OpenAI reactivated ChatGPT on WhatsApp in the European Economic Area on July 13, 2026. The move follows an EU order forcing Meta to open its messaging platform to rival AI bots.
Key facts
- ChatGPT re-enabled on WhatsApp in 30 EEA countries.
- Meta banned ChatGPT from WhatsApp on January 15, 2026.
- EU Commission ordered interim measures in June 2026.
- Users access ChatGPT via 1-800-CHATGPT, no account needed.
- Bot runs on GPT-5.5; image generation uses gpt-image-2.
OpenAI has re-enabled ChatGPT on WhatsApp, but only in the European Economic Area, covering the 27 EU member states plus Liechtenstein, Iceland, and Norway. Users have been able to reach the chatbot since July 13, 2026, through the verified contact 1-800-CHATGPT (+1-800-242-8478), no account required. Text prompts, image uploads, voice messages, and image generation all work across many languages. When asked, the bot says it runs on GPT-5.5. Given the prompt precision of the image generation, those requests appear to be routed to gpt-image-2. Users can also link their WhatsApp account to their ChatGPT account so the chat can pull in context from OpenAI and sync message history.
Meta banned ChatGPT from WhatsApp on January 15, 2026, after changing its business rules. Microsoft Copilot and Perplexity were also kicked off the platform. Only Meta's own AI assistant stayed. In June 2026, the European Commission ordered interim measures forcing Meta to let competitors back on for free. OpenAI is also launching ChatGPT on the Kakao messenger in South Korea and on Viber in other markets.
Key Takeaways
- OpenAI re-enabled ChatGPT on WhatsApp in the EEA after EU forced Meta to open its platform.
- Users reach GPT-5.5 via 1-800-CHATGPT.
Why the EU intervention matters
The European Commission's interim measures mark a rare regulatory intervention into platform access for AI assistants. Rather than waiting for the full Digital Markets Act investigation, the EU ordered Meta to grant rival AI bots free access to WhatsApp's API. This creates a precedent: messaging platforms that control dominant communication channels may be required to host competing AI services. The ruling applies only to the EEA for now, but it could influence regulatory approaches in other jurisdictions.
What the rollout reveals about OpenAI's strategy
OpenAI's decision to bring ChatGPT to WhatsApp, Kakao, and Viber signals a shift toward embedding its assistant into existing messaging ecosystems rather than relying solely on its own app. The no-account-required access via a verified phone number lowers the barrier to entry. By routing image generation through gpt-image-2 and text through GPT-5.5, OpenAI demonstrates it can serve multiple modalities through a single chat interface. The company did not disclose usage numbers or whether the WhatsApp integration will expand beyond the EEA.
What to watch
Watch for whether Meta appeals the EU interim measures or extends the ban lift beyond the EEA. Also track OpenAI's WhatsApp usage numbers if disclosed in future earnings or blog posts.
Source: the-decoder.com
