AI-powered ChatGPT has recently been frustrating a sizable number of potential new users due to its own popularity, resulting in a very common “at capacity” notice that many people are facing.
Unfortunately, right now, you have to wait it out or come back at a time when fewer people are using it. You could also try out an alternative, such as Microsoft Copilot.
OpenAI’s breakout chatbot star ChatGPT (released in November 2022) uses machine learning to generate responses from questions or queries entered by users. It’s been blowing people’s mind the amazing things you can do with ChatGPT, while also raising a series of ethical problems that everyone is talking about.
But more recently, the biggest issue has been access. From time to time, we see reports from those who wanted to create a new account or access ChatGPT, but couldn’t due to traffic congestion.
What visitors see in this situation is a message (or a variant thereof) that reads: “Chat GPT is at capacity right now.” Basically, that indicates that the website is in high demand and has reached its capacity for users per session and/or query load. The servers powering ChatGPT are very expensive to run, and OpenAI appears to have some limits on that usage.
- 1. Limerick rhymes
- 2. Talking like a pirate
Amusingly, instead of canned messages, ChatGPT doles out creative ways to relay its at-capacity status. Some people have seen the chatbot communicate in limerick rhymes, a rap, and even in pirate-speak. While the crashes are frustrating, at least visitors find the messages entertaining.
At the time or writing, I had no trouble creating a new account and/or chatting away, but if you’re facing this error, the solution is quite simple: You just need to wait. Just click on the “get notified” link, enter your email address, and you should get an email when it’s reached your place in line.
Beyond that, ChatGPT has a premium tier, ChatGPT Plus. This paid tier promises better access and faster responses, from $20 per month. This is a way for OpenAI to monetize the chatbot and give prioritized access to paid subscribers.
ChatGPT ‘at capacity’ workaround
You might still need to wait for ChatGPT to become available, but there’s a workaround you can try. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can sometimes get past ChatGPT’s restrictions and allow you to use the service (we have a roundup of the best VPNs if you’re interested in trying).
It may not work for you, though. The reason a VPN might work is that it gives you a fresh session with ChatGPT and moves your virtual location. With a new session and location, ChatGPT could give you access.
You can also try using a different browser or a device, or flushing your browser’s cache. If you’ve been stuck on the “at capacity” page for a while, it’s possible you’re seeing a cached version of the website.
Finally, you can move away from ChatGPT altogether. There are several excellent AI chatbots you can use instead.
