At AndroidGuides, we're big fans of ChatGPT, the artificial intelligence that has revolutionized the digital world and transformed the way we interact with technology in our daily lives. We've already told you how. use ChatGPT 4 without paying ChatGPT Plus or how to enjoy the best chatbot integrated into WhatsApp. But, What can I do if ChatGPT doesn't work? This is an increasingly common question among users, as the popularity of OpenAI's AI has grown steadily and its use has skyrocketed on both computers and mobile devices.
So that you don't waste time or patience, in this article we explain in detail Why ChatGPT doesn't work, how to detect the source of the failure and what the solutions are, including the most effective alternatives in case of a crash or inability to access, all accompanied by the best tips and practical recommendations.
How to know if ChatGPT is not working or if the problem is yours alone
Before identifying the problem, the first step is to determine whether the problem is widespread or only affects you. To do this, there are several tools and steps recommended by experts:
- Check DowndetectorThis online platform tracks and reports in real time any incidents, outages, or failures in popular services like ChatGPT. Since its launch in 2012, Downdetector has become essential for determining whether a particular service is experiencing problems. The information is based on both user reports and automated systems, which increases its reliability.
- Review charts and mapsDowndetector offers statistics with the number of incidents and a heat map to locate affected geographic areas. Additionally, in the comments section, users detail the type of error they experience, which can help you identify if your case is similar.
- Check social networks: Twitter (now X) has established itself as the second fastest channel to detect crashes. Search for hashtags like #ChatGPTDown or “ChatGPT down” to see if other users are also experiencing issues and read any updates or solutions they share in real time.
If, after these steps, you confirm that it's not a global failure, it's time to investigate your own device. If, on the other hand, the entire platform is down or overloaded, all you have to do is wait or try an alternative, which we'll detail later.
Main reasons why ChatGPT does not work
ChatGPT may stop working properly on both desktop and mobile devices. The most common causes that prevent access or produce response errors are:
- Internet connection problemsA slow, unstable, or dropped connection is the most common cause. To function, ChatGPT requires stable communication with OpenAI's servers. If your network fails, neither the chatbot nor the website will load or respond.
- Server failure, saturation or maintenanceExtremely high demand can overload OpenAI's servers, especially during peak hours, resulting in slowness, loading errors, or complete outages. They may also be undergoing maintenance or experiencing a temporary outage.
- Browser or app errors: : Accumulating cache and cookies, using older browser versions, conflicting extensions, or an outdated app can all block ChatGPT or leave it frozen.
- Strict security or firewall settings: Firewalls or antivirus programs configured to block outgoing connections to unknown servers may prevent access, as may institutional or corporate restrictions.
- Problems with the account or permissionsIf you're experiencing login errors, unable to send messages, or receiving access denied codes, it could be due to incorrect credentials, a temporary lockout, or a lack of permissions, especially on corporate or school platforms.
- API limitations or quota exceeded: Developers and advanced users accessing the API may run out of quota or exceed the allowed number of requests, resulting in errors such as the infamous 429 ("Too Many Requests").
- Geographical/regional restrictionsIn certain countries or regions, ChatGPT is blocked in whole or in part due to legal regulations and company policies. If you travel or live in one of these areas, the service may not work at all.
- Browser extensions and ad blockersSome extensions may interfere with the loading of scripts essential for ChatGPT to work. Ad blockers, cookie blockers, or advanced privacy tools are often involved.
- Software errors or malformed requests: A bug on the website, in the app, or a request that is too complex, long, or in an incorrect format can cause errors such as “Unprocessable Entity,” other HTTP codes (400, 401, 403, 404, etc.), or a failure to respond.
How to fix common problems when ChatGPT is not working
There are multiple tricks and solutions for each scenario. We explain the detailed steps and practical recommendations that have worked for users around the world:
- Check your internet connection: Check if you can browse other websites, restart your router, and try using another network or mobile data. This quickly rules out network issues.
- Reload the page or app: A simple F5 or closing and reopening the app usually restores functionality in the case of minor errors or occasional crashes.
- Clear your browser's cache and cookies: This resolves conflicts due to outdated data, corrupted cookies, or accumulated history. Access your browser settings and delete browsing data.
- Try another browser or in incognito mode.: Some issues can be resolved by using a different browser (e.g., switching from Chrome to Firefox or Edge) or by enabling incognito mode to avoid interference from extensions or history.
- Update your browser, app, or operating systemOlder versions may cause incompatibilities. Always keep your system up to date to avoid script and compatibility issues.
- Log out and log in again: Often, logging out followed by logging back in again generates a new request and restores functionality, especially after permission errors or account conflicts.
- Temporarily disable extensionsIf you use ad blockers or privacy extensions, disable them one by one to identify if any are interfering. Use incognito mode for quick tests.
- Check your security and firewall settingsMake sure ChatGPT isn't blocked by your firewall, antivirus, or network policies. In corporate or institutional environments, consult with the technical department.
- Test access via VPNIf the service is blocked in your country or region, a reliable VPN can help you access ChatGPT from another location. Changing your IP address can also resolve blocks with a 1020 error (access denied by Cloudflare).
- Clear cache and data on mobile phonesIf you're using the Android or iOS app, go to Settings > Apps > ChatGPT > Storage and clear cache/data. On iPhone, uninstall and reinstall the app.
- Check for global dropsIf all else fails, check Downdetector or the official OpenAI status to see if the servers are down due to maintenance, an attack, overload, or a global outage.
