■ When Image Generation Freezes, It’s Usually a Queue or Model Sync Issue
Many users have recently reported that ChatGPT’s image generation stays stuck on “Loading…” or “Processing…” without completing. In some cases, the chat becomes completely unresponsive until restarted. I personally experienced this issue in early December when an image request froze an entire thread.
The underlying causes are relatively consistent, and most can be resolved with a few user-side actions.
■ Cause 1: DALL·E Queue Congestion
Image generation is computationally heavy. During peak hours, the DALL·E queue may become overloaded, resulting in:
- Processing that never finishes
- A frozen “Cancel” button
- No image output
Weekends and evening hours show this most clearly.
■ Cause 2: Model Sync Failure
Sometimes the UI shows “DALL·E,” but the backend is still running a text-only model.
This mismatch causes image generation to silently fail.
■ Cause 3: App/Browser Cache Errors
Mobile apps especially can misdetect connectivity, causing the request to abort mid-process.
■ Practical Fixes You Should Try
● 1. Start a New Chat (Most Effective)
Once an image request freezes, the thread often becomes unusable.
A fresh chat resets the internal process and usually works.
● 2. Re-select Your Model
Switch between:
- GPT-4o → DALL·E
- DALL·E → GPT-4o → DALL·E
The resync resolves backend mismatches.
● 3. Simplify Your Prompt
Long, complex prompts or high-resolution requests often fail at peak times.
● 4. Reload the Tab / Restart the App
Most “Processing stuck” issues are actually UI freezes.
● 5. Toggle Wi-Fi / Mobile Data
Especially on iOS where “offline state” bugs persist.
● 6. Avoid Peak Hours
Late night / early morning shows the highest success rate.
■ If Nothing Works
Check the official service status.
https://status.openai.com/
■ References
- Image generation stuck on loading
https://community.openai.com/t/image-generation-stuck-on-loading/1157303 - Image generation failing for over 24 hours
https://community.openai.com/t/image-generation-in-chatgpt-plus-failing-for-over-24-hours-anyone-else/1234252 - DALL·E not working due to model mismatch
https://community.openai.com/t/dall-e-in-chatgpt-not-working-cant-generate-images/1287861 - Peak-hour delays in image generation
https://ai-kenkyujo.com/software/generative-ai/chatgpt-gazou-seisei/
