI PINs, passwords, card numbers or Aadhaar numbers to any chatbot.
- Be wary of anyone asking you to pay to “unlock” ChatGPT on WhatsApp.
- Not sure about a number or a link? Our WhatsApp scam checker explains the signs.
Frequently asked questions
Why did ChatGPT stop working on WhatsApp? Meta changed the WhatsApp Business Platform terms to bar general-purpose AI chatbots from 15 January 2026, and 1-800-ChatGPT ran on that platform.
Is ChatGPT back on WhatsApp? Only in the European Economic Area, since July 2026. There has been no official return in India.
How can I use ChatGPT in India now? Use the ChatGPT app or chatgpt.com.
What can I use on WhatsApp instead of ChatGPT? Meta AI for questions and writing help; Kaval for getting tasks done and followed up; official business accounts for one company’s own services.
Is a WhatsApp number that says it is ChatGPT safe? In India it is a third-party service, not OpenAI. Never share OTPs, PINs, passwords or ID numbers with it.
Last reviewed 1 November 2026. We update this page when WhatsApp’s rules change.