Many ChatGPT users encounter login failures, request errors, or account locks. These issues are often caused by network conditions, browser cache, or account security mechanisms. This guide covers the most common error scenarios with corresponding fixes to help you get back up and running quickly.
“Something went wrong” when logging in – what to do
This error is most commonly triggered by unstable network connections or incorrect proxy settings. First, check if your network can access international websites normally, and try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data. If you’re using a VPN, try changing to a different server or disabling it temporarily.
Clearing your browser cache and cookies can also resolve some conflicts. In Chrome, go to “Settings → Privacy and Security → Clear browsing data,” check “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files,” then refresh and log in again. Be careful not to check “Saved passwords” to avoid losing your account details.
Request error: frequent 429 or 503 status codes
A 429 status code means you’ve hit the rate limit due to too many requests. Free-tier ChatGPT has an hourly request cap, and rapid-fire conversations can easily trigger it. Slow down your questions and wait a few seconds between each message. A 503 error usually indicates temporary server overload – wait a few minutes and refresh to restore access.
