ChatGPT not working? Check OpenAI Status first. Look for an incident that matches the feature you’re using. If you can open ChatGPT, send a short message in a new chat without an attachment or web search. If it replies, test the failing feature separately.
Is ChatGPT down? The November 3 incident
OpenAI first reported a file upload issue at 02:46 EET on November 3, 2026. Some users could not attach files or get ChatGPT to read files they had uploaded. OpenAI marked the incident resolved at 07:39 EET, about four hours and 53 minutes after the first report. At the time of this check, OpenAI’s status page showed its systems as operational. November 3 incident report.
On October 30 (UTC), OpenAI reported a separate search issue in Dots, ChatGPT Work and some ChatGPT thinking experiences. That incident also resolved. If a plain message works while a search or upload fails, check for an incident affecting that specific feature. OpenAI reports availability across users and features, so your experience can differ from the overall status. October 30 incident report.
ChatGPT not working in a long conversation?
Copy any unsent text you want to keep. Stop the stalled response and retry once. Still stuck? Send a short message in a new chat. When it replies, bring over only the context you need. Try a private browser window if both chats hang. Record the error and time for support if the problem follows you to a different browser and an approved network. OpenAI’s guide to ChatGPT errors.
ChatGPT not working with attachments?
Try a small, non-sensitive text file in a new chat. Put one distinctive line in it and ask ChatGPT to quote that line. An attachment icon tells you the file was selected. A correct quote gives you a quick check that ChatGPT could read it.
If the test works and your original file still fails, check its type, size and any upload limits shown by ChatGPT. If the attachment goes through but a scanned PDF yields no useful text, try a text-exported copy or a short excerpt you’re allowed to share. Some failed attempts can count toward the upload rate limit, so avoid repeatedly uploading the same file. OpenAI’s file upload FAQ.
If ChatGPT search or sign-in fails
Search. Try one question that needs a current source, then compare it with a simple text-only request. If only search fails, check the ChatGPT Search or ChatGPT Work status and verify any time-sensitive facts directly on the source’s website before using them.
Sign-in. Check the ChatGPT Login component and use the sign-in method associated with your account, such as Continue with Google. If the sign-in page loops, try a private window or another approved browser. For a managed device or work network, ask IT to check the relevant browser or network policy. OpenAI’s sign-in troubleshooting guide.
When to contact support
If the failure persists across browsers or devices, note the exact error, the time and time zone, which feature or model failed, and the smallest example that reproduces it. Add the conversation URL or ID if relevant. Remove sensitive details from screenshots and logs before you share them through the support chat. Contact OpenAI Support.
If this issue interrupted a team automation, Yasa’s AI agent observability guide explains how to trace individual workflow steps so you can see where a run stopped.
Discuss your workflow with Yasa
If your team depends on an AI workflow and needs a way to keep work moving during a disruption, contact Yasa to discuss the workflow and where it gets stuck.
