- OpenAI Dots is an always-on AI agent for ChatGPT that keeps working in the background.
- Each dot runs on its own cloud computer and browser, even when your laptop is asleep.
- Dots support 4,000+ plugins and learn your preferences over time.
- Access rolls out to Pro and Business Premium users first; one dot per account for now.
- Strong permission controls and activity view let you audit everything your dot does.
What Is OpenAI Dots? The New ChatGPT AI Agent
OpenAI Dots is the company's newly announced always-on assistant built into the ChatGPT ecosystem. Unlike a standard chat session that stops the moment you close the tab, a dot is a persistent agent: you hand it a project, and it continues working in the background without constant monitoring or repeated corrections.
Video Highlights:
- Dots keep working after you leave, powered by GPT-6 Astra under the hood
- Each dot has its own cloud computer and browser
- Multiple projects can run through one dot, no separate chats required
- Teammate dots can collaborate to achieve shared goals
- Rollout begins with Pro and Business Premium users
The headline concept is simple: an agent you delegate to rather than one you babysit. In OpenAI's demo, one person's dot and a teammate's dot worked together toward a shared goal, which points toward a future of agent-to-agent collaboration in the workplace.
A dot is not a chatbot you prompt repeatedly. It is a persistent worker that accepts projects, shares progress proactively, and asks you questions only when it needs a decision.
Core Features Explained
Dots arrive with a focused set of capabilities designed around autonomy, integration, and personalization.
Always-On Operation
- Runs on its own cloud computer
- Works while your laptop sleeps or is off
- Handles multiple projects at once
- Can interact with local files
Plugin Ecosystem
- Access to 4,000+ plugins
- Covers personal and work use cases
- Example: noticing a forgotten invoice, preparing it, sending after approval
Preference Learning
- Learns from your feedback over time
- Remembers goals and what a good result looks like
- Reduces back-and-forth corrections
Communication flows both ways. You can message or call your dot inside ChatGPT, and the dot can reach out to you to share progress, ask a question, or request a decision.
Feature Overview Table
| Feature | What It Does | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Background work | Continues projects when you log off | True delegation, not babysitting |
| Cloud computer + browser | Runs independently of your device | No uptime dependency on your laptop |
| Multi-project handling | One dot, several projects at once | No need to manage separate chats |
| Plugin access | 4,000+ integrations | Extends usefulness across work and life |
| Two-way messaging | Dot can contact you first | Proactive updates and decision requests |
| Preference learning | Adapts to your feedback and goals | Better results with less prompting |
Dots are powered by GPT-6 Astra, each with a dedicated cloud environment. This is what separates them from standard ChatGPT conversations that end when you close the window.
Security, Permissions, and Control
OpenAI placed transparency at the center of the Dots announcement, which matters for small and medium businesses without large IT departments monitoring every tool.
Permission Levels
| Setting | Behavior | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Allow | Dot accesses the app freely | Trusted, low-risk tools |
| Require approval | Dot asks before each action | Sensitive apps like email or payments |
| Block | Access denied entirely | Anything off-limits |
The activity view shows what your dot is doing in real time, including attempts to access apps you did not authorize. On top of that, a review system checks whether potentially risky actions, such as sharing sensitive information or actions that could compromise your account, require your explicit approval first.
Review the default app permissions the moment your dot is enabled. Lock down anything sensitive before delegating projects, and check the activity view during your first few sessions.
Step-by-Step: Getting Started with Your First Dot
Confirm Your Plan Eligibility
Check whether your account is Pro or Business Premium. Enterprise, Education, and Healthcare users can try the beta only if their workspace administrator enables it.
Wait for Rollout and Create Your Dot
Access rolls out gradually even on eligible plans. Once the feature appears on your account, create your first dot. Note that you can currently run only one dot per account.
Configure App Permissions
Set rules for each connected app: allow, require approval, or block. Apply the strictest setting to anything involving payments, credentials, or sensitive data.
Assign Your First Project
Give the dot a clear, well-scoped task with a defined definition of done. Start small, such as monitoring an inbox or preparing a recurring document.
Review, Give Feedback, Repeat
Check the activity view, approve or reject pending actions, and give feedback. The dot learns your preferences from this loop and needs less oversight over time.
Use your first week to calibrate. Approve actions deliberately, correct mistakes explicitly, and let preference learning do the heavy lifting before you hand over larger projects.
Access Plans and Rollout Status
Plan Availability Table
| Plan | Access Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pro | Rolling out | First dot included with eligible plans |
| Business Premium | Rolling out | Same rollout tier as Pro |
| Enterprise | Beta available | Requires workspace admin opt-in |
| Education | Beta available | Requires workspace admin opt-in |
| Healthcare | Beta available | Requires workspace admin opt-in |
OpenAI states the first dot is included with eligible plans, alongside an allowance for deeper work. Multiple dots working together is a stated future direction, not a feature available today.
Before You Delegate Real Work:
- Verify your plan is Pro, Business Premium, or beta-enabled
- Create your first dot (one dot per account for now)
- Set app permissions to allow, approve, or block
- Review the activity view during early sessions
- Give regular feedback so the dot learns your preferences
FAQ
Q: What is OpenAI Dots in ChatGPT?
OpenAI Dots are always-on AI agents inside ChatGPT. Each dot runs on its own cloud computer and browser, powered by GPT-6 Astra, and continues working on your projects in the background even when your device is off.
Q: Which plans get access to Dots?
Rollout begins with Pro and Business Premium users. Enterprise, Education, and Healthcare users can try a beta if their workspace administrator enables it. Access is gradual, so not every eligible account has it immediately.
Q: Can I run multiple dots at once?
No. For now, each account can have one dot, with the first dot included on eligible plans. OpenAI has said multiple dots working together is a future direction, but it is not available today.
Q: How much control do I have over what my dot does?
Substantial control. You set per-app rules (allow, require approval, or block), monitor everything through an activity view, and a review system flags sensitive or account-risking actions for your explicit approval.