OpenAI has brought ChatGPT back to WhatsApp for users in the European Economic Area (EEA).
The service had been unavailable in the region since January when Meta blocked rival AI bots on its platform. Following an EU antitrust investigation and interim order, Meta was required to open access, allowing third-party AI services like ChatGPT to return.
This development marks a significant step in making advanced AI available directly inside the messaging apps that billions of people already use every day.
Users in the EEA can now message the verified 1-800-CHATGPT contact on WhatsApp to ask questions, upload images for analysis, send voice notes, generate images, and interact in multiple languages.
No ChatGPT account is needed to get started, though linking one increases usage limits.
OpenAI positioned the move as part of its broader effort to meet people where they are rather than forcing them into new apps or websites.
At the same time, ChatGPT is making its debut on two additional popular messaging platforms.
In South Korea, users can now access it through KakaoTalk. Support has also expanded to Viber in various supported markets.
These additions continue OpenAI's strategy of integrating its technology into local and regional favorites, broadening reach without requiring users to change their daily habits.A short promotional video shared alongside the announcement shows how seamless the experience can be.
In the clip, a traveler landing at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport asks ChatGPT for advice on getting to Le Marais with luggage. The AI responds with clear options for the RER B train, metro connections, walking times, and taxi recommendations, complete with practical tips and source citations.
The interaction feels natural and helpful, exactly like chatting with a knowledgeable friend inside WhatsApp.This rollout comes at a time when regulators are pushing big tech platforms toward greater openness.
For everyday users, the result is simple: more convenient access to powerful AI tools without downloading anything extra.
Whether planning a trip, solving a quick problem, or just exploring ideas, ChatGPT is now easier to reach for millions more people across different regions and platforms. The coming weeks will likely reveal how quickly adoption grows as word spreads.
OpenAI first brought ChatGPT to WhatsApp in December 2024 by launching a simple toll-free number, 1-800-CHATGPT (or +1-800-242-8478).
Users could add it as a contact and message the AI directly within the familiar messaging app. No account was initially required, making it an easy entry point for millions who already spent time on WhatsApp.
The integration started with text conversations powered by models like o1-mini and quickly expanded to support image uploads, voice notes, and image generation.
It proved especially popular in regions where WhatsApp dominates daily communication, reaching over 50 million users at its peak.
The service faced a major disruption in late 2025. Meta updated its WhatsApp Business API policies to restrict third-party general-purpose AI chatbots, effectively prioritizing its own Meta AI.
As a result, ChatGPT and similar services were phased out starting January 15, 2026. OpenAI encouraged users to link their accounts beforehand to preserve chat history when moving to the official ChatGPT apps or web interface.
The move was widely seen as competitive, limiting rivals' access to WhatsApp's massive user base while Meta promoted its in-house assistant.
In a recent development as of July 2026, ChatGPT has returned to WhatsApp, at least in the European Economic Area. This reversal followed antitrust pressure from the European Commission, which investigated Meta's exclusionary practices.
