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If you have tried to use ChatGPT lately, especially at peak hours, you may have noticed this error message: “ChatGPT is at capacity right now”. It is really frustrating, but why is ChatGPT at capacity?
ChatGPT has surged in popularity, which is seemingly the reason it’s often at capacity. While there are some great ChatGPT alternatives that may work better for you, don’t abandon ship just yet, as we’ll show you some ways you can either get around this issue or some potential fixes you can try.
How to fix ChatGPT at capacity
You have a few options when it comes to fixing ChatGPT’s capacity error:
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ChatGPT at capacity – ‘fix’
Initially these are the best steps to take – you may need to wait for a fix from OpenAI
Step
Wait
The first and easiest one is to wait. Over time ChatGPT’s traffic could decrease, eventually resulting in enough space for you to join the server. Demand Sage tried this method out and found that after twenty minutes, they could access ChatGPT.
Step
Refresh
Another option is to refresh your browser. This method involves sending a new request to OpenAI’s server which may increase your chances of being let in.
Chat GPT at capacity workaround
There may be one way that you can get access with this workaround for ChatGPT being at capacity.
Step
Use a VPN
Alternatively, you could try using a VPN. Many users suggest that your current location could be the source of the problem. Simply, activate your VPN before trying to access ChatGPT again, and hopefully, the error message has disappeared.
ChatGPT is at capacity – guaranteed access
Finally, should price not be an issue you, may want to consider if a ChatGPT Plus account is worth it. It’s a $20 monthly subscription, and gives you:
- Access even when demand is high – this will allow you in even when the service is at capacity
- Faster response times
- Priority access to new features
Why is ChatGPT at capacity now?
So what does ChatGPT at capacity even mean? As the error message suggests, ChatGPT at capacity usually means that there are too many users trying to access the service at the same time – more than the servers can handle.
This typically happens when ChatGPT is experiencing a really high volume of traffic or there is a problem with OpenAI’s servers. When you get this error message, it means that ChatGPT is temporarily not accepting any new users and you will not be able to use the AI language model.
There may be a chance that ChatGPT is down, and it is showing the ‘at capacity’ message. The best way to know if it is at capacity or the servers are down altogether is to check the ChatGPT server status.
ChatGPT at capacity message
When ChatGPT is at capacity, the message you receive is a least a little entertaining. Alongside a notification advising that the service is at capacity, users usually receive an AI-generated poem to explain the situation.
Below we see a message delivered to Team PC Guide with the service at capacity while we were trying to test its features!
ChatGPT at capacity for days
This error message could go on for some time. Some users on Reddit have even reported being locked out for days. However, the issue is server-related , so there is not a huge amount you can do. The capacity will ebb and flow throughout the day, and OpenAI will work to maintain access as best it can.
Usually, ChatGPT being at capacity is purely down to the number of people trying to test or use it. However, various methods exist that might increase your chances of being the lucky few that get let in. Otherwise, you may be facing one of its many poems dedicated to your being unable to access the service.
Why is ChatGPT at capacity all the time?
Should you be finding ChatGPT is at capacity all the time, you may be experiencing an error. To ensure it’s nothing on your end that is causing you to not have access, you can clear your browser’s cache.
For Google Chrome, select the three dots in the top right of the Chrome window, select More Tools and then select Clear Browsing Data’. Once this has been completed, try to access ChatGPT again.
How long is the ChatGPT wait?
From our experience wait times could be as little as a couple of minutes. However, some Reddit users have reported waiting days. As of late, ChatGPT has seemed to be letting people use the service pretty quickly. So, hopefully, your wait time should not be too painfully long.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, ChatGPT’s capacity error is purely down to too many people trying to access the service. If you want to avoid this error at all costs, the simplest way is to avoid using the service at peak times.
Alternatively, OpenAI offers the option to get a notification when the service is running again. To signup for this, simply click the “get notified when we’re back” option which appears under the capacity error message.
ChatGPT has become a viral phenomenon – and it is no surprise. The online AI chatbot has blown the minds of the public and it seems that everyone is trying to check it out. As a result, ChatGPT servers have been struggling to handle all their user’s requests. Some people have been temporarily blocked from using the service.
We have shown you a few options to fix this problem, which we hope have been useful. If you are looking to learn more about ChatGPT, be sure to read another article here.