The Tool Desk
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What “offline” means for a ChatGPT Dot
OpenAI describes a Dot as having a cloud computer and browser. That means the Dot’s cloud work does not depend on your own computer staying on. It does not mean the Dot runs on your device without a network connection. OpenAI also notes that website sessions in the Dot’s browser are separate from sessions in your personal browser. OpenAI’s computer and app guide explains the cloud and local-computer distinction.
There are three different ways a Dot can be connected, and they provide different access:
| Connection | What it enables | Requirement or limit |
|---|---|---|
| Dot cloud computer | Cloud tasks and browsing in the Dot’s own environment. | Work can continue when your personal computer is off; website sessions are separate from your personal browser. Source: OpenAI. |
| Connected app or plugin | Access to supported service information and actions. | The service must be supported, installed, and enabled, and the permissions configured for it apply. Source: OpenAI. |
| Connected personal computer | Access to local files, code, apps, and tasks on that computer. | One personal computer at a time; it must be online and the ChatGPT app must be open while the Dot uses it. Sources: OpenAI and OpenAI Help Center. |
How to set up a Dot and connect apps
1. Check that your account can use Dots
Availability depends on plan, region, and workspace settings, and OpenAI describes the rollout as gradual. Its current Help Center page says Dots are rolling out to Pro users outside the EEA, Switzerland, and UK; Business Premium users across supported ChatGPT regions; and Enterprise users when a workspace administrator enables the beta. Rollout details can change, so check your ChatGPT account and, for a work account, ask your workspace administrator. See OpenAI’s current setup and availability guidance.
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2. Create the Dot on desktop
Start in the ChatGPT desktop app or on desktop web and follow the onboarding prompts. OpenAI says Dot creation is not currently supported on mobile, and mobile web is not supported for this setup. The overview is at Meet dots.
3. Connect only the services the task needs
Choose supported apps or plugins that are installed and enabled for your account. Review the connected account and the actions it permits: an app connection does not grant unrestricted access, and its configured permissions constrain what the Dot can do. Supported connections and permissions are described in OpenAI’s app connection guide.
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4. Grant local computer access only if needed
If the task requires local files, code, or applications, connect your personal computer from the Dot profile in the ChatGPT app and approve access. Keep that computer online and the ChatGPT app open while the Dot is using it. This local connection is separate from the Dot’s cloud computer.
5. Treat messaging as a separate connection
You can use a supported messaging channel to communicate with a Dot, but adding a way to message it does not connect your inbox, other apps, or personal computer. App access and local-computer access require their own setup and permissions. The setup overview lists these distinct connection types: Meet dots.
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Does a Dot sync with more than 4,000 apps?
Tom’s Guide reported in 2026 that Dots could connect to more than 4,000 apps through plugins: Tom’s Guide’s report. OpenAI’s reviewed setup documentation confirms supported app connections but does not state that count. Treat “over 4,000” as a secondary publication’s figure, not an official OpenAI total or a guarantee that all those services are available to your account.
“Connect” also should not be read as automatic, continuous synchronization of every service’s data. The Dot can use supported apps that are available and enabled for the account, subject to their permissions and environment. Actual availability can vary.
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How to disconnect an app—and what happens to its data
If you no longer want a Dot to access a connected app, disconnect that app in the Dot’s settings. Disconnecting stops the connection, but OpenAI says it does not delete information the Dot already obtained from the app. OpenAI’s guidance says deleting the Dot is required to delete that information. Review the Help Center’s data and deletion guidance before removing a Dot.
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