As more and more people integrate generative AI into their workspaces, OpenAI’s ChatGPT has become one of the most popular options. However, when the error message “ChatGPT is at capacity right now” appears, the OpenAI server cannot handle incoming requests.
Since the company is still in the early stages of development, ChatGPT may experience downtime or delayed responses when users are high. This can frustrate users who receive a “capacity error message.” This article will provide troubleshooting tips to help you fix the ChatGPT capacity error message.
ChatGPT is Not working.
If you have been receiving the ChatGPT capacity error message, it means that many people are trying to access ChatGPT simultaneously. OpenAI offers a free tier where they only process a limited number of requests. If they receive a large volume of requests, this can result in a slow response or ChatGPT not working.
OpenAI ChatGPT is at Full capacity.
This means the ChatGPT server is experiencing total capacity due to high traffic levels, resulting in this error message. The server is temporarily denied access due to an exceptionally high traffic volume. OpenAI is working to expand its server capacity. Recent reports show ChatGPT crossed 100 million users in January 2023. Meta Threads recently claimed to have crossed in just five days.
Troubleshooting: ChatGPT is at capacity now.
Before proceeding, make sure ChatGPT is available in your region. If not, do not connect to a VPN or a region where ChatGPT is available.
Check OpenAI Server Status
The OpenAI server may be down when you try to access it. Check the OpenAI server status. If you see that server usage is unstable or maintenance is ongoing, wait a while before trying again.
Wait for a while.
Wait for a while. Once users close their requests or traffic reduces, you will get access to ChatGPT. If heavy traffic is causing the problem and you keep encountering the same issue after multiple attempts, wait some time. You can check the “Get Notified When We’re Back” checkbox to receive an email notification once the service is restored.
Refresh the page.
If you have waited long enough, try reloading the webpage. It will put you back at the end of the queue again, which is sometimes appropriate because the OpenAI server may suddenly reopen.
Clear your cache
It may be possible that ChatGPT is not working due to cache issues. To clear your browser’s cache, follow these steps:
- Open your browser and click on the triple-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
- Click on “Tools” and then select “Clear Browsing Data.”
- A pop-up will appear.
Note: Different browsers may have different settings, but they are identical.
Disable Browser extensions.
Some extensions conflict with your ChatGPT. The extensions can be checked, removed, or disabled. You can quickly check by turning off all extensions, trying again, or updating your extensions.
Using VPN
If you have trouble accessing ChatGPT because of your location, try connecting to a VPN in a supported region. This may help you bypass the “at capacity” error message. Be sure to use a trusted VPN service like NordVPN or Shufshark, which encrypts your traffic and has no-log certification.
Note: If ChatGPT is not available in your region, contact your ISP. Sometimes, ISPs restrict access to ChatGPT, making it difficult to use the service.
Try ChatGPT during off-peak hours
Most ChatGPT users are online during business hours between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., and most traffic comes from the US. Try using ChatGPT during off-hours to avoid peak usage hours.
Try ChatGPT alternatives
If you still encounter errors, we recommend Microsoft’s Bing Chatbot. This uses the same AI model as ChatGPT and offers similar results. It also offers parameters for creativity, balance, and precision.
Additionally, you can try ChatGPT Plus, a premium version that offers the most advanced GPT model and always prioritises ChatGPT Plus. It costs $20. There are also several ChatGPT alternatives, like Google Bard, Quora Pem, Preplexity, You ChatBot, and more.
Ask to be notified
If you cannot wait anymore, click the box to ask to be notified when the service is available. This way, you will not have to wait longer and can access it once it is available.
If these troubleshooting steps do not work, try using ChatGPT in incognito mode, restarting your computer, or trying with a different ChatGPT account. Additionally, as technology and computing resources become more available, capacity models like ChatGPT will likely increase. Contact OpenAI’s support team to report the issue if all else fails. Note that response times from OpenAI support may be delayed, with an average response time of 10 days.