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Last updated: 6 October 2026
OpenAI is rolling out dots for Pro and Business Premium users in select markets, and many are keen to know how to use OpenAI dots effectively. Dots are designed to enhance your productivity by integrating with various apps and automating tasks. This article covers what dots are, how to set up your first dot, the daily applications and tasks suitable for it, and important considerations for staying in control while using it.
With dots, you get a cloud-based assistant that can interact with tools like ChatGPT, Slack, and Teams, allowing you to manage tasks and access information easily. Whether you’re in a business environment or part of a healthcare or educational institution, these dots can significantly change how you work. As we explore their setup and usage, you’ll gain insights into maximizing their potential while keeping your data secure. Let’s get started by understanding what dots are and who can currently access them.
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Key takeaways
- OpenAI dots are available to Pro and Business Premium users in eligible markets, with the first dot included at no extra cost.
- To create your first dot, use the ChatGPT desktop app or browser, and connect your apps for integration.
- Dots can connect to over 4,000 apps through plugins, enhancing your productivity by automating tasks.
- You can manage permissions for your dot and review its activities through existing ChatGPT app controls.
Quick facts
| Detail | What’s been reported |
|---|---|
| Company | OpenAI |
| Availability | Rolling out to Pro and Business Premium users |
| First dot cost | Included at no extra cost in plans |
| Platforms | ChatGPT desktop, web, mobile, Slack, Teams |
| App connections | Connect to over 4,000 apps via plugins |
| Usage limits | Conversations with dots don’t count toward limits |
Based on recent media reports. Confirm final details on the brand’s official site.
What dots are and who can use them now
OpenAI’s dots are a new productivity feature rolling out to select users of ChatGPT, specifically those on Pro and Business Premium plans in eligible markets. For now, if you’re using the Pro or Business Premium plan, you’ll get your first dot at no extra cost. This feature aims to streamline tasks by integrating with various apps, effectively acting as a personal assistant that can manage work through voice or text interactions.
Availability depends on the eligible-markets list on OpenAI’s help page, so check it for your country before planning around dots. If you’re part of a business or educational institution, Enterprise users can access a beta version of dots when their workspace admin enables it. This makes it suitable for a variety of users, from individual professionals looking to boost their productivity to larger organizations aiming to improve team collaboration.
One key advantage of using dots is that they come with an allowance for deeper work and extended limits for the first month after launch. This means you can experiment with their capabilities without worrying about overstepping your usage limits initially. In the future, you will be able to add more dots to your account, which could further enhance your productivity if multiple projects or tasks need handling simultaneously.
If you’re considering using dots, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- CostAdditional dots: OpenAI says you will be able to add more dots later, but its announcement gives no pricing for that.
- Integration: Dots can connect to over 4,000 apps through plugins, which expands their usefulness significantly, so check if the applications you often use are supported.
- Potential Limitations: You’ll need to be aware of your region’s eligibility and any restrictions on your plan. Some features may still be in beta and subject to change.
For those in educational or healthcare environments, the beta access is particularly promising. The ability to customize actions, manage permissions, and review work will be essential in sensitive settings where confidentiality is critical.
Keep in mind that while dots have great potential, OpenAI warns that they can still make mistakes. Always review consequential work generated by your dot to ensure it meets your expectations. As this feature evolves, it may be worth following updates from OpenAI regarding its broader rollout and additional capabilities.
Overall, if you qualify under the current plans, OpenAI’s dots could significantly enhance your productivity. However, eligibility and features may vary, so it’s worth staying informed on any developments that could affect your usage.
Set up your first dot step by step
To get started with OpenAI dots, you’ll need to create your first dot through the ChatGPT desktop app or a desktop browser. This setup process is straightforward, but you’ll want to ensure you’re prepared. Here are the steps you’ll follow:
- Open the ChatGPT app or browser: Make sure you’re logged into your Pro or Business Premium account because dots are available to those users. If you’re part of the Enterprise plan, check if your workspace admin has enabled access to the beta.
- Create your first dot: Look for the option to create a dot within the ChatGPT interface. This will typically prompt you to set things up right away.
- Connect your apps: Dots are designed to work with various applications. You’ll need to connect the apps you want your dot to work with. Keep in mind that you can choose which apps to allow, so think about which tasks you plan to automate or enhance.
