OpenAI has launched group chats globally for all users across its Free, Go, Plus, and Pro plans, the company announced on Thursday. The new feature allows multiple users to collaborate with one another and with ChatGPT in a single shared conversation—making it easier for friends, families, classmates, and colleagues to plan, create, and make decisions together.

OpenAI said the updated version of ChatGPT acts as “a one-on-one assistant in a shared space”, intelligently joining discussions when needed.

How to Start a Group Chat

According to OpenAI, users can create a group chat by following these steps:

  1. Open the ChatGPT app on Web, iOS, or Android.
  2. Tap the people icon in the top-right corner of a new chat.
  3. Select Start group chat.
  4. A new chat window will open, where users can add others via an invite link.

First-time group chat creators will be asked to set up a short profile (name, username, and photo).

Turning an Existing Chat Into a Group

Users can convert a one-on-one chat into a group chat:

  1. Open the conversation.
  2. Tap the people icon.
  3. Select Start group chat.

This creates a copy of the original chat as a group conversation, while the original chat remains unchanged and accessible under Your chats.

Where to Find Group Chats

A new Group chats section appears in the ChatGPT sidebar, allowing users to:

  • Reopen recent groups
  • View all group members
  • Manage settings and notifications

Groups can include 1 to 20 people, and anyone inside a group can share the invite link to add others.

What are the features available in group chats?

ChatGPT in group mode uses GPT-5.1 Auto, selecting the most suitable model based on the user’s subscription tier. Supported features include:

  • Search
  • Image creation
  • Image uploads and vision
  • File uploads and document retrieval
  • Dictation/voice input via device microphone

ChatGPT can also react to messages with emojis and generate personalised images using members’ profile photos.

Features Not Yet Supported in Group Chats

Some tools remain unavailable at launch:

  • Canvas
  • Voice mode / full voice conversations
  • Python / Data Analysis
  • Deep Research
  • Tasks, Connectors, and Apps
  • Agent mode
  • Account-level memory and custom instructions

These remain accessible in regular ChatGPT chats depending on the user’s plan.

How ChatGPT Behaves in Group Chats

ChatGPT “follows the flow” of conversations, responding automatically when relevant but staying silent during direct exchanges between users. Its behaviour can be changed to “Mention-only” mode, making it respond only when tagged with @ChatGPT.