Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Artificial Intelligence chatbot ChatGPT has officially arrived on WhatsApp, offering users a new virtual assistant within the messaging platform. Here’s how it works and how to use it.
WhatsApp already features Meta’s own AI chatbot, known as Meta AI, which enables interactions with a virtual assistant. However, OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has now launched its service on WhatsApp, calling it 1-800-ChatGPT.
OpenAI described the new offering as an experimental feature designed to expand access to ChatGPT. This initiative is part of OpenAI’s broader strategy to attract new users to ChatGPT.
“1-800-ChatGPT is an experimental launch that allows broader access to ChatGPT. You can now talk to ChatGPT via phone calls or send messages on WhatsApp at 1-800-ChatGPT without needing an account,” OpenAI stated on its official website, as reported by CNN Indonesia.
How It Works
The service allows users to interact with ChatGPT on WhatsApp either by messaging or calling the designated contact number. However, ChatGPT will only respond when a user initiates the conversation.
“Please note that ChatGPT will never be the one to start a call or initiate a chat with you on WhatsApp,” OpenAI emphasized.
To start using ChatGPT on WhatsApp, follow these steps:
- Save the ChatGPT contact number 1-800-242-8478 in your phone’s contact list. Alternatively, you can scan the QR code provided on OpenAI’s official website.
- Open WhatsApp and locate the ChatGPT contact you saved.
- Open the chat window and start a conversation by asking questions or sending prompts.
- ChatGPT will respond based on your query or instructions.
Notably, ChatGPT on WhatsApp does not require users to log into an OpenAI account. ChatGPT chatbots will be available wherever the service is, including in Indonesia.
The feature runs on OpenAI’s GPT-4o-mini model, the same version included in the free tier of ChatGPT, According to CNN Indonesia.
OpenAI provided examples of how the service can assist users, including help with creative writing, brainstorming ideas, offering recommendations (such as recipes and travel ideas), or chatting about general topics like news, hobbies, or trivia. However, OpenAI also warned that improper usage or violations of its terms of service will result in user bans.
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Limitations and Availability
OpenAI clarified that this release remains experimental. As such, there may be usage rate limits and reduced availability depending on demand. It only supports text-based conversations and operates with a knowledge cutoff date of September 2021.
“For a more comprehensive experience with additional tools, higher limits, and more personalization, existing users should continue to access ChatGPT directly through their accounts,” the company added.
This integration highlights OpenAI’s effort to make ChatGPT more accessible to a broader audience, leveraging WhatsApp’s global reach to provide AI-driven virtual assistance at users’ fingertips.
(Raidi/Agung)
