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If you’ve ever tried to chat with ChatGPT in Chrome only to find it lagging, freezing, or taking ages to respond, you’re not alone.
Many users have recently reported performance issues while using ChatGPT on Google Chrome, from slow text generation to delayed interface loading.
These issues often arise from Chrome’s own system resource usage, browser extensions, or outdated caches rather than ChatGPT itself.
ChatGPT is gaining traction among young professionals and students for its seamless and fast solutions to numerous queries. However, the LLM exhibits multiple downsides, particularly when running on Chrome. From delayed responses to interface lags or unresponsive tabs, users often complain about various issues that ChatGPT presents to them.
The issue is that the slowdown problem often doesn't arise from the LLM itself. The slowdown generally depends on how Chrome handles the load. Sometimes, other browser issues, such as extensions and cache, can be the culprits. Regardless of the reason, the solution is straightforward.
While the solutions are pertinent, more essential is understanding why ChatGPT is slowing down on Chrome. Google Chrome is known for its efficiency, but it can sometimes consume excessive memory and slow down overall processing power, particularly when many tabs are open. Here are the most typical reasons for ChatGPT running slowly in Chrome:
Heavy CPU and RAM Usage: Chrome is inherently memory-intensive, particularly when too many tabs are open and/or extensions are enabled.
Browser Extensions Causing Interference: Many extensions are known to slow down ChatGPT, including ad blockers, grammar checkers, and other AI tools, which can interfere with its functioning, making it slower than expected.
Outdated Browser: As with large caches, an older version of Chrome can slow the performance over time.
Network Issues: An unreliable Wi-Fi connection or a VPN that is unstable can also slow performance.
Long Sessions in ChatGPT: Sessions using ChatGPT that have long histories will take a longer time to load and receive responses.
Now that you understand the functions, you may have identified some areas for modification that could help resolve your ongoing issues with ChatGPT running slowly.
Also Read: ChatGPT Free vs. ChatGPT Plus: Is the Paid Version Worth it?
If your ChatGPT is running slow, try these steps to resolve it:
The first method to try is clearing the cache and cookies. For that, one needs to go to Chrome Settings and then scroll down to the ‘More Tools’ section. Click on ‘Clear Browsing Data’ and select ‘All Time’ as the time range. Next, check Cookies and other site data, as well as cache images. Click on ‘Clear data’ and then restart Chrome. Once the process is done, it will free up space and allow ChatGPT to load faster.
To use this method, open an Incognito window and run ChatGPT within it. If it works smoothly, then you have to clear the extensions. To do this, visit chrome://extensions and disable all the extensions you have added.
The third, and one of the best options to fix any Google Chrome issue, is to update the browser. Go to Settings and from there navigate to About Google Chrome. Enable Chrome to update automatically to the latest version, then restart your browser to apply the changes.
The internet connection can be one of the most prominent reasons behind your ChatGPT running slowly. Therefore, if the methods mentioned above don’t work, try to verify your internet connection. If it’s unstable, switch networks or turn off VPNs to reduce latency.
Chrome should have the essential tabs open. One must close other tabs to ensure ChatGPT runs properly. If you have too many tabs open, it will slow down performance.
If performance issues don’t get solved through any of the above methods, the last thing you can try is to change the browser. Test if ChatGPT runs properly on any other browser, like Microsoft Edge, Brave, or Firefox. If it runs faster there, Chrome is the reason for its slowing down.
These steps can dramatically improve performance. In most cases, clearing the cache resolves all the issues within minutes.
Also Read: ChatGPT Lawsuit: AI Accused of Encouraging Self-Harm and Suicide
A significant lag in a ChatGPT session can be a productivity blocker. However, if it occurs frequently, the issue becomes persistent and annoying. While the problem is bothersome, the fix can be as simple as updating Chrome. From clearing out old cache, disabling extensions, updating browsers, and checking your network, several solutions can resolve the issue of ChatGPT running slowly.
These steps take only a few minutes, but they sometimes work magically to ensure your ChatGPT experience remains productive. If the problem persists even after trying all these methods, it’s time to consider switching to a different browser.
Why is ChatGPT slow only in Chrome?
Ans: The reason can be anything. Chrome often consumes more storage than other browsers like Edge or Firefox. Therefore, it typically causes ChatGPT to respond more slowly when memory is limited.
Will disabling extensions fix ChatGPT lag?
Ans: In most cases, this method works like magic. If your extensions interfere with JavaScript execution, ChatGPT will perform more slowly. Therefore, you should try disabling grammar tools, ad blockers, or AI-related add-ons.
Can a VPN make ChatGPT slower?
Ans: Yes, a VPN will take your data and route it to a remote server, which adds latency. If it is running slowly, try turning off your VPN to see if that improves its performance.
How often should I clear Chrome’s cache?
Ans: You should try clearing your cache every other week or when you notice a speed lag in your browser.
What if ChatGPT is slow even after fixes?
Ans: You can check OpenAI's status page. Sometimes, ChatGPT is slow because they have a lot of traffic or because it is conducting maintenance on its servers.
