Home > Apps

ChatGPT failed to get service status – Explained and alternatives

What does this error mean? Read on
Last Updated on July 12, 2023
ChatGPT failed to get service status - openai logo
You can trust PC Guide: Our team of experts use a combination of independent consumer research, in-depth testing where appropriate - which will be flagged as such, and market analysis when recommending products, software and services. Find out how we test here.

So you’re trying to access ChatGPT and getting the ChatGPT failed to get service status error message. Frustrating, but what does it mean? Read on and we’ll take you through the key information about this error, and why you may be seeing it. Access to OpenAI’s AI chatbot should return, but below will fill you in on what’s happening and what you can do – if anything.

ChatGPT failed to get service status – what is it?

Essentially. the ChatGPT failure to get service status isn’t a ‘you’ problem, it’s a server issue. What we mean by that is that it’s an issue or ChatGPT error that’s presenting itself on the server side. So it isn’t a login error but an issue impacting OpenAI’s server network, which means that users cannot access the ChatGPT service. It may be related to server overload or server maintenance. The error reports that call to get the service status failed, and as such it cannot provide you with the service.

The error message will likely be impacting both regular users and those who have signed up for ChatGPT Plus, and you can rest assured OpenAI will be looking to fix ChatGPT as soon as it can.

Can I fix “ChatGPT failed to get service status”?

Although there are some regular actions you can perform to ensure everything is clear on your side, these may not have much impact on your ability to access the service. Much like the ChatGPT at capacity error, this isn’t necessarily something you can directly fix yourself. Rather, you will need to wait it out and keep checking back for access. Still, as Internet connection errors can occasionally cause problems with ChatGPT you can try the following:

  • Check your Internet connection is stable and reliable
  • Clear web browser data (cookies or internet browsing history and browser cache, to ensure you have a fresh connection to the service.
  • Try a different browser (eg. Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera)
  • Try a different device (eg. laptop, phone, PC, tablet)

Although some users have suggested a VPN can help fix ChatGPT connection issues, using a VPN is unlikely to resolve the ChatGPT failed to get service status error – it cannot solve an issue with OpenAI’s servers. The best course of action, otherwise, is to wait for the service to return.

After the delays, you should be able to log in to ChatGPT once again. Although there isn’t a specific ChatGPT status page, you can keep an eye on OpenAI’s service status page for any issues impacting ChatGPT and the ChatGPT server status.

What causes ChatGPT failed to get service status?

Without OpenAI putting out a statement, we cannot know exactly. ChatGPT is now even more popular due to GPT-4, and peak hours of use send a lot of traffic to OpenAI’s ChatGPT servers.

Can I access ChatGPT after ChatGPT failed to get service status?

Yes, once the issue has been fixed you should be able to access ChatGPT again as normal.

ChatGPT alternatives

If, while ChatGPT is inaccessible you still want to access an AI chatbot or writing assistant, check out our Best ChatGPT alternatives piece, or pick from the options below:

Kevin is the Editor of PC Guide. He has a broad interest and enthusiasm for consumer electronics, PCs and all things consumer tech - and more than 15 years experience in tech journalism.