Custom GPTs are being replaced by Plugins in ChatGPT

OpenAI is changing how customized solutions are built in ChatGPT. Custom GPTs* will be phased out and replaced by Plugins, which will become the new platform for creating custom workflows and solutions in ChatGPT.

* A Custom GPT is a customized version of ChatGPT that someone has created for a specific purpose, for example by providing it with specific instructions, knowledge files, or tools. It can, for example, be designed to answer questions within a particular area, assist with a specific task, or follow your organization’s own instructions.

If you use ChatGPT for regular chats and searches, you don’t need to take any action because of this change right now. However, if you have created or use a Custom GPT, it’s important to be aware of what’s changing.

Important dates

• September 22, 2026: OpenAI plans to start displaying information about the change directly in ChatGPT. The “Migrate to plugin” option will also become available to users who have created GPTs.
• October 26, 2026: It will no longer be possible to create new Custom GPTs.
• December 11, 2026: Custom GPTs will stop working.

Existing GPTs can continue to be used until December 11.

What do you need to do?

Have you created a Custom GPT that you want to continue using?

It will need to be migrated or rebuilt as a Plugin before December 11. OpenAI is introducing a “Migrate to plugin” feature to help with this process. You will see information about this directly in ChatGPT when the migration option becomes available.

A migrated Plugin is private by default, allowing you to review and test it before sharing it with others.

If you have several GPTs, now is a good time to consider which ones are actually being used and are worth migrating.

Do you only use GPTs created by someone else?

You normally won’t need to migrate them yourself. The person responsible for each GPT will need to manage the transition. However, keep in mind that a GPT may no longer be available after December 11 if it has not been migrated.

Why is OpenAI making this change?

Custom GPTs were primarily designed to combine custom instructions and knowledge sources with a ChatGPT conversation.

Plugins are designed to go further. They can combine instructions, tools, and connected apps/data, enabling more complete workflows – for example, finding information, processing it according to your organization’s instructions, and carrying out different tasks. Plugins also build on standards such as the Model Context Protocol (MCP) for connecting AI to tools and data.

What happens next?

You can continue using existing Custom GPTs during the transition period.

However, if you have built GPTs yourself, we recommend that you start preparing now:

1. Identify the GPTs you are responsible for.
2. Check which of them are still being used and need to remain available.
3. Migrate and test important GPTs when “Migrate to plugin” becomes available.

The key deadline to remember is December 11, 2026.
After this date, Custom GPTs will no longer work.