- Contact support when nothing works: If you can't get in even after trying everything, go to the official OpenAI support (help.openai.com) or use the help chat bubble on the ChatGPT website.
Common errors and codes in ChatGPT and how to act:
- Error 429 (Too Many Requests): This occurs when the request limit is exceeded. Please wait a few minutes before trying again.
- Error 401 and 403: These errors indicate permission issues. Check that your credentials (username and password) are correct, or you're trying to access a paid feature from a free account.
- Error 404: Resource not found. This could be a temporary bug or a misspelled URL.
- Error 400 (Bad Request): Request is malformed or contains incorrect data. Review the request prompt or format.
- Error 1020: Access denied by Cloudflare (may be due to a blocked IP address or firewall rules). Solution: Try a VPN or another network.
- Unprocessable Entity: ChatGPT can't process a request due to incorrect formatting, too many emojis, or "strange" characters. Please shorten and simplify your message.
Specific mobile problems: causes and solutions
Accessing ChatGPT from mobile devices may have some specific issues. These are the most frequently reported issues and their solutions:
- App or browser not updated: Check for updates on Google Play or the App Store and restart your phone.
- Cache and temporary data: Clear the app's cache and data from your phone's settings. If the error persists, uninstall and reinstall.
- Mobile browser extensions and settings: Use a different browser, clear your cache, and try incognito mode. Disable ad blockers and other extensions.
- Permissions and security settings: Make sure the app has all the necessary permissions and isn't blocked by system restrictions.
- Mobile network problems: Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data, or vice versa, to rule out network errors.
If after applying all these actions, ChatGPT still doesn't work on your phone, it's recommended to contact the app's support or seek specific technical assistance.
When it's a ChatGPT problem and when it's your device
Not sure if the issue is with OpenAI's servers or your device? Here's a simple guide to help you distinguish between the two:
- Works on other devices/networks: Access ChatGPT from another computer, mobile phone, or network (for example, using mobile data). If it works on other devices, the issue is with your usual device or network.
- Doesn't work on any device/network: If ChatGPT doesn't work even when switching devices or networks, the cause is likely a global outage or widespread restriction.
- Concurs with public reports: Check Downdetector and social media to quickly identify massive outages or issues shared by many users.
Useful tips for optimal use of ChatGPT and avoiding errors
To minimize errors and improve your experience, follow these expert recommendations:
- Be clear and specific in your questionsShort, clear, and well-written prompts avoid misinterpretation and incomplete answers.
- Avoid overly technical language Unless it's essential, use simple sentences so the AI understands the context.
- If you need long or complex answers, break them down into chunks or microtasks to reduce the likelihood of network errors or outages.
- Review and adapt your prompt If you don't get good results, reframing the question or giving specific examples helps improve the accuracy of your answer.
- Do not use strange characters, emojis or unformatted instructions: These may generate 'unprocessable entity' errors.
- Check usage limits If you use the API or an external integration: This way you can avoid exceeding quotas and 429 codes.
- Keep your devices up to date to avoid compatibility conflicts.
Alternatives to ChatGPT when it's down or not working
When ChatGPT is overloaded or unavailable, you can turn to other options that offer competitive results:
- Google's Gemini (formerly Bard)This Google AI model is up-to-date, can access the latest information, and can search the web, translate into over 100 languages, and generate creative content (poetry, scripts, code, and more). Accessible for free and without regional restrictions in most countries.
- Microsoft Copilot: Integrated into Windows, Office, and through the Edge browser, it uses GPT-4 technology and allows for advanced queries, text generation, mathematical explanations, and much more.
- Claude AI from Anthropic: An advanced alternative that allows for extended responses, detailed document generation, and greater control over context. Registration is simple, and you can start using it for free in just a few steps.
- Other publicly accessible AIsTools like Perplexity AI, YouChat, ChatFlash, Carina AI (specialized in Spanish), and mobile conversational AI apps can fill in for basic functions if ChatGPT is down.
These tools are constantly evolving, and many of them are free or have freemium versions. Some offer integration with mobile apps or productivity services (Google Drive, Office, WhatsApp, etc.), so you can maintain your workflow without interruptions.
If you rely on ChatGPT for work or school every day and experience interruptions due to overload, considering subscribing to ChatGPT Plus may be worthwhile. Key benefits:
- Priority access during peak hours
- Faster response speed
- Early access to new features
- More requests admitted by time
However, consider whether you really need these benefits or whether the free alternatives can meet your usual needs.
ChatGPT Not Working FAQ
Below we answer the most common questions that arise from these types of errors:
- Why is ChatGPT only failing on my device? The most common issue is a cache, cookie, connection, or browser/app extension issue. Repeat the clear and update steps.
- What do I do if I get an error message when logging in? Check your username and password, try resetting your password, and make sure your account isn't locked. If the problem persists, contact support.
- I can't send or receive messages? Check your network, clear your cache, try a different browser, or reinstall the app if it's the mobile version.
- Why isn't ChatGPT working on my phone? Update the app, clear the cache, and make sure you have active permissions. If your device is older, it may not be compatible with the latest version.
- How to enter ChatGPT? Just visit chat.openai.com In your browser, log in, and start chatting. You don't need to download anything, but the official app offers more complete integration.
The key to troubleshooting ChatGPT when it's down is to properly identify the source of the problem and follow the appropriate steps. From checking your network, updating browsers and apps, and even switching devices or networks, to using quality alternatives when the OpenAI chatbot is down, there are solutions for every situation.