- Give your dot a name: Naming your dot helps personalize the experience. Think about the main function or task you want it to assist with.
- Let it introduce itself: Once you’ve set your dot up, it will take a moment to introduce itself and explain what it can do. This is where you can get a feel for its capabilities and the connected apps.
- Switch to mobile: After this initial setup, you can message your dot through the ChatGPT mobile app. This flexibility means you can work with your dot on the go, which may matter if you’re in a busy environment or remote work setting.
After you complete these steps, you’ll have a functioning dot that can assist you with various tasks.OpenAI says more dots can be added in future, but it has not published pricing for that in its announcement. This can affect users who need multiple dots for different functions.
For those involved in team projects, consider how your dot will interact with colleagues. You can message or call your dot across platforms like Slack and Teams, and even engage in voice calls soon. This multi-channel support boosts productivity but requires coordination, especially in workspaces that rely heavily on team communication.
Before you start using your dot, check your existing app controls in ChatGPT to manage permissions effectively. Understanding what your dot can access and how it will interact with your workflow is key to maintaining security and efficiency.
As you start interaction, keep in mind that while the dot can assist with numerous tasks, it’s not infallible. OpenAI acknowledges that dots can make mistakes, so always scrutinize the work, especially for tasks that have serious consequences.
In short, getting your first dot ready for action involves a few clear steps, thoughtful choices about app connections, and awareness of how it fits within your broader work environment. Be mindful of the potential for the need to manage multiple dots in the future and stay engaged with your dot’s activities to leverage its capabilities effectively.
How to work with your dot day to day
You can work with your dot in various ways, improving your productivity across multiple platforms. If you’re using ChatGPT, Slack, Teams, or voice calls, your dot is designed to simplify your tasks. Here’s a breakdown of how to make the most of it.
Messaging your dot through ChatGPT on desktop, web, or mobile is straightforward. It allows for easy communication and task management. You can also connect with your dot via Slack and Teams, which is helpful for team collaboration, especially in a hybrid work environment. Text messaging capabilities are expected soon, which will make it even easier to stay connected. Voice calls with your dot add another layer of interaction, making it feel more like working with a colleague rather than just using a tool.
What’s particularly useful about dots is how they interact with the applications you connect. OpenAI states that dots can link to over 4,000 apps through plugins, which opens up a range of possibilities. You can set your dot to manage emails, schedule meetings, or even automate tedious tasks. Each app has unique functionalities, so consider which ones are essential for your daily workflow.
However, while using your dot, be aware of usage limits. Conversations with your dot won’t count against your ChatGPT allowance, but tasks started by the dot in Codex or ChatGPT Work will. This means you can chat freely without worrying about quota consumption, but if you ask your dot to handle larger tasks, that will affect your limits. It’s essential to keep track of your usage, especially if your work involves frequent interaction with Codex or Work features.
Proactive research is another notable feature. When you’re not actively working with your dot, it searches for ways to assist you in the background. This capability can save time, as it uses read-only tools on connected apps to gather information. However, it’s important to note that during this research phase, the dot cannot send messages, change app content, or control your browser or computer. This limitation may seem like a downside, but it protects your privacy and prevents unauthorized changes.
Here’s what you should keep in mind while working with your dot:
- Review important work generated by your dot. OpenAI acknowledges that dots can make mistakes, so always verify the accuracy of critical tasks.
- Adjust your app permissions carefully. You control which apps your dot can access, so manage these settings through your existing ChatGPT app controls.
- Utilize Activity View to monitor your dot’s progress. This feature allows you to see what your dot is doing in real time, ensuring you remain in control of its actions.
Understanding how to incorporate your dot into daily work life can significantly boost your productivity. Still, stay vigilant about the tasks you assign to it and review the outcomes to maintain quality.
Staying in control and when not to use it
When using OpenAI dots, staying in control is important, especially for managing permissions and understanding when it’s appropriate to let the dot handle tasks. Dots are designed to assist, but they come with responsibilities that users need to be aware of.
