OpenAI has begun testing a new feature that allows users to sign up for ChatGPT with just a phone number, eliminating the need for an email address. This feature is currently in beta in the U.S. and India, and was first spotted by software engineer Tibor Blaho.
Limitations of the New Sign-Up Feature
While the phone number sign-up option offers more convenience, there are a few limitations. Users who sign up with their phone number cannot upgrade to OpenAI's paid plans, such as ChatGPT Plus or ChatGPT Pro, without verifying their account via email. Multi-factor authentication is also not supported without a valid email. Additionally, once a phone number is used to create a ChatGPT account, it cannot be reused for creating other accounts.
OpenAI clarified that “recycled or reused phone numbers can lead to errors,” with no current workaround. If an issue arises, users are advised to contact support or wait for a system update expected in 2025 to resolve the problem.
Geographic Availability
OpenAI has no immediate plans to extend the phone number-only sign-ups to other regions. However, the company continues to explore ways to simplify access to its products, particularly ChatGPT, and enhance user engagement.
Recent OpenAI Initiatives
OpenAI has also rolled out a phone-based ChatGPT service in the U.S., offering 15 free minutes of interaction per month. Additionally, OpenAI brought ChatGPT to WhatsApp, albeit with limited functionality, restricting the number of interactions per day.
Growth and Financial Challenges
With over 300 million weekly users, OpenAI’s ChatGPT continues to drive substantial revenue, expected to reach $3.7 billion in 2024. However, despite raising over $6.6 billion last year, the company is still not profitable, having lost around $5 billion in fiscal year 2024 due to high expenditures including office rent, staffing, and AI training infrastructure. OpenAI is considering increasing subscription prices and exploring usage-based pricing for certain services.
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