OpenAI removes text limits for ChatGPT free tier in August 2026 shift
Free and Go account holders can now send unlimited messages, but access to premium models and advanced features remains gated behind subscriptions.
OpenAI has announced significant changes to the ChatGPT free tier and Go account parameters, effective the week of August 10, 2026. The primary adjustment removes text message rate limits for these users, replacing the previous rolling five-hour window structure with a single weekly limit. This move comes as ChatGPT reaches one billion monthly active users, placing it on par with competitor Google’s Gemini app.
As of August 2026, free and Go account users can send unlimited text messages to ChatGPT. However, access to the company's larger models, including GPT-5.6 Terra and Sol, requires a paid subscription or API pricing. Free accounts are now restricted to using the GPT-5.6 Luna model, which is the smallest in the GPT-5.6 family.
Free accounts are also limited to a single reasoning mode via the Think button, without the slider options available to subscribers. The ChatGPT Library for file uploads has a 500MB limit for free accounts. Voice mode is available to free users but defaults to the smaller Live-1 mini model.
OpenAI's Codex and Work tools are accessible to free users, though usage is limited; Work is only accessible via the ChatGPT desktop app. OpenAI no longer structures limits around a rolling five-hour window, a change made in July 2026. Users now have a single weekly limit, though exact usage limits are not publicly disclosed by OpenAI.
Free users may encounter ads in a "sponsored" section below responses, which are related to the user's prompt. Ads are excluded when discussing sensitive topics such as personal health or mental wellbeing. Ads are present on the $8 per month Go tier but not on the $20 per month Pro plan and above.
All free accounts are enrolled in model training by default; users can opt out via the desktop website. This shift occurs as ChatGPT reaches one billion monthly active users, matching competitor Google’s Gemini app, which has 63 per cent of users engaging via voice features.