First, you control which apps your dot can access. This is done through the existing settings in your ChatGPT app. It’s a good idea to review these permissions regularly. You can use Custom Rules to specify what actions your dot can take. For example, you can allow certain operations, require approvals for others, or block specific actions altogether. This helps ensure that the dot operates within the boundaries you set, which is particularly important for sensitive information.
For those in industries with strict regulatory requirements, like finance or healthcare, being vigilant about what your dot manages becomes even more important. Using dots for sensitive tasks, such as managing passwords or handling confidential client information, should be avoided. OpenAI has made it clear that tasks like changing passwords must stay within your control. Always ensure sensitive work stays in your hands.
The Activity View tool is your ally in tracking the dot’s performance. This view lets you follow your dot’s progress, including any background tasks it’s working on. Here, you can redirect its focus or halt it altogether if necessary. This is particularly useful if you need to adjust the dot’s activities based on evolving project requirements or urgent deadlines.
Dots engage in proactive research when not actively in use. They search for ways to assist you, using read-only tools on the connected apps. While this feature can enhance productivity, it’s essential to remember that the dot cannot send messages, change app content, or control your computer during its background research.
Despite the advantages, it’s also important to recognize that dots can make mistakes. OpenAI has cautionary measures, stating that you should always review any consequential work generated by your dot. This adds an additional layer of responsibility on your part to ensure accuracy and relevance in the outputs.
Lastly, be mindful of how your data is handled. OpenAI states that dots in Business, Enterprise, or Edu workspaces do not use your content to improve its models by default. However, if you are on a personal ChatGPT plan, you have control over whether your conversations and the dot’s work contribute to model training. This element of user choice is vital; it gives you the power to manage your data according to your comfort level.
Overall, while OpenAI dots can greatly enhance productivity, ensuring you remain in control of their actions and understanding where their limitations lie is key to effective usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are OpenAI dots and how do they work?
OpenAI dots are personalized assistants that you can create in ChatGPT. They can connect to various apps and work on tasks for you. Dots use their own cloud computer and browser, allowing them to perform actions without exposing your passwords. You can communicate with your dot to manage tasks, and it can also conduct proactive research in the background.
Who can currently access OpenAI dots?
Dots are available to Pro and Business Premium users in eligible markets. Enterprise users, including those in Edu and Healthcare, can access the beta version when their workspace admin enables it. If you’re part of these user groups, you can create and manage your dot.
How do I name my dot during setup?
When you create your first dot, you can give it a name during the initial setup process in the ChatGPT desktop app or browser. This customization helps you identify your dot easily when interacting with it later.
Can I access my dot on mobile devices?
Yes, you can access your dot on mobile devices. After setting it up on the desktop app or browser, you can message your dot using the ChatGPT mobile app. This makes it convenient to interact with your dot on the go.
What types of tasks are suitable for my dot?
Your dot is suited for managing tasks across over 4,000 connected apps via plugins. You can ask your dot to help with tasks related to productivity, organization, or any of the apps you’ve connected. However, always review its work as dots can make mistakes.
How do I manage app permissions for my dot?
You can manage app permissions for your dot through the existing ChatGPT app controls. This includes choosing which apps your dot can access and using Custom Rules to allow or block specific actions. This level of control helps ensure your data security.
What happens to my data when I use dots?
When using dots, OpenAI does not use content from Business, Enterprise or Edu workspaces to improve its models by default. On personal plans, you can control whether your dots’ conversations and work are used for model improvements, providing some privacy over your data.
How can I monitor my dot’s activity?
You can monitor your dot’s activity through the Activity View feature in the ChatGPT app. This allows you to track its progress, including any background tasks it’s working on. You can also redirect your dot’s efforts if needed.
Conclusion
OpenAI’s dots offer a practical way to enhance productivity, especially for Pro and Business Premium users. If you’re eligible, you can set up your first dot at no additional cost, making it easier to manage daily tasks without increasing your workload. As you integrate dots into your workflow, stay aware of the limitations and maintain control over sensitive tasks. The proactive research feature can help you without requiring constant attention, but always review the outcomes for critical projects.
For those in the tech and business sectors, this tool can streamline processes significantly. If you’re unsure or not in the eligible markets yet, it might be wise to wait and see how the features evolve. What are your thoughts on using OpenAI dots for productivity?
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