There are many error messages that come to users of ChatGPT as a newly released AI. However, nowadays, many users are facing the message “Sorry, you have been blocked” when trying to open ChatGPT. If you are also experiencing this issue and are unable to use ChatGPT, here are the causes and solutions.
The Error:
Sorry, you have been blocked.
If you believe this was a mistake, please contact us through our help center [Ray ID:7ccc652b4gc].
Why does this Error occur?
OpenAI’s ChatGPT is currently used by more than 2 billion people all over the world, according to Similar Web data. To protect their product, OpenAI uses Cloudflare service and its high-security features. If your network connection is detected as suspicious, Cloudflare’s firewall automatically blocks you to prevent unauthorized access to ChatGPT.
How to Fix the ChatGPT Blocked Error?
To fix the issue, you can try the following steps. In around 70% of cases, the “Sorry, you have been blocked” message appears when you are connected with a proxy or VPN.
1. Try Disabling the VPN app or software you are using
This is the first reason why you might be blocked. Normally, we all surf the internet using our own IP address provided by our network provider. However, when you use a VPN service, the service changes your internet IP. The protection applied to ChatGPT seems to disallow public IPs because the same IPs are used at the same time through the VPN service, resulting in multiple requests being sent to the ChatGPT website. Therefore, it is best to avoid using a VPN app.
However, if you still require a VPN app and want to access ChatGPT over a VPN, then based on my personal experience, I recommend using the Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 app. This app works like a VPN, but I am still able to access ChatGPT and hide my actual IP. It means I can privately surf the internet and also use ChatGPT. So, you can try this method as it has worked for me on my Android device.
2. Avoid using third-party DNS (Example: Adguard DNS)
Many people use private DNS to block annoying ads on websites. However, sometimes these types of DNS records not only block ads but also block some important files that are required to run ChatGPT properly. By default, private DNS settings are turned off for all devices. However, if you have already changed to private DNS, try turning off private DNS and use the default DNS.
3. Switch your internet connection
If you are using mobile data from a SIM card, try connecting to a Wi-Fi network instead. If you are already connected to Wi-Fi and still experiencing the issue, try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network.
4. Disable any extensions that modify website behavior (Example: Disable Ad blocker extension)
Similar to Ad blocker DNS, Ad blocker extensions can also block important files on ChatGPT’s website. Ad blocker extensions are very powerful, so try disabling the Ad blocker extension in your browser settings and reload ChatGPT.
5. Try opening ChatGPT in Incognito Mode
Sometimes, important files and libraries are cached in your browser, which can cause the blocking issue. Open Incognito Mode in your browser and log in to ChatGPT. If ChatGPT is working properly in incognito mode, it indicates that you need to clear your browser data to fetch the latest version instead of the expired cached version in normal mode.
Basically, Incognito Mode fetches the latest version of any website. However, clear your browser data with caution as it will delete all data, including data from other websites.
If you do not want to clear your browser data, you can continue using ChatGPT in incognito mode for a few days. Within 1 or 2 weeks, the issue on your regular browser window may automatically be fixed after the expiration of the previous cached files. Alternatively, you can download another web browser and try using ChatGPT there.
6. Try using the ChatGPT app
OpenAI has officially released the ChatGPT iOS app, and it will soon be available for Android as well. If you are facing the blocked problem on the ChatGPT website, use the ChatGPT app. The app offers additional features that will help you use ChatGPT without encountering the “Sorry, you have been blocked” error.
Once you have followed all the steps, make sure to close your PC or phone and restart the device. Then try opening ChatGPT again; it should fix the “Sorry, you have been blocked” problem.
If the issue persists, the last option is to contact the help center of OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Visit the help page and click on the message button in the bottom right corner of your screen to start a chat. They can provide you with troubleshooting methods to resolve the issue. However, before contacting the ChatGPT support, make sure to apply the steps mentioned in this article, as contacting the support team should be the last resort.