ChatGPT Not Working? 9 Easy Ways to Fix It

What to do when ChatGPT stops working? It can be a frustrating experience, and in this article, we will guide you on how to fix the ChatGPT not working problem. 

Why is ChatGPT not Working?

There are several reasons why chatGPT won’t work, typically involving server issues or problems on the user’s end.

1. ChatGPT Not Working on Various Browsers

Common issues with ChatGPT across various browsers often start from issues related to browser cache, cookies, extensions, and browser versions. Users may experience disruptions such as unresponsiveness or errors. 

2. ChatGPT is at Capacity Error

The “ChatGPT is at Capacity” error typically indicates that the ChatGPT service is experiencing high traffic or usage beyond its current capacity. That might be due to periods of increased usage, such as peak hours, or a surge in the number of users trying to access the service simultaneously. 

This message serves as a notification to users that the service is unable to accommodate further requests. As a result, users may be temporarily unable to interact with ChatGPT until the system’s capacity is increased or the traffic subsides. 

3. ChatGPT Failed to Get Service Status

The error suggests that there was an issue in obtaining the current status of the  ChatGPT service. This error might be caused by various factors, including temporary server disruptions, network connectivity problems, or issues with the service’s backend infrastructure. 

When this error occurs, it indicates a failure in retrieving information about the operational status of the ChatGPT service. Users may experience difficulties accessing or interacting with the service until the underlying problem is addressed.

4. ChatGPT Error – Too Many Redirects

This problem indicates an abnormal redirection loop occurring when attempting to access the ChatGPT service. 

It typically arises when a webpage or service redirects the user’s browser in a continuous loop, preventing it from reaching its intended destination. The constant redirection can be caused by misconfigurations in the website’s server settings, issues with the user’s browser, or problems with the service itself.

Whether you’re experiencing ‘ChatGPT not working on Chrome‘, receiving a frustrating ‘something went wrong with ChatGPT‘ message, or dealing with ‘ChatGPT keeps crashing‘, our guide aims to address these issues head-on.

How to Fix ChatGPT Not Working Issue

In the tutorial below, we will show you how to fix the ChatGPT not working error.

1. Checking ChatGPT Server Status

The first and foremost way is to verify whether the servers are operational or down. You can check for any reported outages, maintenance activities, or technical issues on the official ChatGPT status page, service provider announcements, etc.

2. Clearing Browser Cookies and Cache

As mentioned above, over time, cookies and cached data stored by the browser can become corrupted or outdated, leading to errors in accessing or interacting with ChatGPT. 

By clearing these temporary files, users can ensure a fresh connection to the service, eliminating potential conflicts and improving the overall performance. 

Here is how to clear your browser cookies and cache:

• Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome on your computer.
2. Click on the “ ፧ ” at the top right (More).
3. Navigate to “More tools” and then select “Clear browsing data.”
4. Choose a time range at the top 
5. Check the boxes next to “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.”
6. Click “Clear data.”
7. Restart your browser and attempt to access ChatGPT again.

• Mozilla Firefox

1. Navigate to the menu button ☰ and choose “Settings.”
2. Go to the Privacy & Security panel.
3. In the “Cookies and Site Data” section, click on “Clear Data.”
4. Uncheck the box next to “Cookies and Site Data.”
5. Ensure the “Cached Web Content” box is checked, then click the “Clear” button.
6. Restart your browser and proceed to access the service once

• Microsoft Edge

1. Navigate to “Settings.”
2. Click on “Privacy.”
3. Access “Browser data” using Ctrl + Shift + Del (Alternatively, you can input “edge://settings/clearbrowserdata” into the URL bar.
4. Following these steps, restart your browser and proceed to access the service once more

If the problem persists, it is less likely to be a browser-specific issue.

3. Disabling all extensions

Extensions, while useful, can sometimes interfere with the proper functioning of web services. Certain extensions in your web browser might be triggering issues with ChatGPT, leading to the occurrence of error 1020 access denied.

To address the problem, do the following:

• Click on the “Extensions” icon located in the corner of your browser to access the “Manage extensions” menu.
• Review all installed extensions and then remove them promptly.

