OpenAI API 500 Internal Server Error
Is there an outage right now?
OpenAI API official status is operational. If this error persists, it is likely an implementation or environment issue on your side.
View OpenAI API status →What this error means
500 is an unexpected error on OpenAI side. Often transient and recoverable on retry.
Common causes
- •Transient OpenAI-side fault
- •Region/model instability
- •Fallout from a larger outage
- •Rarely, extremely large input
How to fix
- 1.Wait and retry with exponential backoff
- 2.Simplify the request (smaller input) and retry
- 3.Try another model to isolate
- 4.Check status at top of page and official status
When waiting helps (and when it won't)
Server-side—retry after seconds to minutes. If persistent, check official outage info.
Alternatives when OpenAI API is down
Related errors
FAQ
What is 500 Internal Server Error?
500 is an unexpected error on OpenAI side. Often transient and recoverable on retry.
How do I fix 500 Internal Server Error?
Wait and retry with exponential backoff / Simplify the request (smaller input) and retry / Try another model to isolate / Check status at top of page and official status