Microsoft’s Copilot Departs WhatsApp: What Users Need to Know
Microsoft has announced that its AI chatbot, Copilot, will cease operations on WhatsApp starting January 15, 2026. This decision aligns with WhatsApp’s updated platform policies, which now prohibit general-purpose AI chatbots from utilizing its Business API. As a result, users will need to transition to Microsoft’s dedicated Copilot mobile applications or access the chatbot via the web to continue their interactions.
Understanding WhatsApp’s Policy Shift
In October 2025, WhatsApp, owned by Meta, revised its Business API terms to exclude general-purpose AI chatbots from its platform. The updated policy states that providers of artificial intelligence or machine learning technologies are strictly prohibited from accessing or using the WhatsApp Business Solution for offering such technologies as their primary functionality. This move aims to reserve the platform’s resources for businesses directly serving their customers, rather than acting as a distribution channel for AI chatbots.
Meta clarified that while businesses can still employ AI to assist their customers on WhatsApp, the platform is not intended for the distribution of general-purpose AI assistants. This policy change impacts several companies, including Microsoft, OpenAI, and Perplexity, all of which have integrated their AI chatbots with WhatsApp.
Implications for Copilot Users
For users who have been engaging with Copilot on WhatsApp, this transition necessitates a shift to alternative platforms. Microsoft offers dedicated Copilot mobile applications and web access, ensuring that users can continue to benefit from the chatbot’s capabilities. However, it’s important to note that chat histories from WhatsApp will not be preserved during this migration. This is due to the unauthenticated nature of the chatbot’s access on WhatsApp. To retain important conversations, Microsoft advises users to export their chat histories using WhatsApp’s built-in tools before the January 15 deadline.
The Broader Impact on AI Chatbots
WhatsApp’s policy revision reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, where platforms are reevaluating the integration of AI technologies. By restricting general-purpose AI chatbots, WhatsApp aims to maintain the integrity of its Business API and ensure that it serves its intended purpose—facilitating direct communication between businesses and their customers.
This development also underscores the importance for AI providers to adapt to evolving platform policies and seek alternative avenues for deploying their technologies. For Microsoft, this means focusing on enhancing the user experience within its own ecosystem, offering robust support and features through its dedicated Copilot applications and web interface.
Looking Ahead
As the January 15 deadline approaches, users are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Microsoft’s Copilot mobile apps and web platform to ensure a seamless transition. By proactively exporting chat histories and exploring the features of the dedicated Copilot platforms, users can continue to leverage the benefits of AI assistance without disruption.
This shift also presents an opportunity for Microsoft to innovate and expand Copilot’s capabilities, potentially integrating it more deeply with other Microsoft services and applications. As AI technology continues to evolve, staying informed about platform policies and available tools will be crucial for users seeking to maximize the benefits of these advancements.
