OpenAI has launched a beta feature allowing new ChatGPT users in the US and India to register with just a phone number, removing the requirement for an email address.

However, this feature comes with specific limitations. Users who sign up with a phone number cannot upgrade to paid plans, such as ChatGPT Plus or Pro, without email verification.

Multi-factor authentication also requires an email, and phone numbers used for account creation cannot be reused.

OpenAI has said that there are currently no plans to expand phone number-only signups to other regions.

This initiative is part of OpenAI’s effort to expand access to its products.

Recent OpenAI developments