This site is not affiliated with ChatGPT; this is an independent explanation.
ChatGPT not working is easy to spot: the chat may load forever, show a red error under your message, stop halfway through an answer, or refuse to log you in. Because it is an online AI chat service, it depends on its servers, your connection and your browser all at once, and a fault in any one of them looks the same.
Begin by working out if the fault is widespread or limited to your own setup. After that, the fixes are short and safe. If your message stops with a specific stream error, there is a separate guide for ChatGPT error in message stream.
Common causes
1Service outage or heavy demand
How to tellErrors appear for many users, status page shows an incident
What fixes itWait and retry later; nothing on your side helps
2Browser cache or cookies
How to tellOpens fine in incognito, fails in the usual window
What fixes itClear site data for the chat website
3Extension or ad blocker interfering
How to tellPage loads blank or the reply never starts
What fixes itTurn extensions off or use a private window
4VPN or unstable network
How to tellConstant network error or verification loops
What fixes itDisconnect the VPN and switch networks
5Very long chat
How to tellOne old conversation fails while new chats work
What fixes itStart a new chat and paste only what you need
6Old app version
How to tellPhone app fails but the website works
What fixes itInstall the newest app version
7Usage limit reached
How to tellMessage says you reached a limit for now
What fixes itWait until the limit resets
How to fix it, step by step
Check the official status page
Check the status page run by the service, or its verified account on social media. If it lists a current incident, wait. Reloading or reinstalling will not help during an outage.
Refresh once and start a new chat
Press Ctrl + Shift + R gives a hard reload on a computer. Next, begin a new conversation with a single short greeting. If that works, your old conversation is the problem.
Open a private or incognito window
Log in there. If the chat works, the issue is saved data or an extension in your normal browser.
Turn off extensions and VPN
Disable ad blockers, script blockers and any VPN, then test again. These tools often interfere with the live typing of replies.
Clear site data
In your browser settings, find site data for the chat website and clear its cookies and cache. Expect to sign in once more afterwards, so have your login method at hand.
Try another browser or device
Open it on your phone using mobile data. If it works there, your computer or Wi-Fi is the cause. See internet not working when other websites also struggle.
Update or reinstall the phone app
Update from the app store. If trouble remains, remove the app, fetch it afresh and sign in. Chats are saved to your account.
Fix login loops
If the login page keeps returning, check that cookies are allowed, date and time are correct, and try the password reset option from the official page only.
Why is ChatGPT not working today in India
Many readers search this when replies slow down at busy hours. High demand can cause slow answers, short errors or a message that capacity is full. This is not tied to one country. Try again after a short time, and avoid sending the same message many times.
Test on a different network to rule out your own connection. A mobile hotspot from a friend is a simple check, as in mobile hotspot not working if sharing fails.
Messages and what they point to
| What you see | Likely cause | Try |
|---|---|---|
| Something went wrong | Temporary server or session fault | Reload, new chat |
| Network error | Your connection or VPN | Switch network, turn off VPN |
| Too many requests | Sending too fast, or a limit | Wait several minutes |
| Reply stops mid way | Connection drop or long chat | Press regenerate, or start a new chat |
| Blank page | Extension or cache | Private window |
You send a question and a red line appears: Something went wrong. If this issue persists please contact us. Open the status page first. If it shows no incident, try a private window.
Account safety while troubleshooting
Only log in on the official website or app. Do not enter your password on pages found through ads or messages that say your account is locked. Never share verification codes. Do not paste passwords, bank details or other private data into any chat.
Other chat tools behave similarly
The same checks apply to other AI chat services, for example another assistant app and a search company assistant. For a broader list see apps and websites not working.
Frequently asked questions
Why is ChatGPT not working today?
Either the service is busy or down, or something on your side is blocking it, such as an extension, cache or VPN. Check the official status page, then test in a private window.
Why is ChatGPT not working on Chrome but fine on my phone?
The browser is the likely cause. Try a private window, disable extensions, clear site data for the website, or use another browser.
Why does ChatGPT say too many requests?
You are sending messages too fast, or you have reached a usage limit. Wait a few minutes or until the limit resets, and send one message at a time.
Why does my chat stop halfway through the answer?
The connection may have dropped or the conversation is very long. Reload the page, regenerate the answer, or start a new chat.
Is my account lost if the app will not open?
No. Your chats and account are stored online. Updating or reinstalling the app and logging in restores them.