The great return: how to reactivate ChatGPT on WhatsApp

ChatGPT is back available on WhatsApp after about six months since its removal: this is a welcome return, and users can now choose to use the famous chatbot directly through the messaging app without needing a dedicated account. OpenAI has announced the service availability in Europe, Italy included: let’s review how to access the chat.

ChatGPT is once again available on WhatsApp in Europe (and in Italy)

January 15 of this year, OpenAI halted the availability of ChatGPT on WhatsApp: the reason related to a change in policies and terms by Meta, which had updated its API Business terms to ban rival generalist chatbots.

In June, the European Union intervened on the matter, ordering Meta to reopen the platform to competing services—to avoid abuse of dominance. OpenAI quickly seized the opportunity, restoring the service blocked earlier in the year.

How to use ChatGPT on WhatsApp

Starting today, the chatbot returns on WhatsApp in the European Union, also in Italy: to use the service just write to the verified contact 1-800-ChatGPT and start a conversation. All you need to do is add a contact to your phonebook (or directly via WhatsApp) with the number +1 800 242 8578.

The availability, released incrementally, depends on the country code prefix associated with the number linked to the messaging app. Anyway, at the time of writing the service works without problems also in Italy.

Included features

The operation of ChatGPT for WhatsApp is the same as the version with the official app: the user can interact with the chatbot, ask questions and requests, upload and generate images, and send voice notes.

Additionally, as noted a little above, you do not need to have an OpenAI account; however having one unlocks higher daily limits.