Why Is ChatGPT Not Working in 2025? 20 Solutions to Fix It Fast

ChatGPT is one of the most powerful AI tools available today, used by millions of people for writing, research, coding, learning, and creative tasks. However, ChatGPT sometimes stops working, becomes slow, crashes, fails to log in, or displays unexpected error messages. This issue can be frustrating, especially when you’re working on something urgent.

So, why is ChatGPT not working in 2025? And how can you fix it quickly?
In this ultimate troubleshooting guide, we will explore the most common reasons ChatGPT stops working, and provide 20 proven fixes that help restore functionality. We will also cover frequently asked error messages, ChatGPT mobile issues, Chrome issues, app problems, and free alternatives you can use temporarily if the service is down.

Why Is ChatGPT Not Working? Most Common Reasons

There are many possible causes behind ChatGPT failures. Here are the most frequent ones:

1. Server Outage

ChatGPT relies on OpenAI’s servers. If the servers are down, ChatGPT won’t load or may stop responding.

2. High Traffic / System Capacity

When too many users are online, the system becomes overloaded, causing delays or temporary access limits—especially on the free plan.

3. Slow or Unstable Internet

A weak internet connection can prevent ChatGPT from loading responses or cause network errors.

4. Browser Cache or Corrupted Cookies

Saved browser data may interfere with functionality and cause redirect loops or login failures.

5. Conflicting Browser Extensions

Extensions like script blockers, ad blockers, VPN extensions, and privacy tools can break ChatGPT’s interface.

6. VPN or Proxy Interference

Some VPNs block OpenAI’s system or change location frequently, which can trigger security checks.

7. Using an Outdated Browser / App

The ChatGPT app or browser version may need an update.

8. IP or Firewall Restrictions

Some workplaces, colleges, or countries restrict access to AI tools.

9. Device-Level Issues

Low memory or technical errors on your device may stop the application from functioning.

How to Fix ChatGPT Not Working

Try the following step-by-step fixes to restore access.

1. Refresh the Page

Minor temporary glitches can sometimes be solved simply by refreshing.

Shortcut:

• Windows: Ctrl + R
• Mac: Command + R

2. Log Out and Log Back In

This resets your session and clears temporary authentication issues.

3. Clear Browser Cache & Cookies

Corrupted cookies often cause redirect loops, blank screens, or login issues.

How to Clear Cookies (Chrome example):

1. Open Chrome
2. Click Menu (three dots)
3. Go to Settings ? Privacy & Security ? Clear Browsing Data
4. Check Cookies & Cached Images
5. Time range: All time
6. Click Clear

Try opening ChatGPT again.

4. Disable Browser Extensions

Some extensions interfere with scripts used by ChatGPT.

Steps:

• Open chrome://extensions/
• Turn everything Off
• Refresh ChatGPT
• Enable extensions one by one to find the problematic one

Extensions that frequently cause issues:

Type	Example
VPN/Proxy	HMA VPN, Hola VPN
Ad blockers	uBlock Origin, AdGuard
Script blockers	NoScript

5. Try Incognito Mode

Incognito disables extensions temporarily and bypasses stored data.

Shortcut:
Ctrl + Shift + N / Command + Shift + N

6. Try Another Browser or Device

Try switching:

• Chrome ? Firefox / Edge / Safari
• PC ? Mobile
• Mobile network ? Wi-Fi

If it works elsewhere ? issue is local.

7. Check Your Internet Speed

Use a test site (e.g., fast.com). If slow, restart your router.

8. Turn Off VPN / Proxy

VPNs can cause access blocks and verification loops.

? 9. Reset Network Settings / IP Address

On Windows:

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

10. Change DNS Server

Use public DNS to solve network routing problems.

DNS Server	Address
Google DNS	8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4
Cloudflare DNS	1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1

11. Fix Too Many Redirects Error

If ChatGPT is stuck in a redirect loop:

• Clear cookies
• Use Incognito mode
• Disable extensions

12. Update the ChatGPT Mobile App

Outdated versions crash frequently.

13. Force Restart or Reinstall the App

On iPhone:

• Swipe up & close the app
• Reinstall if needed

On Android:

• Clear storage & cache
• Reinstall app

14. Check OpenAI Server Status

If the issue is global ? wait for resolution.

