ChatGPT, the widely used AI chatbot developed by OpenAI, is currently down for many users around the world, causing disruptions in access and service. Since early September 2025, users from countries including the UK, India, and the US have reported issues like error messages, slow or no responses, and login problems.
The outage started gaining attention on September 2, with users quickly taking to social media platforms such as X and Reddit to report widespread service disruptions. Real-time outage trackers like Downdetector showed sharp spikes in problem reports during morning hours.
OpenAI has acknowledged the issue on its status page stating, "We are investigating reports of a widespread service disruption," but has not yet shared specifics on the cause or when the service will be fully restored. The outage is affecting both the ChatGPT web platform and its API, which impacts third-party apps using OpenAI’s services.
What Causes the ChatGPT Outage?
The exact cause has not been detailed by OpenAI, but high traffic due to increasing ChatGPT use and potential server issues could be contributing factors. Recent launches of new AI versions and features often lead to temporary performance problems as infrastructure adjusts to demand spikes.
How to Check if ChatGPT is Down
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Visit OpenAI’s official status page: status.openai.com for the current operational status.
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Use sites like Downdetector or downforeveryoneorjustme.com to view live user outage reports.
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If many users report issues, it confirms a service-wide problem rather than a device-specific one.
Simple Fixes if ChatGPT is Not Working Locally
If ChatGPT appears down only on your device, try these steps before assuming a full outage:
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Clear browser cache and cookies to remove corrupted data.
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Use a different browser or device.
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Check your internet connection and disable VPNs or proxies.
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Log out and log back into your ChatGPT account.
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Disable browser extensions, especially ad blockers.
If problems persist after these steps, the issue is likely due to the ongoing broader outage.
ALSO READ: ChatGPT Down? Best ChatGPT Alternatives to Use: Gemini, Perplexity & More
Why This Matters
ChatGPT is a key tool for millions who use it for writing, coding, and learning. When it goes down, users face interruptions in work and creativity. OpenAI’s ability to minimize downtime is critical as AI tools become more integrated into everyday life.
This outage once again highlights the challenges of scaling cutting-edge AI technology to serve a global audience. Users are advised to stay updated via official channels while OpenAI works to resolve the issue.