OpenAI Dots AI Agents: Complete Setup Guide, Features and How to Use Them in 2026
Imagine having an AI assistant that can continue working on your projects between conversations, research information, organise tasks and help you manage connected applications.
That is the idea behind OpenAI Dots, an always-on AI agent designed to move beyond answering individual questions and help with ongoing work.
Instead of repeatedly asking AI to complete separate tasks, you can give an agent a broader objective, provide relevant context, connect the necessary tools and review its progress.
In this guide, you will learn what OpenAI Dots is, how to set it up, how to connect apps, how to use it for business tasks, and what to consider before giving an AI agent access to your workflow.
Official links:
- Setup guide: https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001530-getting-started-with-your-dot
- Official announcement: https://openai.com/index/introducing-dots/
- Open Dots: https://chatgpt.com/dots
What Is OpenAI Dots AI?
OpenAI Dots is an always-on AI agent designed to help users manage ongoing responsibilities rather than simply respond to individual prompts.
A traditional chatbot might draft an email or summarise a document when you ask. An AI agent can be given a broader goal and work through multiple steps using available tools and connected apps.
For example, a content creator could ask a Dot to research a topic, prepare a blog outline, draft social media captions and organise the results for review.
The agent can continue making progress between conversations, although some tasks may require clarification, authentication or approval.
How Is OpenAI Dots Different from Regular ChatGPT?
The main difference is how work is handled.
- Regular ChatGPT: Answers questions, generates ideas, analyses information and helps complete tasks in a conversation.
- OpenAI Dots: Is designed to manage ongoing goals, use connected tools and make progress between conversations.
- Traditional automation: Usually follows predefined rules and triggers.
- AI agents: Can interpret objectives, determine intermediate steps and adapt their approach within the permissions and tools available.
Key Features of OpenAI Dots
1. Always-On AI Assistance
Dots are designed to make progress between conversations, so you do not necessarily need to remain at your computer while every task progresses.
For example, you could ask your Dot to research a subject and prepare a structured briefing. It can work through the task and return the result for review.
Always-on does not mean every task will finish uninterrupted. Some work may pause if the agent needs clarification, approval or access to a tool.
2. Its Own Cloud Computer
Dots have access to their own cloud computer, allowing them to work in a separate computing environment.
This can support browser-based research, information gathering and multi-step workflows.
The cloud computer is separate from your personal computer. Connecting your local computer is optional and requires separate permission.
3. Connections to More Than 4,000 Apps
OpenAI says Dots can connect to more than 4,000 apps through its plugin ecosystem.
Depending on the integration and permissions, connected apps may help the agent access information and perform supported actions.
Potential use cases include:
- Researching information in connected tools.
- Organising project tasks.
- Working with documents.
- Preparing content drafts.
- Supporting calendar and communication workflows where integrations are available.
The actual capabilities depend on the app, the access granted and the features supported by the integration.
4. Memory and Personalisation
Dots can use relevant ChatGPT memory and develop their own memories from ongoing work and connected information.
This can help the agent understand project requirements, preferred formats and working styles.
For example, a creator who regularly produces short videos may ask a Dot to prepare scripts using a consistent structure: hook, main points, call to action and caption.
Review memory and privacy settings before sharing sensitive business information.
5. Human Control and Task Review
You remain responsible for defining the agent’s goals and permissions.
You can provide feedback, change direction, review results and pause your Dot when necessary.
Depending on the action and permissions, the agent may need approval before proceeding. Giving it a broad objective does not automatically authorise every possible action.
OpenAI Dots Setup Guide: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Check Whether You Have Access
Before creating a Dot, confirm that your ChatGPT account and region are eligible.
Access is being rolled out to eligible users and organisations according to OpenAI’s availability rules. Some workspace plans may require administrator approval or beta access to be enabled.
Your first Dot may be included at no additional cost with an eligible plan, but Dots are not free for every ChatGPT user.
Check the official documentation for the latest eligibility requirements.
Step 2: Open the Official Dots Page
Visit the official Dots page:
Sign in using your eligible ChatGPT account.
You can also open ChatGPT on desktop web or launch the ChatGPT desktop application and follow the available Dots setup prompts.
If Dots are not visible, check your plan, region, rollout status and workspace permissions.
Step 3: Create Your First Dot
Follow the onboarding instructions shown in ChatGPT.
