ChatGPT not loading — is it down or is it you

When ChatGPT won't load, you need to know within 30 seconds whether OpenAI's servers are offline or something on your end is blocking access. Check the [live OpenAI status](/status) here first — it updates every 60 secon

ChatGPT not loading — is it down or is it you

When ChatGPT won't load, you need to know within 30 seconds whether OpenAI's servers are offline or something on your end is blocking access. Check the live OpenAI status here first — it updates every 60 seconds from OpenAI's official feed — then run through the local checks below.

How to check if OpenAI is actually down

Start with this site's live OpenAI status monitor. It pulls directly from status.openai.com and breaks down each component: ChatGPT web, iOS and Android apps, API endpoints, and Sora. If ChatGPT shows degraded performance or major outage, the problem isn't on your end.

OpenAI's own status page at status.openai.com lists incidents by service and timestamp. Look for "Investigating", "Identified" or "Monitoring" tags next to ChatGPT. During serious outages, you'll also see spike in reports on third-party sites like Downdetector within minutes, though these aggregate user complaints and don't confirm root cause.

If both the live status monitor and OpenAI's page show all systems operational, the loading issue is almost certainly local — your network, browser or account settings.

Is it OpenAI or is it you

Run these tests in order to isolate what's blocking ChatGPT:

  • Open an incognito or private window in your browser and go to chatgpt.com. If it loads normally, the culprit is cached data or an extension in your regular session.
  • Clear cookies and cache specifically for chatgpt.com. In Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data > See all site data and permissions > search "chatgpt.com" > Remove. In Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Manage Data > search "chatgpt.com" > Remove Selected. In Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data > search "chatgpt.com" > Remove.
  • Disable browser extensions one at a time. Ad blockers, privacy tools and VPN extensions frequently interfere with ChatGPT's authentication and WebSocket connections. Turn off each extension, refresh chatgpt.com, and test.
  • Switch networks. If you're on corporate Wi-Fi or a VPN, try mobile data or a different connection. Many workplaces block chatgpt.com at the firewall level. Disconnect your VPN temporarily and reload the page.
  • Test the mobile app versus browser. Download the official ChatGPT app from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store. If the app works but the browser doesn't, your browser has the problem — likely an extension, outdated version, or DNS cache.
  • Try a different browser entirely. If Chrome won't load ChatGPT, switch to Firefox, Edge or Safari. This instantly rules out browser-specific corruption.
  • Restart your router to flush DNS cache and renew your IP lease. Unplug it for 30 seconds, plug back in, wait two minutes, then test chatgpt.com again.

If ChatGPT still won't load after all seven steps and the live OpenAI status shows operational systems, see the full ChatGPT not working — troubleshooting guide for account-level fixes.

What to do during an outage

When OpenAI confirms an outage, here's what works:

  • Bookmark status.openai.com and this site's live status monitor. You'll get component-level updates faster than Twitter speculation.
  • For API users: Implement exponential backoff in your retry logic. Start with a 1-second delay after the first failed request, then 2 seconds, 4 seconds, 8 seconds, capping at 64 seconds. Set a maximum retry budget of 5-7 attempts before queuing the request for later. Don't hammer the API — you'll trigger rate limits when service resumes.
  • Don't delete your ChatGPT Plus subscription thinking it's broken. You won't get a prorated refund, and you'll lose your subscription spot. Outages are temporary.
  • Don't email OpenAI support about status — they can't respond to thousands of outage emails. Check status.openai.com for official updates. For billing or account issues unrelated to downtime, see how to contact OpenAI support.
  • Don't repeatedly log out and back in. This won't fix server-side problems and might trigger temporary account locks.

Questions people actually ask

Q: Is ChatGPT down right now?

A: Check the live OpenAI status on this page. It updates every 60 seconds from OpenAI's official feed and shows whether ChatGPT, the API, or specific components are experiencing issues.

Q: Why does ChatGPT load but then immediately show a blank screen?

A: This usually means corrupted session cookies. Clear cookies specifically for chatgpt.com using the steps above, then log back in.

Q: Can I get a refund for ChatGPT Plus downtime?

A: OpenAI doesn't offer prorated refunds for temporary outages. The service agreement allows for occasional maintenance and unexpected downtime.

Q: How long do ChatGPT outages usually last?

A: Most incidents resolve within 15-45 minutes. Major outages affecting multiple services can take 2-4 hours. Check status.openai.com for estimated resolution times.

What to remember

  • Check the live status monitor before troubleshooting — it updates every 60 seconds
  • Test in incognito mode first to rule out extensions and cache
  • Clear cookies specifically for chatgpt.com, not your entire browser
  • Try mobile app vs browser and different networks to isolate the problem
  • During confirmed outages, don't spam support or cancel your subscription

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*openai-support.com is an independent resource, not affiliated with OpenAI Inc.*

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