Last updated: April 19, 2025 – Content verified working with latest ChatGPT versions

ChatGPT Image Generation Not Working: 10 Proven Fixes for 2025

Frustrated with ChatGPT’s image generation not working? You’re not alone. Since OpenAI integrated DALL-E image capabilities into ChatGPT, many users have encountered various issues preventing them from generating images. Whether you’re using ChatGPT Plus, GPT-4o, or the free version, this comprehensive guide provides 10 proven solutions to get your AI image generation working again.

Why Is ChatGPT Image Generation Not Working?

Before diving into solutions, let’s understand the common reasons behind ChatGPT image generation failures:

• Account settings issues – Incorrect customization or beta feature settings
• Service availability – OpenAI’s image servers experiencing high demand
• Access limitations – Free tier restrictions or subscription issues
• Technical glitches – Browser problems or cached data conflicts
• Content policy violations – Requests that trigger OpenAI’s safety filters

10 Proven Fixes for ChatGPT Image Generation Problems

1. Check Your ChatGPT Subscription Status

Image generation capabilities vary by subscription tier:

• Free users: Limited access to DALL-E (often delayed rollouts)
• ChatGPT Plus: Full access to DALL-E image generation
• GPT-4o users: Enhanced image generation with visual understanding

If you’re on the free tier, note that OpenAI often delays new feature rollouts. As confirmed by CEO Sam Altman on March 26, 2025, image generation for free users has been temporarily delayed.

2. Disable Custom Instructions

The most common fix reported by users is disabling custom instructions:

1. Click on your profile icon in the bottom-left corner
2. Select “Settings”
3. Navigate to “Customize ChatGPT”
4. Temporarily clear both custom instruction boxes
5. Save changes and try generating images again

Many users report immediate success after clearing custom instructions that may conflict with image generation capabilities.

3. Turn Off Beta Features

Beta features can interfere with image generation:

1. Go to Settings
2. Find “Beta features” section
3. Disable any active beta features
4. Restart ChatGPT and try again

Plugin mode and certain beta features have been known to conflict with DALL-E functionality.

4. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Technical issues can often be resolved by clearing your browser data:

• Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data
• Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data > Remove All
• Edge: Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data

After clearing cache and cookies, close and reopen your browser before trying again.

5. Try Different Browsers or Devices

Sometimes the issue is browser-specific:

• If using Chrome, try Firefox, Safari, or Edge
• Switch between desktop and mobile applications
• Update your browser to the latest version

Many users report success simply by switching browsers or using the mobile app instead.

6. Modify Your Image Prompt

Your prompt might be triggering content filters. Try these modifications:

• Use simpler, more direct language
• Avoid potentially controversial topics
• Be specific about style but general about subject matter
• Include phrases like “digital art” or “illustration”
• Break complex requests into multiple, simpler prompts

Instead of: “Generate a hyper-realistic image of a specific celebrity”
Try: “Create a stylized illustration of a person with [general features]”

7. Start a Fresh Conversation

Context from previous messages can affect image generation:

1. Click “New chat” to start a fresh conversation
2. Make your image generation request the first prompt
3. Use clear, specific language for what you want to create

Starting fresh eliminates any potential conflicts from previous conversation context.

8. Check Service Status

Image generation servers may be experiencing issues:

• Check OpenAI’s status page
• Visit the OpenAI community forum for announcements
• Check Sam Altman’s Twitter for service updates

OpenAI occasionally limits image generation during high-demand periods or while fixing bugs.

9. Update the Mobile App

If using the mobile app:

• Check for app updates in the App Store or Google Play
• Ensure you’re running the latest version (v2.2025.4 or newer)
• Force close and restart the app after updating

Outdated mobile apps often lack the latest bug fixes for image generation issues.

10. Try Alternative API Methods

If all else fails, consider using alternative APIs to access image generation:

curl https://api.laozhang.ai/v1/chat/completions \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $API_KEY" \
  -d '{
    "model": "gpt-4o-all",
    "stream": false,
    "messages": [
      {"role": "system", "content": "You are an assistant that creates detailed image generation prompts."},
      {"role": "user", "content": "Create an image of a mountain landscape at sunset."} 
    ]
  }'

Using a reliable API provider like laozhang.ai often provides more stable access to image generation capabilities compared to the web interface. New users get free credits upon registration.

Alternative Image Generation Tools

If ChatGPT’s image generation remains unavailable, consider these alternatives:

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

ChatGPT’s image generation capabilities are powerful but occasionally encounter issues. By following the 10 troubleshooting steps outlined above, you can resolve most common problems and get back to creating AI-generated images.

For the most reliable access, consider using the laozhang.ai API service, which provides stable access to OpenAI’s models with additional benefits like free starting credits and consistent availability even during peak times.

Remember that OpenAI is continuously improving their services, so temporary issues are often resolved in subsequent updates. For persistent problems, the OpenAI community forums remain the best source of up-to-date troubleshooting information.