In a significant development for Indian AI users, Microsoft has confirmed that its popular AI assistant Copilot will cease operations on WhatsApp effective January 15, 2026. This decision marks the end of an integration that allowed millions to interact with the AI companion directly through the messaging platform they use daily.
Why Microsoft is Pulling Copilot from WhatsApp
The discontinuation stems directly from WhatsApp's updated platform policies that will remove all LLM (Large Language Model) chatbots from its service. Microsoft clarified this position in an official blog post, stating that the change is mandatory due to WhatsApp's new guidelines.
Starting January 15, 2026, WhatsApp's updated policies will remove all LLM chatbots from the platform, the company explained. Microsoft has assured users that they are working to ensure a smooth transition and continued access to Copilot through other available channels.
What Indian Users Need to Know
Indian users who have grown accustomed to accessing Copilot through WhatsApp have until January 15, 2026 to continue using the service on the messaging app. After this deadline, the integration will become completely unavailable.
However, Microsoft has highlighted several alternative platforms where users can continue their AI conversations:
- Copilot mobile app available on both iOS and Android devices
- Copilot on the web accessible through copilot.com
- Copilot on Windows for desktop users
Important Considerations for Chat History
A crucial point for users to note is that their Copilot chat history from WhatsApp will not automatically transfer to other Microsoft platforms. This is because access to the chatbot on WhatsApp was unauthenticated.
Microsoft has strongly advised users to preserve their valuable conversations by exporting chat history using WhatsApp's built-in tools before the January 15, 2026 deadline. If you'd like to keep a record of your conversations, we recommend exporting your chat history using WhatsApp's built-in tools prior to January 15, 2026, the company recommended.
The integration, which launched in late 2024, enabled users to communicate with the AI assistant in a familiar, everyday setting through WhatsApp. Microsoft expressed pride in the impact Copilot had made during its tenure on the messaging platform, acknowledging that it had helped millions connect with their AI companion conveniently.
