ChatGPT Custom GPTs Are Going: Plugins and Dots Explained

Are ChatGPT custom GPTs being retired? Yes. OpenAI plans to retire custom GPTs on 11 December 2026 and is replacing them with plugins. Your GPT's instructions become a "skill" and its knowledge files become "reference files". Dots are a separate, newer option that uses plugins to complete tasks for you.

If you've built a custom GPT for your business, this affects you. Below, we explain what plugins and Dots are, what happens to your existing GPTs, and what a small business can sensibly do now.

What's Happening to Custom GPTs?

Custom GPTs are the tailored versions of ChatGPT that many people built over the past couple of years. You gave them instructions, uploaded a few files, and ended up with an assistant set up for one job, like drafting customer emails or answering questions about your services.

OpenAI announced on 11 September 2026 that these are being retired. The scheduled date is 11 December 2026. Enterprise customers with an approved deferral get until 11 February 2027.

Your conversations stay accessible. What changes is how the tool itself is built and used. OpenAI is moving everything over to plugins.

What Is a Plugin in ChatGPT?

A plugin is a bundle that packages up the things a custom GPT used to hold, in a more flexible way. It can include skills, reference files and connected apps, all in one place.

Think of it as the next version of a custom GPT. The idea is the same, but plugins are built to work across more of ChatGPT and with more of your tools.

How Do Custom GPT Parts Map to a Plugin?

Most of what you built carries over under a new name. Some of it doesn't.

If your GPT relied heavily on custom actions, plan some time to rebuild that part. Some builders have also reported that very large files were rejected during migration, so it's worth checking your files after you move them.

How Do I Migrate a Custom GPT to a Plugin?

OpenAI has added a "Migrate to plugin" option inside My GPTs. It converts the latest published version of your GPT. Earlier versions aren't included.

A few things to know before you press the button:

• The new plugin starts private, so only you can use it until you choose otherwise.
• The original GPT becomes read-only once you've migrated it.
• Your past conversations stay accessible.

Check the result after migrating. Run it with a few real questions from your day-to-day work and see whether the answers still sound right.

What Are Dots?

Dots are a new feature OpenAI launched on 29 September 2026 at DevDay. They are always-on assistants that work on tasks for you, rather than waiting for you to type a prompt.

Each Dot has its own cloud computer and browser, so it can carry out tasks on its own. It uses plugins to reach apps, with more than 4,000 available. You can also work with a Dot through Slack or Teams. You set one up from the desktop app or the browser, and you can set approval rules so it checks with you before it does certain things.

Like any AI tool, a Dot can make mistakes. Keep a person in the loop for anything involving customers, money or official filings.

Can I Use Dots in the UK?

It depends on your plan. At launch, Dots were available on ChatGPT Pro in most regions, but not in the EEA, Switzerland or the UK. Business Premium was available in all supported regions, including the UK. An Enterprise beta is run through admins.

Your first Dot is included at no extra cost. Free, Go, Plus and standard Business plans aren't eligible.

This is early days and the details may change, so check OpenAI's current help pages before you plan around it.

Do Plugins and Dots Do the Same Job?

No. They sit side by side, and they work together.

In short, a plugin gives ChatGPT the know-how. A Dot is the thing that goes off and uses it.

What Should a Small Business Do Now?

There's no need to rush, but the December date is firm enough to plan around.

1. List your custom GPTs. Note which ones your team actually uses.
2. Back up the instructions and files. Copy the instructions into a document and keep the original knowledge files somewhere safe.
3. Migrate the ones that matter. Use "Migrate to plugin" and test the result.
4. Rebuild what didn't transfer. Custom actions, model choice and sharing settings need setting up again.
5. Try a Dot only if your plan allows it. Start with one small, low-risk task and keep approvals switched on.

If you're still working out where AI fits in your business, our post on optimising ChatGPT and other AI for your small business is a useful companion to this one.

FAQs

When are custom GPTs being retired?

OpenAI has scheduled this for 11 December 2026. Enterprise accounts with an approved deferral have until 11 February 2027.

Will I lose my custom GPT?

Not if you migrate it. The "Migrate to plugin" option converts the latest published version. After that, the original becomes read-only and your conversations stay accessible.

What happens to my GPT's instructions and knowledge files?

Instructions become a skill. Knowledge files become reference files.

What doesn't carry over to a plugin?

Custom actions, the model you selected and your sharing settings don't transfer, so you'll need to set those up again.

Are Dots the same as plugins?

No. Plugins package skills, reference files and apps. Dots are separate assistants that use plugins to get things done.

Can I get Dots on my UK account?

At launch, UK ChatGPT Pro accounts weren't included. Business Premium was available in the UK. Check OpenAI's current help pages, as eligibility may change.

This article is for general information only. It reflects what OpenAI had published as of October 2026, and dates, plans and availability may change. Please check OpenAI's help pages for the latest details before making decisions.