What causes "ChatGPT Image Generation Not Working"?

An OpenAI outage affecting image generation (confirmed on past occasions) You hit your image usage limit Browser extensions, VPN, proxy or cache problems Custom instructions that conflict with image tools A blocked prompt that fails partway

How do I fix "ChatGPT Image Generation Not Working"?

1. Check for an outage: Open status.openai.com and look at ChatGPT and image generation components If there is an incident, wait and retry later 2. Test in a clean browser: Open a private/incognito window with extensions disabled Turn off VPN or proxy, and clear the cache Try the ChatGPT mobile app or desktop app 3. Reset the conversation: Start a new chat and ask for the image again Temporarily clear custom instructions in Settings > Personalization if the problem continues 4. Check your limit: Image creation limits are not published and vary; the limit message offers to upgrade or retry later Wait a few hours or upgrade your plan 5. Rule out a content block: If it fails after thinking for a while, rewrite the prompt without names or sensitive wording

// troubleshooting guide · dall-e

ChatGPT Image Generation Not Working

Status: Workaround available
platforms:: Web, iOS, Android, desktop
updated:: November 15, 2026
reports:: 5
Method: how we research

RUNBOOK · dall-e/image-generation-not-working-chatgpt5 FIXES

// quick answer

If ChatGPT will not generate images, check OpenAI's status page first, then your usage limit, then browser, VPN and custom instructions, and finally whether the prompt was blocked.

Most likely fix: Check for an outage

How to fix it

// try these in order, the most common fix is first

FIX 1Check for an outage
1. 01Open status.openai.com and look at ChatGPT and image generation components
2. 02If there is an incident, wait and retry later
Did this fix it?
FIX 2Test in a clean browser
1. 01Open a private/incognito window with extensions disabled
2. 02Turn off VPN or proxy, and clear the cache
3. 03Try the ChatGPT mobile app or desktop app
Did this fix it?
FIX 3Reset the conversation
1. 01Start a new chat and ask for the image again
2. 02Temporarily clear custom instructions in Settings > Personalization if the problem continues
Did this fix it?
FIX 4Check your limit
1. 01Image creation limits are not published and vary; the limit message offers to upgrade or retry later
2. 02Wait a few hours or upgrade your plan
Did this fix it?
FIX 5Rule out a content block
1. 01If it fails after thinking for a while, rewrite the prompt without names or sensitive wording
Did this fix it?