During setup, you can give your Dot a name and choose from the available character or avatar options.
Suggested names include:
- Content Assistant
- Research Assistant
- Marketing Planner
- Business Operations Assistant
Choose a name that makes the agent easy to identify in your workflow.
Step 4: Define Its Role and Objective
Give your Dot a specific goal instead of a vague instruction such as “help me with my business.”
A clear task description should include the objective, required information, expected output, constraints and actions that require approval.
Example prompt for a content creator:
“Research AI automation for small businesses. Prepare a content brief with five practical use cases, a short Instagram Reel outline, a blog outline and frequently asked questions. Include reliable source links and flag any claims that require verification. Do not publish or send anything without my approval.”
This gives the agent a defined outcome and clear boundaries.
Step 5: Connect Your Required Apps
Dots can use supported apps that you connect and authorise.
Open your Dot’s profile and navigate to Customize → Plugins, where available, to review integrations and their permissions.
Select the relevant app, follow the connection process and check what access you are granting.
Start with only the integrations required for your task. Connecting more apps than necessary can introduce avoidable privacy and security risks.
Step 6: Review Permissions Before Enabling Actions
Different app integrations can provide different levels of access.
Before connecting an app, check:
- What information the agent can read.
- Whether it can create or edit records.
- Whether it can send messages or submit forms.
- Which actions require approval.
- How to disconnect access when it is no longer needed.
For example, permission to draft an email is not the same as permission to send it.
Use the most restrictive permissions that still allow your workflow to function.
Step 7: Give the Dot Its First Task
Start with a small, low-risk task rather than handing over an entire business process.
Examples include:
- Researching a topic and summarising reliable sources.
- Organising information from connected documents.
- Preparing a content calendar draft.
- Reviewing a project checklist.
- Drafting a presentation outline.
Provide the necessary context, let the agent work and respond if it asks for clarification.
Step 8: Monitor Progress and Review the Results
Use your Dot’s profile to review its activity and task status. The available interface may include sections such as In progress, Scheduled and Completed.
Before relying on a result, check for:
- Incorrect or outdated information.
- Missing source links.
- Incomplete tasks.
- Unintended changes to records or documents.
- Actions that still need approval.
- Information that should not be shared externally.
An AI agent can save time, but human review remains important for accuracy, privacy and business decisions.
How to Use OpenAI Dots for Business and Content Creation
1. Social Media Content Planning
Content creators spend time researching topics, generating ideas, drafting captions and organising publishing schedules.
A Dot can support this workflow by helping you:
- Research a chosen topic.
- Identify relevant audience questions.
- Create a content outline.
- Draft Reel scripts and captions.
- Prepare a weekly content calendar.
- Organise the drafts for review.
Fact-check the content and approve it before publication.
2. Business Research
Small businesses may need to research competitors, industry trends, customer needs or product opportunities.
Example prompt:
“Research AI automation trends for small businesses. Summarise five potential opportunities, provide source links, identify uncertainties and prepare a concise report.”
Verify important facts before making strategic or financial decisions.
3. Customer Support Preparation
For businesses with suitable connected support systems, an agent may help organise customer information, summarise issues or prepare response drafts.
For example, it could identify common customer questions and draft a frequently asked questions document.
Sending customer replies automatically depends on the integration, its capabilities and the permissions granted. Review these controls before enabling external communications.
4. Research and Report Preparation
You can give a Dot a research goal and ask it to organise information into a structured report.
A useful workflow includes gathering information, identifying themes, creating an outline and preparing a summary with sources.
For legal, tax, medical or financial matters, independently verify important conclusions against authoritative sources and consult an appropriately qualified professional when necessary.
5. Project and Task Management
Dots can help organise project information and identify next steps.
Example prompt:
“Review the project notes in my connected workspace. Prepare a list of outstanding tasks, identify missing information, suggest a timeline and highlight decisions that require my approval.”
This can help turn scattered information into an actionable plan without granting unrestricted control over the project.
Can OpenAI Dots Work While You Sleep?
Dots are designed to be always-on agents that can continue making progress between conversations, including when you are not actively chatting with them.
However, this does not mean every task will finish by a specific time or run without interruption.
A task may need your input if:
- Instructions are unclear.
- A connected account requires authentication.
