What To Do When You Get A ChatGPT Capacity Error

By LiquidOcelot | liquidocelot | 5 Mar 2023

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash Introduction

Are you trying to use ChatGPT and finding yourself getting a capacity error? If so, you’re not alone. Many users have experienced this same issue due to the overwhelming number of people trying to access this sophisticated AI language model.

But don’t worry — there are some tips and tricks to help you get past the capacity error and start using ChatGPT. Keep reading to learn what to do when you get a ChatGPT capacity error.

Check Server Outages

Photo by Massimo Botturi on Unsplash

Theoretically, the servers can only process a given number of requests at once, and the necessary computing power is expensive. What price range? Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, claims that it costs several cents every chat, which is enormous. Fortunately, most of the time trying again after waiting about an hour works. Yet there are some ways to attempt and acquire access if you need ChatGPT right away.
First things first, determine if the error you’re seeing is related to a down server. This will at the very least enable you to determine whether the reason for your inability to use ChatGPT is a capacity issue or a server outage. To check for server outages, OpenAI provides their own status tool (Opens in a new tab). If the server is offline, just wait for it to come back online.

Try refreshing the Browser page

Photo by Richy Great on Unsplash

Refreshing ChatGPT sends a new request to the server, which may move you up in line similar to hanging up after being on hold for a time and dialling back in. Theoretically, the servers can only process a given number of requests at once, and the necessary computing power is expensive.

Log out and then re-login

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

The server receives a fresh signal request when a user logs out of ChatGPT and then logs back in, which might be enough to draw the platform’s attention.

Use Incognito Mode or a VPN

Photo by Firmbee.com on Unsplash

There are a few ways to attempt and acquire access if you require ChatGPT right away. Using a VPN is one approach to alter your IP address (virtual private network). By connecting you to a remote server using a VPN, you can potentially get around the capacity problem by sending the server a different signal request than you would normally send. As an alternative, you can utilise your browser’s incognito mode, which will likewise assign you a new IP address.

Attempt to avoid peak time

Photo by Reno Laithienne on Unsplash

Due to simultaneous usage by everyone, ChatGPT frequently approaches capacity. Try to use ChatGPT outside of peak times, such as earlier in the morning or later at night in your time zone, when nobody else is trying to use ChatGPT.

Switch To Chatgpt plus

Photo by Jonathan Kemper on Unsplash

Subscribers to ChatGPT Plus benefit from availability even during times of heavy demand, quicker response times, and access to new features. The Plus subscription costs $20 each month from subscribers. Upgrading to ChatGPT Plus may be the best option if you urgently require ChatGPT.

If all else fails try an alternative AI chatbot

Photo by Rubaitul Azad on Unsplash

If all else fails, it might be time to look at other available large language models (LLMs). Although while these LLMs might not be as sophisticated as ChatGPT, they can offer a helpful alternative. There are many but the two that comes to mind are Bing Ai and lex.page.