> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://wiki.platelunchcollective.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# OAI-SearchBot

> OAI-SearchBot is OpenAI's dedicated search crawler, used to index web content for ChatGPT's search features.

*Technical implementation* · *AI Search Infrastructure*

## Definition

OAI-SearchBot is OpenAI's dedicated search crawler, used to index web content for ChatGPT's search features. It is distinct from GPTBot, which crawls for training data. Blocking OAI-SearchBot in robots.txt removes content from ChatGPT search results entirely without affecting training data collection.

## Why It Matters for AI Search

The OAI-SearchBot / GPTBot distinction is the most commonly misunderstood aspect of ChatGPT crawl configuration. A site that blocks GPTBot to prevent training data collection does not affect ChatGPT search result eligibility — that is controlled by OAI-SearchBot separately. Each crawler can be allowed or blocked independently in robots.txt.

## Common Misconception

Blocking GPTBot prevents content from appearing in ChatGPT search results. It does not — GPTBot is the training data crawler. OAI-SearchBot is the search indexing crawler, and they are controlled separately.

## Related Terms

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="GPTBot" href="/ai-search-glossary/gptbot" />

  <Card title="PerplexityBot" href="/ai-search-glossary/perplexitybot" />

  <Card title="Indexability" href="/ai-search-glossary/indexability" />

  <Card title="Retrieval pipeline" href="/ai-search-glossary/retrieval-pipeline" />

  <Card title="AI Crawler" href="/ai-search-glossary/ai-crawler" />
</CardGroup>

## Relevant Plate Lunch Collective Services

[AI SEO](https://www.platelunchcollective.com/services/ai-seo)