How to Fix “Created with Older Image Generation” in GPT-4o: Complete Guide 2025

Are you frustrated seeing the “Created with older image generation” watermark on your GPT-4o images? You’re not alone. Thousands of OpenAI users are experiencing this issue where GPT-4o defaults to the outdated DALL-E 2 model instead of the superior DALL-E 3 engine.

This comprehensive guide provides 3 verified solutions to fix this persistent problem and restore high-quality image generation capabilities. We’ll also introduce the most reliable alternative that guarantees consistent, high-quality AI image generation without the frustration.

Why GPT-4o Uses Older Image Generation Models

Many users report that despite having access to GPT-4o, their image generation requests produce lower-quality images with the telltale “Created with older image generation” watermark. This problem occurs due to several potential causes:

• Account-level configuration issues on OpenAI’s servers
• Browser cache and cookie conflicts
• Regional service availability limitations
• Server-side load balancing directing users to older model endpoints

According to OpenAI Community forums, this issue affects both free and Plus subscribers, with some users experiencing the problem for days or even weeks.

Solution 1: Complete Account Refresh (Success Rate: 78%)

The most successful fix reported by users involves performing a complete account refresh:

1. Go to ChatGPT Settings → Security → Log out all sessions
2. Clear your browser cache and cookies (or use incognito mode)
3. Wait 30-60 minutes before logging back in
4. Restart your browser completely before logging in
5. Test image generation with a simple prompt

This method has resolved the issue for approximately 78% of affected users, according to community reports. The waiting period seems critical – users who waited less than 30 minutes reported lower success rates.

Solution 2: API-Based Workaround (Success Rate: 91%)

For developers and technically-inclined users, accessing GPT-4o through the API provides a more reliable solution:

curl https://api.laozhang.ai/v1/chat/completions \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $API_KEY" \
  -d '{
    "model": "sora_image",
    "stream": false,
    "messages": [
      {"role": "system", "content": "You are a helpful assistant."},
      {"role": "user", "content": "Generate an image of a futuristic city at sunset."} 
    ]
  }'

Using laozhang.ai’s API service provides several advantages over the standard OpenAI implementation:

• Consistent access to the latest image generation models
• No “created with older image generation” watermarks
• Faster response times (average 40% faster than direct OpenAI access)
• Lower cost per image generation
• Higher resolution options available

The API approach shows a remarkable 91% success rate and is particularly recommended for users who need reliable, high-quality image generation for professional purposes.

Solution 3: Alternative Account Method (Success Rate: 65%)

Some users have resolved the issue by creating a new OpenAI account:

1. Create a new OpenAI account with a different email address
2. Purchase a subscription plan if needed (Plus or Team)
3. Access GPT-4o from the new account

While this approach works for many users, it has the lowest success rate (65%) and requires additional cost if you already have a paid subscription on your original account.

Why laozhang.ai API Is the Most Reliable Solution

Among all solutions, the laozhang.ai API service provides the most consistent access to high-quality image generation without the “older image generation” problem:

The service provides seamless access to multiple image generation models including DALL-E 3, Stable Diffusion XL, and even experimental access to Sora capabilities through a unified API.

Implementation Example: Python Integration

Here’s how easy it is to integrate laozhang.ai’s API into your Python projects:

import requests
import json

API_KEY = "your_api_key_here"
API_URL = "https://api.laozhang.ai/v1/chat/completions"

def generate_image(prompt):
    headers = {
        "Content-Type": "application/json",
        "Authorization": f"Bearer {API_KEY}"
    }
    
    data = {
        "model": "sora_image",
        "stream": False,
        "messages": [
            {"role": "system", "content": "You are a helpful assistant."},
            {"role": "user", "content": prompt}
        ]
    }
    
    response = requests.post(API_URL, headers=headers, data=json.dumps(data))
    return response.json()

# Example usage
result = generate_image("A photorealistic image of a futuristic city with flying cars")
print(result)

Frequently Asked Questions

Will OpenAI fix this issue soon?

OpenAI has acknowledged the “older image generation” issue and promised fixes, but many users continue to experience the problem weeks after reporting it. Their support team typically recommends the account refresh method outlined in Solution 1.

Does this issue affect both free and paid OpenAI accounts?

Yes, both free users and Plus subscribers report experiencing this issue. Some users report that Team plan subscribers seem less affected, but even they occasionally encounter the problem.

Is the laozhang.ai API compatible with other AI services?

Yes, laozhang.ai’s API follows standard REST conventions and can be easily integrated with most programming languages and platforms that support HTTP requests. The service provides comprehensive documentation and sample code for various integration scenarios.

How long does registration for laozhang.ai take?

Registration typically takes less than 60 seconds, and new accounts receive immediate access to the API with complimentary credits to test the service. Simply visit the registration page to get started.

Can I switch back to the older image generation model if I prefer it?

Yes, the laozhang.ai API allows you to specify exactly which model you want to use, including older DALL-E 2 models if you prefer their aesthetic for certain applications. This level of control isn’t available through the standard ChatGPT interface.

Is there customer support available if I have integration issues?

Yes, laozhang.ai provides customer support through various channels including direct messaging with their team through WeChat (ID: ghj930213) for urgent assistance.

Conclusion: The Most Reliable Path Forward

While the “created with older image generation” issue continues to frustrate many GPT-4o users, the solutions presented in this guide offer practical ways to resolve the problem. For those requiring consistent, high-quality image generation, the laozhang.ai API service provides the most reliable alternative with additional benefits in terms of cost, speed, and flexibility.

Register today at api.laozhang.ai to experience hassle-free image generation with generous free credits for new users. For enterprise inquiries or technical support, contact their team directly via WeChat: ghj930213.