ChatGPT dots: what the always-on agents cost you and how to start

If you are on Pro or Business Premium, you can create a dot from the ChatGPT desktop app or desktop web, give it a goal and let it keep working between conversations.

What changed#

OpenAI describes dots as "always-on agents in ChatGPT that can take on ongoing work and keep making progress between conversations." OpenAI announced dots on Sep 29. Each dot is powered by GPT-6 Astra, has its own cloud computer, and brings results back for review. You can message your dot in ChatGPT, Slack and Teams, according to OpenAI's announcement.

Why it matters#

OpenAI says your first dot is included in Pro or Business Premium at no extra cost, and the plan's allowance for deeper work comes with extended limits for the first month after launch.

How to use it#

Open ChatGPT on desktop.
Create your dot, give it a goal and connect the apps it needs.
Define what it may do on its own.

Goal: every weekday, check my connected inbox for vendor invoices, log amount, vendor and due date in a running table, and flag anything due within 5 days for my review. Do not pay or reply to anything.

Good to know#

Rollout is gradual, 18+ only, supported markets. Pro access excludes the EEA, Switzerland and the UK at launch.
Enterprise access is a beta and off by default.
Conversations with your dot don't count toward ChatGPT usage limits, but tasks it starts or manages in Codex or ChatGPT Work count toward your limits as usual.
When idle, a dot does "proactive research" with read-only tools on your connected apps.
OpenAI says it will share usage terms per plan after the first month. Watch for that notice.

Sources#

https://openai.com/index/introducing-dots (checked 2026-10-12 10:43 ET)
https://help.openai.com/en/articles/6825453-chatgpt-release-notes (checked 2026-10-12 10:43 ET)

Last checked: 2026-10-12