iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
OpenAI Dot is an always-on agent inside ChatGPT that can monitor connected information, work on recurring tasks, and bring updates or drafts back for your review. To use it, create Dot in ChatGPT on desktop, connect only the apps or computer access a task needs, and define what it may do, how often it should run, and when it must ask you first. Dot is software—not a standalone device—and it is separate from the developer-focused Agents API.
What OpenAI Dot does—and what it is not
OpenAI describes Dot as an agent in ChatGPT that can take ongoing responsibility and make progress between conversations. It has a cloud computer, can use apps you choose to connect, and can draw on context and memories for continuing work. OpenAI’s September 29, 2026 announcement gives examples such as investigating Slack issues, preparing project materials, and updating analyses as evidence changes. These are product examples, not measured guarantees of accuracy or productivity. OpenAI’s announcement and the Dots product page describe the product and its review controls.
Dot is not a physical device. It is also not the same as the OpenAI Agents API: Dot is created through ChatGPT onboarding, while the Agents API quickstart describes a separate developer path using a Platform API key and an OpenAI-hosted sandbox. Use that route if your aim is to build your own agent rather than set up Dot for your ChatGPT account.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Who can access Dot
According to the OpenAI Help Center, access currently depends on plan, region, and rollout:
#1 Best Overall
- Pro: Available in supported markets, excluding the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the UK.
- Business Premium: Available across supported ChatGPT regions.
- Enterprise, including Edu and Healthcare: Available in beta when a workspace administrator enables it.
Rollout is gradual, so an eligible account may not see Dot for several days. The Help Center says the first Dot is included in Pro or Business Premium at no additional charge. Check the current Help Center and your account for availability and plan terms, which can change.
How to set up your Dot
Create Dot in the ChatGPT desktop app or on ChatGPT desktop web and complete onboarding. The desktop app is also available for Windows. You cannot currently create a Dot on mobile, and Dot is not supported on mobile web; when mobile access is available, you can talk with an existing Dot in the ChatGPT mobile app. Use desktop to connect messaging channels such as Slack or texting.
- Open ChatGPT on desktop. Use the desktop app or desktop web and follow the Dot onboarding flow.
- Describe the responsibility. Explain the result you want and provide relevant details. You can attach files or photos in the conversation.
- Connect only the sources the task needs. Review each app’s permissions before connecting it. Available apps can vary by account.
- Set boundaries and review points. Tell Dot what it may prepare or change, when it must ask for approval, and what it should report back.
- Inspect its activity. Open the Dot profile to review In progress, Scheduled, and Completed activity. You can open Dot’s computer to view or interact with its work.
Give Dot a bounded task, not a vague standing order
A useful task has a clear outcome, approved sources, a cadence, limits on actions, and a report format. For example, you might ask Dot to review your calendar each morning and send a short list of upcoming commitments, or check a connected project source on a schedule and bring back changes and a draft for your review.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Adapt this prompt pattern to your own work:
- Outcome: What should Dot help you accomplish?
- Sources: Which connected apps, files, or other information may it use?
- Cadence: Is this a one-time task, a reminder, or a recurring check?
- Action limits: What may it prepare or change, and what must it leave untouched?
- Approval: Which actions require your explicit go-ahead, and what should Dot hand off?
- Report: Ask for a concise update with findings, completed work, and unresolved items.
Start with monitoring or draft preparation, inspect the results, and adjust instructions or permissions as needed. Dot can review connected information and form memories without a new prompt, perform background research, and run scheduled tasks. That makes it an ongoing, configurable workflow—not an unattended guarantee that every result is correct.
Schedule recurring checks and manage updates
Ask Dot for a reminder or recurring check as part of the task. Manage the timing, schedule, and notifications under Scheduled activity. Scheduled runs and proactive updates appear in the conversation. Review the scheduled work there, and pause Dot if you do not want it to continue.
Choose between connected apps and local-computer access
Connected apps provide task context
Apps supply information Dot can use for a task. OpenAI says its plugin ecosystem connects to over 4,000 apps, but the Help Center cautions that available apps may differ. That figure does not mean every app is enabled for every account. Check the connection screen and the permissions of each app before granting access.
Local-computer access is optional
Dot’s cloud computer is separate from your local computer. Access to your local computer starts turned off. To enable it, use the ChatGPT desktop app and confirm “Allow access.” This lets Dot access files and work on that computer from messaging channels; you can revoke access.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWith local access enabled, Dot can create Work or Codex tasks, use local skills, and use a local browser when its cloud browser is blocked. It can also create Codex cloud tasks if you have first created the environment in Codex. Enable local access only when a task needs it, and consider which files and capabilities that access exposes.
Best Value
Messaging options are limited by availability
The Help Center says you can connect Slack and personal email for Dot’s tasks, but Dot cannot have its own standalone email address at launch. Texting is a limited beta through a third-party provider for some US Pro users; it is unavailable in Business or Enterprise workspaces, and message and data rates may apply. These channels are not universally available.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Set approval rules and keep consequential actions reviewable
Dot’s rules can distinguish actions it may take without asking, actions it may take when pre-approved, actions that require your approval, and work it should hand off. OpenAI says some actions that affect accounts or share information receive additional review, and some actions require approval. Set conservative rules for changes or sharing that could have real consequences, and inspect important outputs before relying on them.
“Your dot can make mistakes, including when following your rules.” — OpenAI Help Center, “Getting started with your dot.”
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Understand what happens to connected information and memories
Disconnecting an app does not delete information Dot has already obtained. The Help Center says deleting Dot is needed to delete its saved memories; resetting Dot deletes its conversations, saved memories, and scheduled tasks. Review the deletion notice before confirming a reset so you understand what will be removed.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
