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ChatGPT faces global service outage as users report access issues

A smartphone screen displays the ChatGPT interface on OpenAI’s website. (Adobe Stock Photo)
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A smartphone screen displays the ChatGPT interface on OpenAI’s website. (Adobe Stock Photo)
July 21, 2025 03:51 PM GMT+03:00

Generative AI chatbot ChatGPT, which hosts millions of users per day to handle their tasks, is facing a major disruption in its services globally as thousands of reports show widespread access issues.

The outage tracking data from Downdetector reveals a sharp spike in user complaints reaching over 1,500 reports, with the disruption appearing to intensify significantly around 3:00 p.m. local time (GMT+3).

Chart shows OpenAI outage reports spiking dramatically over a 24-hour period, with user complaints remaining minimal throughout most of the day before surging to over 1,500 reports around 1:00 p.m, July 21, 2025. (Chart via downdetector.com
Chart shows OpenAI outage reports spiking dramatically over a 24-hour period, with user complaints remaining minimal throughout most of the day before surging to over 1,500 reports around 1:00 p.m, July 21, 2025. (Chart via downdetector.com

Users across multiple time zones have reported being unable to access the popular AI service, which has become an essential tool for professionals, students, and businesses worldwide for various tasks ranging from content creation to problem-solving assistance.

OpenAI confirms the problem

In an update on its website, OpenAI confirmed the outage and latency issues reported globally, stating, "We have identified that users are experiencing elevated errors for the impacted services."

However, according to Downdetector, user reports of the issue dropped sharply after one hour, though the problem persists for many users.

Best ChatGPT alternatives in 2025

As users report widespread issues with OpenAI services, including ChatGPT, many are seeking alternative options for their conversational AI needs. Here are some of the best alternatives currently available in 2025:

  • Google Gemini: Offers a multimodal AI experience, integrating text and image analysis with Google's ecosystem, providing access to real-time web data and insights from Google’s Knowledge Graph.
  • Microsoft Copilot: Suitable for Microsoft users, it provides web search, AI image generation, coding assistance, and task automation.
  • Claude: Noted for human-like writing, code generation, visual analysis, and multilingual support.
  • Meta AI (Llama 4): A free, open-source AI assistant integrated into Meta's platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger) for content creation, image generation, and social interactions.
  • Perplexity AI: Excels in online research with cited sources and multiple AI models.
July 21, 2025 05:02 PM GMT+03:00
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