ChatGPT is down — live updates on massive OpenAI outage

BREAKING: ChatGPT Suffers Massive Global Outage, Leaving Millions of Users Stranded

In a shocking turn of events, OpenAI’s flagship AI chatbot, ChatGPT, has experienced a catastrophic global outage, leaving millions of users unable to access the platform. The disruption, which began around 9:30 a.m. PT on February 4, 2026, has sparked widespread frustration and confusion across social media platforms and tech forums. This marks the second sudden spike in outages in as many days, raising concerns about the stability of OpenAI’s infrastructure.

How Are You Affected?

Users from around the world have reported a range of issues, from failed conversations to the inability to load profiles or upload images. On X (formerly Twitter), John Chen from Toronto shared that ChatGPT wouldn’t load his profile or let him upload images, accompanied by a dreaded “Error 403.” Another user chimed in, reporting similar issues in southern California. The outage has also affected Pro account holders, with one user posting screenshots of failed conversations, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem.

Second Sudden Spike in as Many Days

This outage comes on the heels of a similar spike on February 3, which was short-lived but equally disruptive. The recurrence of these issues has left users questioning the reliability of OpenAI’s services. Down Detector, a popular outage tracking site, recorded over 10,000 reports in just minutes, with users complaining about projects not loading and chat history failing to appear. The sudden spike has reignited debates about the scalability and resilience of AI-driven platforms.

OpenAI Investigating

As of now, OpenAI has acknowledged the outage on its official status page, stating, “We have identified that users are experiencing elevated errors for the impacted services.” However, the company has yet to provide a detailed explanation or timeline for resolution. Interestingly, only ChatGPT appears to be affected, with other OpenAI services like Sora and its APIs still operational. This selective disruption has led to speculation about potential server-side issues or a targeted attack on the chatbot’s infrastructure.

Conversations Failed

The outage has not only disrupted individual users but also raised concerns for businesses and professionals who rely on ChatGPT for productivity and customer service. Failed conversations and inaccessible chat histories have left many scrambling for alternatives, with some turning to competing AI platforms in the interim. The incident underscores the growing dependence on AI tools and the potential fallout when these systems fail.

OpenAI Has Not Acknowledged the Issue Yet

Despite the widespread reports, OpenAI’s official status page initially listed all services as “fully operational,” with no acknowledgment of the outage. This delay in communication has drawn criticism from users, who argue that transparency is crucial during such disruptions. As of now, the company is under pressure to provide regular updates and a clear path to resolution.

Sudden Spike

The outage’s sudden onset and rapid escalation have left many users reeling. Down Detector’s data shows a sharp increase in reports, with users from diverse geographic locations experiencing similar issues. This global nature of the outage suggests a systemic problem rather than a localized glitch. The incident has also sparked discussions about the need for robust backup systems and contingency plans for AI platforms.

Conclusion

As the outage continues, users are left wondering when normalcy will return. OpenAI’s reputation for innovation and reliability is being tested, and the company’s response in the coming hours will be critical. For now, millions of users are left in limbo, highlighting the fragility of even the most advanced technological systems. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.

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