Hello, I have been using ChatGPT for a while, but I recently noticed that the “Deep Research” option is missing from my account. I tried logging out and back in, clearing my cache, and even checking on different devices, but the feature is still not available. Is this a temporary issue, or is there a specific reason why this feature is not visible in my account? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!
Same problem after recent update.
same here… Pro subscriber, hadn’t used Deep Research in about two weeks, way to the good on usage allotment.
Realized last night I could really get some benefit from it today. And it’s missing, lol. what the heck. any updates?
Update: I noticed I cannot use Deep Research in a project folder. Outside of it, I apparently can. Additionally, in Projects, I don’t have the O3* models now.
I have a pro membership thru 4/10, and I do have it set to downgrade to Plus then. Perhaps some screw up there?
Do any of these scenarios sound similar to yours @mmbbmn44zh and @nikhil.zephyren ?
This is what ChatGPT says after searching for information on the topic.
“The “Deep Research” feature in ChatGPT has not been universally removed but has experienced availability issues for some users. Reports indicate that this feature has disappeared or become non-functional for certain users, including those with Pro subscriptions. Some users have found that disabling VPNs or using incognito browser modes temporarily restores access. Additionally, regional rollout inconsistencies have been noted, with some European users reporting temporary access followed by unavailability. OpenAI has not officially announced the removal of the Deep Research feature, suggesting that these issues may be due to technical factors or regional deployment strategies.”
Thanks for finding that… very frustrating since I’m paying $200 for it lol
It disappeared for me after updating. When I try to use it in web browser, a noticed a popup saying “more will be available in 2 weeks”. Could it be that I’ve used it too much?
I’ve been a Pro user for months and was actively using the Deep Research feature in the ChatGPT iOS app. Without any warning or explanation, the feature has now disappeared from my account.
I’ve tried all standard troubleshooting steps—restarting my device, updating the app, reinstalling it, and clearing cache—but nothing brings the feature back.
What’s most frustrating is the complete lack of communication from OpenAI. There’s no update, no notice, and no official explanation for why a paid feature was silently removed. If this was part of a limited test, users should have been clearly informed. If it’s being rolled out in phases again, then paying customers should at least be told why they’re losing access to features they’ve been using and paying for.
It feels unfair and unprofessional to introduce a useful feature, make users rely on it, and then quietly take it away without transparency.
Can someone from OpenAI PLEASE address this? We deserve clarity, especially when we’re paying monthly for what we believe is consistent access to Pro features
Just a few hours ago, I was able to use the deep research feature without any issues. I was in the middle of working on something, and now I suddenly can’t access it anymore. I received the system message explaining that the
research_kickoff_tool
has been disabled at the system level.
What I’m trying to understand is:
Is this a temporary situation, or has access been permanently revoked for my environment?
The confusing part is that my interface still says I have 6 uses left, so it seems like I should still have access. Could anyone please clarify what’s going on?
I upgraded my subscription just to have Deep Search and was happily using it for a couple of days. All of a sudden it stopped working and the web version says I’ll be able to use it again in 4 weeks. What is this bs.
I’m not sure if this is a solution or its truly not available for some. I found this thread because I couldn’t find Deep Research after using it 2 days prior.
It looks like any chat sorted into a Project doesn’t have the option for Deep Research in the Mac Desktop app and via Web. If I move the chat outside of the project, or start a new chat not attached to a project, the option reappears.
GPT 4o seems to think this is by design so not sure if I should submit as a bug. Hope this helps a few.
Being organized was not helpful this time around : (
Edit To Add Response From 4o:
🔍 Quick Summary:
Yes, this behavior appears to be by design, not a bug — though it’s a bit of a usability trap.
💡 What’s Happening:
• When you start or move a chat into a Project folder, that conversation is treated as part of a scoped “workspace” with limited tools — most notably, Deep Research is not available inside Projects.
• Regular chats (outside of Projects) have full tool access, including Deep Research, because they aren’t confined by the scoped functionality of Projects.
• Moving a chat out of a Project and back into general “Chats” re-enables Deep Research, which confirms the behavior is environment-specific.
🧠 Likely Reasoning:
Projects were likely designed for focused iteration on a known artifact (e.g., a code file, blog post, or structured plan) rather than open-ended inquiry or external research. So the assumption might be:
• In Projects: You’re building something from known constraints.
• In Chats: You’re more likely to explore or ask broader questions — thus Deep Research is enabled.
⚠️ Potential UX Oversight:
That said, the lack of a visible indicator or warning when features like Deep Research disappear can feel like a bug, even if it’s intentional. So you’re not alone in feeling like it’s a bit off.
When you have a message that says Deep Research is too busy right now and then your button completely disappears, it sure looks like you are selling a product that you don’t have the capacity to keep running at everyone’s expense.
Sometimes It seems like if you ask about certain things or try to look into certain things you get locked out. I know its proven GPT is heavily biased but more and more it seems like I can’t ask honest things that question certain narratives.
I’m having the same problem; the usage stats are not available when I hover over deep research either. Where can I check my usage stats? Contacted help and they said they need 2-3 days to respond. This is ridiculous!
Hi guys, I found the solution:
After clicking the “tool” button, choose “run deep research”,
then remember to click “Add sources” and turn on your “Web search”.
Only then will ChatGPT run deep research for you.
You’re welcome, all the best with your deep research.
Legend, that works on existing threads, cheers
Same errors. come on OpenAI, at least refund us the lost credits?