ChatGPT Plugins Service

As of March 19, 2025, ChatGPT plugins have been phased out and replaced by GPTs. GPTs are standalone AI models that offer similar functionalities to plugins but with improved capabilities and easier integration.

3/4/20253 min read

ChatGPT Plugins Service
ChatGPT Plugins Service

ChatGPT plugins were tools specifically designed to extend the functionality of the ChatGPT model. These plugins allowed ChatGPT to access up-to-date information, perform computations, or use third-party services, enhancing its capabilities beyond its core functionalities. Plugins worked by leveraging predefined application programming interfaces (APIs) to interact with and enhance the software, enabling a wide range of applications from obtaining travel recommendations to performing mathematical solutions and data analysis1.

However, as of March 19, 2025, ChatGPT plugins have been phased out and replaced by GPTs. GPTs are standalone AI models that offer similar functionalities to plugins but with improved capabilities and easier integration. This transition was driven by the preference of both developers and end-users for GPTs, which offer full feature parity with plugins along with new functionalities. Users are no longer able to install new plugins or start new conversations with existing ones. OpenAI encourages users to search for GPT replacements in the GPT store. It is important to note that ongoing plugin conversations continued to work until April 9, 2025, providing a grace period to wrap up activities34.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that OpenAI has stated that GPTs already offered full feature parity with plugins, along with an array of new functionalities that were developed in response to user requests. This further highlights the transition from plugins to GPTs as a move towards more integrated and user-friendly AI tools3.

This corrected information should provide a more accurate overview of the transition from ChatGPT plugins to GPTs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are ChatGPT plugins?

A: ChatGPT plugins were add-on tools designed to enhance the core functionality of ChatGPT. They allowed the model to access up-to-date information, use third-party services, and run computations, extending its capabilities beyond its basic features.

Q: Why were ChatGPT plugins phased out?

A: ChatGPT plugins were phased out because they were replaced by GPTs, which offer similar functionalities but with improved capabilities and easier integration. The transition was driven by the preference of both developers and end-users for GPTs, which provide full feature parity with plugins along with new functionalities.

Q: What are GPTs?

A: GPTs are standalone AI models that offer a range of functionalities similar to those provided by ChatGPT plugins. They are designed to be more integrated and user-friendly, offering features like browsing, DALL·E, and Code Interpreter, along with preset starter prompts for ease of use.

Q: Can I still use ChatGPT plugins?

A: As of March 19, 2025, users are no longer able to install new plugins or start new conversations with existing ones. However, ongoing plugin conversations continued to work until April 9, 2025, providing a grace period to wrap up activities. OpenAI encourages users to search for GPT replacements in the GPT store.

Q: How do I find a replacement for a specific plugin?

A: OpenAI suggests searching for a GPT replacement in the GPT store. The store has a search functionality that allows you to search for the name or other details about a plugin that you used. This should help you find a GPT that offers similar or enhanced functionalities.

Q: What are the benefits of using GPTs over plugins?

A: GPTs offer several benefits, including improved capabilities, easier integration, and a wider range of functionalities. They are designed to be more versatile and scalable, reducing dependencies on third-party services and providing a more seamless user experience.

Q: How can I create my own GPT?

A: To create your own GPT, you can use the tools and resources provided by OpenAI. This may involve using their APIs and following their documentation to develop a custom GPT tailored to your specific needs or use cases.

Q: What should I do if I encounter issues with GPTs?

A: If you encounter issues with GPTs, you can refer to OpenAI's documentation or seek support from their community forums. Additionally, OpenAI encourages developers and researchers to submit evaluations related to GPT safety and capabilities as part of their Evals framework.