Last updated: March 5, 2026
ChatGPT may fail to load, show error messages like "Something went wrong", give incomplete responses, or become completely unresponsive. This affects both free and paid users and can interrupt important work or conversations.
Server overload: High traffic periods can cause ChatGPT to slow down or go offline.
Browser issues: Corrupted cache or incompatible browser extensions can prevent ChatGPT from loading.
Internet connection: A weak or unstable connection can cause timeouts.
Account issues: Free tier rate limits or subscription problems can restrict access.
OpenAI outage: The service may be experiencing a platform-wide outage.
• Visit status.openai.com to check if there's an ongoing outage.
• Check Twitter/X @OpenAI for any announcements about service issues.
• If there's an outage, wait for OpenAI to resolve it.
• Press Ctrl+Shift+R (or Cmd+Shift+R on Mac) to hard refresh the page.
• Clear browser cache: Settings > Privacy > Clear Browsing Data.
• Try loading ChatGPT in an incognito or private browsing window.
• If ChatGPT isn't working in Chrome, try Firefox, Edge, or Safari.
• Disable browser extensions, especially ad blockers, that may interfere.
• Make sure your browser is updated to the latest version.
• Test your internet speed at fast.com.
• Try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
• Restart your router if the connection is unstable.
• Click your profile icon in ChatGPT and select "Log Out".
• Clear your browser cookies for openai.com.
• Log back in and try again.
• If the web version isn't working, try the ChatGPT app on iOS or Android.
• The mobile app sometimes works when the website is having issues.
• Download it from the App Store or Google Play Store.
If ChatGPT is not working and there's no reported outage, contact OpenAI support at help.openai.com. Plus and Team subscribers have priority support access.
Q: Why does ChatGPT say "at capacity"?
A: This happens during peak usage times when too many users are accessing the service. ChatGPT Plus subscribers get priority access during high-traffic periods. Try again in a few minutes.
Q: Why are ChatGPT responses cut off mid-sentence?
A: This can happen due to token limits or server issues. Type "continue" to get the rest of the response. If it keeps happening, try starting a new conversation.
Q: Is ChatGPT free?
A: Yes, ChatGPT has a free tier. ChatGPT Plus costs $20/month and offers faster responses, priority access, and access to the latest models.
Q: Can I use ChatGPT without an account?
A: OpenAI has introduced limited access without an account, but for the full experience and conversation history, creating a free account is recommended.