Fix ChatGPT 'Network Error' on Long Responses

Updated: 11/29/2025

You just typed the perfect prompt, ChatGPT is writing an amazing essay or code block, and suddenly it stops. A red banner appears: 'Network Error'. You refresh, and your prompt is gone. This is rarely a problem with your actual internet connection. It is usually a 60-Second Timeout limit imposed by OpenAI's servers or a browser cache conflict preventing the long text stream from finishing.

Method 1: Limit Response Length (The Prevention)

The API often times out if a response takes longer than 60 seconds to generate. Instead of asking for 'a full 2000-word essay,' break it down.

Step 1: Break it up

Ask for 'the outline first.' Then ask for 'Section 1,' then 'Section 2.' This keeps the data packets small and prevents the network stream from snapping.

Method 2: Clear OpenAI Site Data

If you get Network Errors instantly (even on short prompts), your local authorization token is corrupt.

Step 1: Open Dev Tools

Press F12 on your keyboard while on ChatGPT.

Step 2: Application Tab

Go to the Application tab > Storage > Local Storage. Right-click https://chat.openai.com and select Clear. Refresh the page and log in again.

Method 3: Disable VPNs

OpenAI blocks data center IP addresses aggressively. If you are on a VPN, the connection might initiate but get 'cut' halfway through generation as a security measure. Turn off your VPN and try again.