OpenAI Rolls Out 1-800-CHATGPT For Calls And WhatsApp Text

OpenAI announced yesterday that users can now communicate with ChatGPT by calling 1-800-CHATGPT in the United States and Canada, or by texting the same number via WhatsApp worldwide.

The new feature is part of the Christmas program, “12 Days of OpenAI,” during which the company has been sharing updates like real-time video for ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode and its new $200 model ChatGPT Pro.

Now, on the program’s 10th day, users in the U.S. or Canada can dial 1-800-242-8478 to talk to ChatGPT’s voice model for up to 15 minutes per month. Users in other countries can message the technology via WhatsApp.

You can now talk to ChatGPT by calling 1-800-ChatGPT (1-800-242-8478) in the U.S. or by sending a WhatsApp message to the same number—available everywhere ChatGPT is. pic.twitter.com/R0XOPut7Qw

— OpenAI (@OpenAI) December 18, 2024

OpenAI’s team shared a livestream demonstrating how users can save the number to their phone contacts and call the chatbot or text it on WhatsApp. They showcased how the feature works on smartphones, “dumbphones,” and even landlines and rotary phones.

“Hello again, it’s ChatGPT, an AI assistant. Our conversation may be reviewed for safety, how can I help you?,” said the chatbot when the team called for a test.

OpenAI shared two live examples demonstating how this new feature can be used over the phone: to get directions or information about a travel destination and its landmarks, and as a language coach before meeting friends and family from different cultures.

For WhatsApp, the team asked ChatGPT to provide recipes for pasta with pesto for a dinner. The chatbot provided a list of ingredients and detailed recipes. It also adapted its answers to include a vegan version of the recipe and suggested a another dish to compliment the dinner for the meat-eating participant.