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Troubleshooting ChatGPT Error Messages

Common error messages in ChatGPT and how to resolve them

Updated this week

ChatGPT may occasionally encounter technical issues due to factors like network configuration, browser extensions, or transient server-side problems. This guide outlines common error messages and actionable steps to troubleshoot them.


"Something went wrong."

This is a general error that may indicate a temporary server issue or a problem with your local setup.

  • Refresh the page or start a new chat

  • Check status.openai.com for known outages

  • Clear your browser cache and cookies

  • Use an incognito or private browsing window

  • Disable browser extensions, especially privacy or security tools

  • Turn off VPNs or secure DNS tools like Web Protect

  • Switch to a different network if possible


"A network error occurred."

"An error occurred while connecting to the websocket."

These errors suggest that your device is unable to establish a reliable connection to our servers.

  • Disable VPNs or proxy connections

  • Turn off Web Protect or other security filters

  • Try a different browser or incognito mode

  • Switch to a different network or device


"We detect suspicious activity." / "Unusual Activity Detected"

This message is shown when our systems detect traffic that may resemble automated or unusual behavior.

  • Disable VPNs or proxies that might route your traffic through flagged IPs

  • Restart your browser or device

  • Use a private browsing window to start a fresh session

  • Ensure you are not sharing your ChatGPT account with other people; change your password and ensure your email is secure

  • If you're not using bots or automation tools, contact us to report the issue


"There was a problem preparing your chat."

These usually occur when a browser extension or URL blocker interferes with loading the page.

  • Disable extensions that block scripts or modify page content

  • Temporarily turn off any unfamiliar or unused browser extensions

  • Open ChatGPT in an incognito window or a different browser


"There was an error generating a response."

A failed response when ChatGPT is unable to produce an answer.

  • May be a one-time error, click "Regenerate" button.

  • Restart your browser or device

  • Disable VPNs or proxy connections

  • Turn off Web Protect or other security filters

  • Try a different browser or incognito mode

  • Switch to a different network or device


"Download failed" / "File Not Found"

An error that occurs when attempting to download files / click on file links generated by ChatGPT.

  • For CustomGPT, ensure that 'Code Interpreter" functionality is enabled and you updated the GPT after checking the appropriate box

  • Ensure that the file is recently generated, files generated by ChatGPT expire quickly

  • Disable VPNs or proxy connections

Still need help?

If these steps don’t resolve your issue, please reach out to our support team. Please make sure to record the HAR file of you replicating an error before contacting support using the instructions in the article linked above.

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