- OpenAI Dots early access launched Sep 29, 2026 at DevDay, powered by GPT-6 Astra.
- Access is plan-dependent and tied to the current rollout across ChatGPT interfaces.
- Each Dot gets a dedicated cloud computer with its own browser for long-running tasks.
- Dots connect to 4,000+ apps plus channels like Slack, email, and SMS.
- Workspace administrators control whether members can use Dots.
What OpenAI Dots Early Access Includes
OpenAI Dots are persistent, always-on AI agents introduced at DevDay on September 29, 2026. Unlike a normal ChatGPT conversation that ends when you close the tab, a Dot keeps working toward an assigned goal across multiple sessions. It is driven by GPT-6 Astra, OpenAI's flagship model for complex reasoning, coding, computer use, and research tasks.
The early access rollout is gradual. Not every ChatGPT account sees Dots yet, and availability depends on your plan, region, workspace configuration, and the platform you use.
If the Dots experience does not appear in your ChatGPT interface, confirm your plan is included in the current rollout. Desktop web and the desktop app are the primary surfaces; mobile access varies by rollout stage.
| Feature | Early Access Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Always-on agent | Available | Persistent goals, not one-off chats |
| GPT-6 Astra model | Standard | Powers all Dots |
| Dedicated cloud computer | Available | Own browser and remote environment per Dot |
| 4,000+ app connections | Available | Subject to permissions |
| Mobile management | Rollout-dependent | Advanced config centered on desktop |
Availability by Plan and Platform
Dots availability is determined by four factors working together: your ChatGPT plan, your workspace settings, the rollout stage for your account, and the platform you are using.
| Access Category | Availability | Details |
|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT Access | Plan-dependent | Tied to supported plans and current rollout |
| Workspace Access | Admin-managed | Business/org workspaces control member availability |
| Desktop Web | Supported | Create, configure, and manage Dots |
| Desktop App | Supported | Full access for rollout-included users |
| Mobile | Rollout-dependent | Varies by account and rollout stage |
| Enterprise | Controlled rollout | Admin-governed deployments and connected tools |
Even on an eligible plan, your account may not have Dots yet. OpenAI is expanding access over time rather than enabling it for all users at once.
Individual Users
- Check plan eligibility
- Use desktop web for setup
- Watch for rollout expansion
Business Workspaces
- Admins toggle Dots availability
- Connected-app permissions managed centrally
- Member access can be restricted
Enterprise
- Governance and access controls
- Workspace-level restrictions
- Controlled connected-tool policies
How to Set Up Your First Dot
Once early access is enabled on your account, creating a Dot takes just a few minutes. The key is giving the Dot a focused goal and clear working boundaries from the start.
Start a New Dot
Open the Dots experience in ChatGPT on desktop web or the desktop app and choose to create a new dot.
Choose a Name
Pick a short, descriptive name based on its responsibility, such as a project, research topic, or recurring task.
Define Its Goal
Write the ongoing outcome the Dot should work toward, not just a single isolated prompt.
Configure Autonomy
Set instructions and boundaries for how independently the Dot operates and when it should ask for approval.
Attach Context and Files
Add relevant files and reference material so the Dot has the project context it needs.
Review the Activity Dashboard
Use the Dot's activity view to inspect completed actions, follow current tasks, and adjust configuration.
Assign something concrete and connected to the Dot's main goal, such as a research summary or a scheduled weekly check. This validates its workspace, tools, and communication channels early.
Cloud Computer and Connected Apps
Two features separate Dots most clearly from ordinary ChatGPT conversations: the dedicated cloud computer and connected apps.
The cloud computer gives each Dot its own remote environment with a browser. Work continues independently of your local machine, which is what makes long-running, multi-step agentic tasks practical. You can open the computer view to inspect what the Dot is doing and step in when manual input helps.
| Capability | Cloud Computer | Connected Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Browser and multi-step tasks | External information and actions |
| Scope | One dedicated environment per Dot | 4,000+ potential connections |
| Access control | Dot capability toggle | User and workspace permissions |
| Monitoring | Inspect and interact with session | Permission-governed app usage |
Common integrations during early access include Slack for team communication, email for message-related tasks, attached files for context, and workspace apps for broader productivity workflows. OpenAI's official safety documentation now includes a dedicated Dots section covering these capabilities.
The cloud computer is separate from optional local-computer access. Cloud execution keeps agent work in OpenAI's remote environment; local access involves your own device and is an opt-in capability.
Permissions, Safety, and Controls
Permissions define the boundaries within which a Dot can operate. Both individual users and workspace administrators have meaningful control.
| Control | Scope | What It Governs |
|---|---|---|
| Connected App Permissions | User and workspace | Which apps and services the Dot may access |
| Cloud Computer Access | Dot capability | Browser-based and multi-step computer tasks |
| Local Computer Access | Optional user capability | Interaction with your own device |
| Autonomy Settings | User configuration | How independently the Dot continues work |
| Workspace Availability | Administrator | Whether members can use Dots at all |
| Enterprise Controls | Enterprise admin | Governance and workspace-level restrictions |
Early Access Readiness Checklist:
- Confirm your ChatGPT plan is included in the rollout
- Create your first Dot with a focused goal
- Review and set autonomy boundaries
- Connect only the apps the Dot actually needs
- Check the activity dashboard after the first task
Connect the minimum set of apps and permissions a Dot needs. You can expand access later, but revoking and re-scoping after over-granting is more disruptive.
FAQ
Q: When did OpenAI Dots early access start?
OpenAI announced Dots at DevDay on September 29, 2026, as an always-on AI agent product powered by GPT-6 Astra. Access is rolling out gradually to eligible ChatGPT users.
Q: Which plans get access to OpenAI Dots?
Dots access is plan-dependent and tied to the current product rollout. Business and Enterprise workspaces can additionally manage availability through administrator settings, so check with your workspace admin if you do not see Dots.
Q: Do OpenAI Dots work on mobile?
Mobile access varies by account, platform, and rollout stage. Creating and configuring Dots is centered on desktop web and the ChatGPT desktop experience.
Q: What is the difference between a Dot and a normal ChatGPT chat?
A Dot is organized around persistent goals, its own cloud computer with a browser, connected apps, and scheduled tasks that continue between conversations, rather than a single one-off chat session.