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ChatGPT only one message at a time error: causes & possible fixes

We look at how to fix the "Only One Message at A Time. Please Allow Any Other Responses to Complete Before Sending Another Message, Or Wait One Minute" error

Updated: May 15, 2023 1:30 pm
ChatGPT only one message at a time error: causes & possible fixes

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ChatGPT is a remarkable dialogue-based AI chatbot that can understand human language and generate detailed written content. However, users have reported encountering an error message that reads “Only one message at a time, please wait for any other responses before sending another message, or wait one minute” when attempting to send multiple messages simultaneously or quickly. This prompt is designed to prevent overloading the system, potentially leading to its crash.

This article will provide insight into the cause of this error message and offer tips on how to resolve it. In some cases, the issue may be related to the user’s internet connection or a technical glitch with the ChatGPT system. Users are advised to refresh the page or restart their device before trying again.

Can you prevent the “Only One Message at a Time” Error?

Understanding the cause of the “Only one message at a time ChatGPT” error message is essential to resolve the issue. ChatGPT is designed to process one message at a time to ensure accuracy and relevance in the generated responses. However, if a user tries to send multiple messages simultaneously or quickly after each other, it can cause the system to become overwhelmed and unable to provide the correct response.

The error message is triggered to prevent this from happening and to remind users to wait for their previous message to be processed and for the system to respond before sending another. By limiting the number of messages sent at once, ChatGPT ensures the platform’s smooth functioning and a positive user experience.

How to fix “One Message at a Time” ChatGPT error

Fixing the “Only one message at a time” error on ChatGPT is simple and straightforward:

  • The first fix is to wait for one response to complete before sending another message, making sure that ChatGPT has processed one message before you send another. This prevents any errors from occurring.
  • As the error itself suggest, you can try waiting for one minute before sending another message. This will give the system enough time to respond to your previous message and clear out space in the queue for your next one.
  • If the problem persists, verify your internet connection to ensure it is stable and strong. A weak or unstable connection can cause delays in message processing which could ultimately result in an error message.
  • If none of the solutions above work, contact the help center at help.openai.com for further assistance. They may be able to diagnose and resolve any issues with the platform.
  • Remember to use a single browser tab or PC to send messages to ChatGPT, and log out of ChatGPT on any other devices or browser tabs that you have used to prevent multiple instances of ChatGPT from processing messages simultaneously.

Other ChatGPT errors

There are a few differewnt error messages that might pop up when you’re using ChatGPT, let’s take a look at then and why they might be occurring.

  • ChatGPT Error 429: Here’s how to fix – The most common reason for encountering a ChatGPT Error 429 is because you have exceeded the API rate limit.
  • ChatGPT Error Generating Response: how to fix – This error is normally down to disconnection from the ChatGPT server. The server automatically disconnects users who have been idle for some time. Other possible causes could be poor internet connection, overly complicated prompts, or server maintenance.
  • ChatGPT error code 1020: how to fix – There are a variety of reasons you could be receiving this error message including: Excessive use of ChatGPT, your IP address being blocked, VPN problems, or Suspicious activity such as attempting to access restricted areas or perform unauthorized actions.
  • ChatGPT at capacity? Capacity right now error explained – The free version of ChatGPT can only support a certain volume of users at any one time so sometimes ChatGPT servers cannot handle the number of requests they are getting.

Hopefully these pages will help you solve whatever issues you’re having with ChatGPT.


Shaun, with a computer science degree and 15 years of computer experience, has been passionate about competitive FPS gaming since the mid-2000s.

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