- A website requests verification.
- An action requires approval.
- A tool or app is unavailable.
- The agent encounters an error.
For more dependable results, define the task clearly, connect the required tools, set suitable permissions and review the final output.
OpenAI Dots vs Traditional AI Chatbots
| Feature | Traditional chatbot use | OpenAI Dots |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Answer prompts and assist with individual tasks | Manage ongoing responsibilities |
| Work between conversations | Often needs a new interaction or separate workflow | Designed to continue making progress |
| Computer environment | Depends on available tools | Has its own cloud computer |
| Connected apps | Depends on the product and integrations | Supports connected apps through available integrations |
| Memory and context | Depends on settings and conversation context | Can use relevant ChatGPT memory and its own memories |
| User control | User directs each interaction | User defines goals, permissions and review requirements |
The right option depends on the work you need to complete. Dots are particularly relevant when a task involves multiple steps and ongoing follow-through.
Privacy, Security and Limitations
Protect Sensitive Information
Before connecting a business account, consider what information the agent could access and whether that access is necessary.
Avoid sharing passwords, unnecessary personal information, confidential client records or sensitive financial data.
Understand Connected-App Permissions
Disconnecting an app does not necessarily delete information the Dot has already obtained from that app.
Review the official documentation for instructions on managing or deleting a Dot and its stored information.
Review Important Actions
Do not assume that an agent has completed a task correctly simply because it reports completion.
Review important outputs and confirm consequential actions, especially those involving customers, financial records, confidential information or external communications.
Know the Limitations
Dots depend on supported apps, permissions, website availability and the quality of the instructions they receive.
They can make mistakes, miss information or require additional guidance. Review important results before using them in a real business process.
Frequently Asked Questions About OpenAI Dots
What is OpenAI Dots AI?
OpenAI Dots is an always-on AI agent designed to handle ongoing tasks, use connected apps and make progress toward goals between conversations.
How do I set up OpenAI Dots?
Visit https://chatgpt.com/dots or use ChatGPT on desktop web or the desktop app. Sign in with an eligible account, follow the onboarding prompts, define your agent’s role and connect the apps needed for your tasks.
Is OpenAI Dots free?
Dots are not free for everyone. Access and included usage depend on your eligible ChatGPT plan, region and workspace settings. Check the official documentation for current terms.
Can OpenAI Dots work 24/7?
Dots are designed to remain available and make progress between conversations. However, tasks may pause for clarification, authentication, approval or troubleshooting. Continuous availability does not guarantee uninterrupted task completion.
Can OpenAI Dots connect to Gmail, calendars and other apps?
Dots can use supported connected apps and their permitted actions. Availability depends on the integration, account and permissions granted. Check the available plugins before planning a workflow around a particular service.
Can OpenAI Dots send customer messages automatically?
This depends on the connected service, available actions and permissions. Permission to read customer information does not automatically include permission to send messages. Review the applicable controls before enabling customer-facing actions.
Can I create OpenAI Dots on my phone?
According to the setup guidance, creating a Dot requires ChatGPT on desktop web or the desktop application. Check the current Help Center for the latest mobile access options.
Does OpenAI Dots need access to my personal computer?
No. Dots have their own cloud computer. Connecting your local computer is optional and requires separate permission through the ChatGPT desktop app.
How do I stop or delete an OpenAI Dot?
You can pause a Dot to stop its ongoing activity. To delete it, use the available Reset option in its profile and carefully review the confirmation notice. Resetting may delete the Dot and its associated conversations, memories and scheduled tasks.
Where can I find the official OpenAI Dots setup guide?
Use the official OpenAI Help Center:
Conclusion: Is OpenAI Dots Worth Exploring?
OpenAI Dots represents a shift from using AI mainly for individual answers to assigning AI an ongoing goal and letting it work through multiple steps.
For content creators, freelancers and business owners, potential uses include research, content planning, project organisation and supported workflows across connected applications.
The best way to begin is to choose one clear goal, connect only the tools you need, set sensible permissions and review the results before taking action.
Ready to explore AI agents? Visit OpenAI Dots and consult the official setup guide to check whether the feature is available for your account.
Disclaimer: Features, availability, pricing and supported integrations may change. Check OpenAI’s official documentation for the latest information. AI-generated results may contain errors and should be reviewed before use.
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