OpenAI is bringing back a five-hour usage limit on Codex and ChatGPT Work for ChatGPT Plus subscribers.
The change takes effect from August 25, 2026. For several weeks, Plus users only faced a weekly usage cap after OpenAI temporarily removed the shorter limit. During that period, the company also issued several free usage resets to mark milestones, including growth in active users.
Thibault “Tibo” Sottiaux, OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex and ChatGPT, announced the decision on X. He said the five-hour limit helps smooth demand on the company’s computing systems. This allows OpenAI to keep weekly usage allowances relatively generous overall.
Sottiaux also explained that many Plus users are newer or more casual. Without the shorter window, some people accidentally used up their entire weekly allowance in a short time and then felt confused when the tools stopped working.
Once users hit either the five-hour or weekly limit, they can wait for the next reset cycle or buy extra credits to continue. OpenAI sometimes offers free resets or banked resets through promotions and referrals.
The five-hour limit will not apply to higher-tier Pro plans priced at $100 and $200 per month for the coming months. Enterprise and Edu accounts, which run on a separate credit-based system, remain unchanged.
The decision follows a stretch of heavy use of Codex and ChatGPT Work, especially after the launch of newer models that encouraged longer and more complex sessions.
Reference links
- https://9to5mac.com/2026/08/24/openai-restores-5-hour-codex-and-work-limits-for-chatgpt-plus-users/
- https://www.ndtvprofit.com/technology/openai-restores-5-hour-codex-work-limits-for-chatgpt-plus-users-11954656
- https://www.techmeme.com/260824/p40
