Troubleshooting

OpenAI Dots Not Working? 7 Fixes (Unofficial)

Your dot is set up but Slack, texting, scheduled tasks or computer access isn't working? Seven checks based on OpenAI's help page, with what to try for each.

Unofficial guide · Last updated Sep 30, 2026Independent guide, not affiliated with OpenAI

Short answer

If your dot exists but isn't doing what you expect, check seven things: whether it's paused, your Slack or text setup, computer access, scheduled tasks, a blocked cloud browser, your connected apps, and the gradual rollout. Most fixes are in your dot's profile in the ChatGPT desktop app. Can't create a dot at all? That's a different problem.

Can't create a dot at all? That's a plan, country or device issue, not a bug. Read why dots may be unavailable →

The steps below are for a dot that already exists. They come from OpenAI's help page. OpenAI hasn't published a troubleshooting guide yet, so we'll add fixes as they appear.

1. Check that it isn't paused

Open your dot's profile, select the ••• menu, and look for Pause. If your dot is paused it won't keep working. Select "Paused • Tap to resume" to start it again.

2. Slack or text isn't answering

Messaging channels are set up from the desktop app, not from your phone. Texting is a limited beta for Pro users in the US, so it may not be open to your account even if you're eligible. It also isn't available in Business or Enterprise workspaces.

If a text setup seems stuck, go back to the desktop app and follow the setup prompts again. Replying STOP stops texts from your dot.

3. It can't reach your files or computer

Your dot has its own cloud computer. Access to your own computer starts turned off. To turn it on, use the ChatGPT desktop app on that computer and confirm Allow access. To turn it off, confirm Revoke access.

4. A scheduled task didn't run

Open Scheduled in your dot's profile. You can see active, paused and completed tasks there, and change a task's repeat schedule, time or notifications.

5. A website blocked its cloud browser

With local computer access turned on, OpenAI says your dot can use your local browser when its cloud browser is blocked. Without that access, it can't.

6. A connected app isn't helping

Check the app's permissions under your dot's Customize → Plugins. If you disconnect an app, your dot keeps what it already learned from it. To remove that, you'd have to reset your dot.

7. The feature hasn't reached your account

OpenAI says features from DevDay are rolling out gradually and some may not be available to your account yet. If everything else looks right, wait and check again in a day or two.

Still stuck?

Ask your dot what it's stuck on. It can tell you when it needs a decision or approval from you.
Check your Custom rules. A rule that says "ask before taking action" can look like a stall.
As a last step, Reset. It deletes the dot's conversations, memories and scheduled tasks.

FAQ

Why did my dot stop replying?

It may be paused. Open its profile, select the ••• menu, and check for Paused. If it says Paused, tap to resume.

Can I make my dot start over?

Yes, with Reset in the ••• menu of its profile. Reset deletes its conversations, saved memories and scheduled tasks, so only use it as a last step.

Does OpenAI say dots can be wrong?

Yes. OpenAI says dots can make mistakes, including when following your rules, and tells users to check important details before relying on the result.

Sources

Last verified Sep 30, 2026

GetOpenAIDots is an independent, third-party guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by OpenAI. Facts on this page are checked against official sources where possible; unverified claims are marked accordingly.