4. Ensuring Stable Internet Connection

A fundamental solution to address any error is a reliable and consistent internet connection because it is the key to seamless communication between the user’s device and the ChatGPT servers.

Improve your connection, and it will  involve troubleshooting issues such as slow network speeds, intermittent connectivity, or disruptions caused by network congestion.

5. Trying Different Browsers or Devices

If ChatGPT is unresponsive on your browsers, try switching to alternative browsers like Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, etc. This not only broadens compatibility but also assists in pinpointing the root cause of the issue, whether it is browser-specific.

If the problem persists, attempting ChatGPT on another device is necessary.  Test it on various devices such as computers, tablets, or smartphones, helping rule out hardware or operating system-related problems.

6. Advanced Troubleshooting Steps

If you have already tried all basic solutions available without results, opt for advanced troubleshooting steps to see if your problem is fixed. These include:

Flush DNS and Change DNS Server

Flushing the DNS cache helps clear any outdated or corrupted domain name resolution data. Users can do this by opening the command prompt of each operating system (for example: CMD for Windows, Terminal for MacOS) and entering the command:

• Windows: “ipconfig /flushdns.”
• MacOS: “sudo dscacheutil -flushcache”; “sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder” (the latest software version)

Changing the DNS server involves switching to an alternative DNS provider, such as Google DNS or OpenDNS, to potentially improve the reliability of domain name resolution.

You can navigate through network settings based on your operating system. 

• Windows: access the Control Panel, go to “Network and Sharing Center,” and modify the DNS settings for your active network connection. 
• Mac: open “System Preferences,” select “Network,” and add DNS servers in the advanced settings. 

Common choices include Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220). 

The steps may vary, and for more details, it’s advisable to search for specific instructions based on your operating system.

Reset IP Address

Resetting the IP address is another network-related troubleshooting step. Users can release and renew their IP address by using the command prompt.

• Windows: execute “ipconfig /release” followed by “ipconfig /renew.”
• MacOS: use the “sudo ipconfig set en0 DHCP” command to achieve a similar effect, ensuring a fresh IP address assignment from the DHCP server.

There are several other ways to approach this solution without using the command line.

Check for VPN Extensions and Conflicts

The presence of VPN extensions in the web browser can lead to certain issues with ChatGPT, causing error 1020. Users should check their browser extensions, particularly those related to VPN services, and disable or remove them if present, similar to the process of disabling all extensions.

7. Seeking Additional Help

Lastly, asking a favor and utilizing benefits from the developer and system is an ideal solution if you cannot fix the error with the previous methods.

Contacting ChatGPT Support

Users can contact support through the official channels provided by the service, which may include 

• Email
• FAQ page
• Helpdesk tickets
• Community forums

ChatGPT support can provide personalized guidance, address specific concerns, and offer solutions to technical issues. 

8. Using ChatGPT Plus

ChatGPT Plus offers priority access during peak hours. So if the problem comes from the peak usage hour, then upgrading to ChatGPT Plus might be a good idea.

9. Exploring ChatGPT Alternatives

When ChatGPT encounters downtime, you can explore some ChatGPT alternatives, such as:

• MarketersPen
• GetGenie.Ai
• Frase
• Copi.ai
• Jasper Chat
• Gemini AI
• Otter
• Bing AI
• OpenAI Playground
• Perplexity AI 

Is There a Better Time to Use ChatGPT? Understanding Peak Hours

Yes. There is a better time to use ChatGPT to avoid the ChatGPT not working error.

The optimal time to use ChatGPT may vary based on your time zone. Typically, peak usage occurs during the afternoon, from 1 PM to 4 PM. Weekends generally experience reduced traffic.

Additionally, considering that Europe and the US have the highest user bases, accessing ChatGPT during their sleep hours may enhance site accessibility due to decreased demand.

Final Thoughts 

As suggested, when ChatGPT doesn’t work, you can consider our solutions, such as avoid peak usage hours, explore alternatives, and stay informed about fixes.