Encountering the "To protect the requested service, this request has been blocked" error in ChatGPT can be frustrating, as it prevents you from accessing the AI chatbot.
Reports of encountering this error have been widespread, indicating that it has affected a significant number of individuals. Along with this error, the "Sorry, you have been blocked" error and the "Failed to get service status" error was also reported.
In this guide, we will provide you with a concise set of solutions to troubleshoot and resolve the error, allowing you to regain access to ChatGPT.
What does the ChatGPT "To protect the requested service, this request has been blocked" error mean?
The error message "Access denied. To protect the requested service, this request has been blocked or was unable to complete for other reasons" typically indicates that the service you are trying to access has restricted or denied your request.
This is not an error message from ChatGPT itself but generated by Cloudflare, which is a service that offers security for websites. Cloudflare acts as a protective layer and restricts or blocks access to a website or service for various security reasons.
Additionally, other ChatGPT errors such as the "Our systems have detected unusual activity from your system" error and the "We have detected suspicious login behavior" are also generated by Cloudflare rather than ChatGPT itself.
How to fix ChatGPT "To protect the requested service, this request has been blocked" error
If you're experiencing the "To protect the requested service, this request has been blocked" error while trying to access ChatGPT, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue:
- Clear your browser cache: Start by clearing your browser cache and cookies. Sometimes, cached data can interfere with the request and cause the error message to appear. After clearing the cache, try accessing ChatGPT again.
- Disable VPN or proxy: If you're using a VPN or proxy service, try disabling it temporarily. Sometimes, these services can interfere with the request or trigger security measures that result in access issues.
- Try from a different device: If possible, try accessing ChatGPT from a different device. This can help determine if the issue is specific to your current device or network. If the error doesn't occur on another device, it suggests a device-specific issue.
If none of the above steps resolves the issue, it's possible that the error is temporary or related to server-side factors. In such cases, waiting for some time and trying to access ChatGPT again later might help.
You are not alone
The ChatGPT "Access denied. To protect the requested service, this request has been blocked or was unable to complete for other reasons" error first emerged on July 12, 2023.
Numerous users were affected by this issue, experiencing difficulties accessing ChatGPT. In response, many users took to Twitter to report the problem and seek assistance.
Reports flooded social media, with users expressing frustration and seeking solutions for the encountered error. The scale of the issue became apparent as a significant number of individuals voiced their concerns on Twitter.