Fact · Dictation in your apps
OpenAI says audio from ChatGPT dictation is kept for as long as the chat stays in your chat history, and that deleting the chat removes the audio clip within 30 days, with exceptions for security or legal reasons.
Checked against its source on October 17, 2026
In the source's own words
“Audio from dictation will be retained for as long as the chat is part of your chat history.”
Voice Dictation - FAQ (OpenAI Help Center), OpenAI, OpenAI Help Center, 2026, How long do you retain audio from dictation?.
Open the original- What it measures
- The FAQ's answer on retention continues that deleting the chat deletes the associated audio clip within 30 days, unless OpenAI must keep it for security or legal reasons.
- What it does not show
- This is OpenAI's stated policy for consumer and business accounts as shown in the FAQ. The FAQ does not give the retention for the transcription request itself.
Source
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