Search “OpenAI Status” on Google.

15. Upgrade to ChatGPT Plus

Free users may face capacity errors.

Benefits:

• Guaranteed access during peak traffic
• Faster responses
• Early access to new features
• Access to GPT-4 or later models

16. Ask ChatGPT Support

Go to help.openai.com and contact support via chat bubble.

17. Update Your Device Operating System

Outdated OS versions may block secure scripts.

18. Disable Firewall or Parental Controls

Especially common in schools & workplaces.

19. Check Account Ban, Suspicious Location or Abuse Flag

ChatGPT may restrict accounts that trigger:

• unusual activity
• high-speed request automation
• multi-device session switching

20. Use ChatGPT Alternatives temporarily

If you urgently need help, try other tools (see list below).

Common ChatGPT Error Messages & How to Fix Them

Error Message	Meaning	Solution
ChatGPT is at capacity right now	High traffic	Try later, refresh, or upgrade to Plus
Network Error	Bad internet / long responses	Improve network, shorten prompts
Too Many Redirects	Corrupted cookies	Clear cache & cookies
Something Went Wrong	Browser or script failure	Refresh or disable extensions
Signup is currently unavailable	Server overload	Try after 10–20 minutes
Unable to load conversation	Synced device error	Log out + log in
Error 1020 Access Denied	Security restriction	Disable VPN & proxies
Blank white screen on load	Cache conflict	Ctrl + F5 hard refresh

ChatGPT Not Working on Mobile? Try These Fixes

iPhone Fixes

• Update ChatGPT app from App Store
• Force quit app
• Restart device
• Turn off VPN
• Reinstall app

Android Fixes

• Clear app cache & data
• Restart device
• Reinstall
• Update Google Play WebView

ChatGPT Not Working on Chrome?

Try:

• Clear cookies
• Disable extensions
• Switch to Incognito
• Update Chrome to latest version
• Try Edge / Firefox

Best ChatGPT Alternatives in 2025

If ChatGPT continues failing, try these AI tools:

Alternative	Best For	Key Features
Google Gemini (Bard)	Research & real-time data	Internet access, math & logic tasks
Microsoft Copilot / Bing Chat	Rewriting, coding, document AI	Built-in search & image generation
Perplexity AI	Research, citations	Sources included, fast
Claude AI	Long-form writing	Large context window
HuggingChat	Custom models	Open-source
ChatSonic	Content creation	Social tools & editing
Pi AI	Personal conversations & coaching	Emotional-style responses

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is ChatGPT not working right now?

The most common reason is a server outage or high traffic overload. ChatGPT goes down when too many users are active or when OpenAI performs system maintenance. You can check the server status on the OpenAI status page and retry later. Local browser or network issues may also cause failures, so try clearing cookies, disabling extensions, or switching networks.

2. Is ChatGPT down today?

Yes, ChatGPT experiences downtime occasionally due to maintenance or overload. If you cannot access it at all, it is most likely a server-side issue, not a problem with your device. Try refreshing, switching browsers, or temporarily using an alternative like Perplexity or Bing Chat.

3. Why is ChatGPT not working on Chrome?

Corrupt cookies, outdated extensions, or disabled JavaScript may break ChatGPT on Chrome. Clear cache and cookies, disable extensions, try Incognito mode, and update the browser to restore access.

4. Why is ChatGPT not working on my phone?

This usually happens due to outdated app versions, network problems, or system restrictions. Restart your phone, update or reinstall the app, and try disabling VPN or proxy networks.

5. How long will ChatGPT be down?

Most outages last 15–60 minutes, depending on maintenance complexity. OpenAI publishes official updates on its status page, so keep checking for real-time progress.

Conclusion

ChatGPT is an incredibly powerful tool for writing, research, productivity, coding, and learning—but it’s not perfect. It can stop working due to server downtime, browser issues, network problems, extensions, corrupted cookies, or app-level issues.

Thankfully, in most cases, the problem can be resolved by:

• Refreshing the session
• Clearing cache & disabling extensions
• Restarting browser / network
• Trying a different device or browser
• Turning off VPN
• Updating the ChatGPT app
• Checking server status
• Upgrading to ChatGPT Plus to avoid peak-time restrictions

If nothing works, switching to a temporary alternative ensures you don’t lose productivity.