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ChatGPT Network Error

Workaround available Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Updated October 21, 2026

Quick answer

'Network error' means your device couldn't keep a stable connection to OpenAI while the answer streamed. Check the status page, turn off VPNs and security extensions, switch networks, and start a new chat for long prompts.

Most likely fix: Check OpenAI's status page first.

Symptoms

A reply stops partway and a red 'Network error' message appears, often on long answers or after leaving the tab idle.

Why it happens

  • Unstable Wi-Fi or mobile connection
  • VPN, proxy or security software interrupting the stream
  • Work or school firewall blocking WebSocket traffic
  • Server-side stream failure during an incident
  • Very long prompts or long conversations

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

  1. 1. Check OpenAI's status page first

    1. Open status.openai.com
    2. Look for an active incident on ChatGPT, Voice or Image Generation
    3. If there is one, wait for it to be marked resolved - nothing on your side will fix it

  2. 2. Turn off VPN, proxy and security extensions

    1. Disconnect any VPN or proxy
    2. Disable ad blockers, privacy and 'web protect' extensions for chatgpt.com
    3. Turn off secure DNS in browser settings if enabled
    4. Reload ChatGPT

  3. 3. Switch networks

    1. Move from Wi-Fi to mobile data (or the reverse)
    2. Restart your router if other sites are also slow
    3. Retry the message

  4. 4. Allow ChatGPT on work networks

    1. Ask IT to allow chatgpt.com and openai.com domains
    2. Ask them to allow WebSocket traffic on TCP 443 to ws.chatgpt.com

  5. 5. Shorten the request or start a new chat

    1. Click Regenerate once
    2. If it fails again, open a new chat and paste a shorter prompt
    3. Split long tasks into smaller steps

  6. 6. Clear cache and cookies or use a private window

    1. Open a private/incognito window and sign in to chatgpt.com
    2. If that works, clear cookies and site data for chatgpt.com and openai.com in your normal browser
    3. Sign in again

This guide also covers

  • chatgpt network error
  • chatgpt network error long response
  • why does chatgpt keep saying network error
  • chatgpt network error fix

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