Any idea what this means? ChatGPT compiled a list of facilities in CSV, then asked if I wanted an additional column I hadn’t thought of. I said yes, it prompted me to upload or paste the sheet, I did, started generating then “Unusual activity has been detected from your device. Try again later.”

Understanding and Handling the “Unusual Activity Detected” Error in ChatGPT

In today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape, AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming essential for data processing, content creation, and automation. However, users occasionally encounter unexpected disruptions that can hinder their workflow. One such issue is the appearance of an error message stating, “Unusual activity has been detected from your device. Try again later,” which can be perplexing and disruptive.

A Real-World Scenario

Consider a typical situation: a user employed ChatGPT to compile a list of facilities in CSV format. When asked if they wanted an additional column—something previously unconsidered—ChatGPT responded by prompting the user to upload or paste the sheet. The user chose to paste the data, which ChatGPT confirmed would be acceptable. The input was minimal—just six columns and twelve rows—and the AI began processing. Suddenly, the user was met with the message:

“Unusual activity has been detected from your device. Try again later. (982a07dada998fa5-IAD)”

This abrupt halt can be frustrating, especially when in the middle of a productive task.

Understanding the Cause

Such error messages are typically generated by security systems designed to prevent misuse or abuse of AI platforms. These systems monitor patterns that resemble automated scripts or potentially malicious activity. Even seemingly innocuous actions, like pasting small datasets or rapid interactions, can sometimes trigger these safeguards.

In this specific case, although the user adhered to recommended procedures—pasting instead of uploading—the system still detected activity it flagged as unusual. It’s important to note that these measures are generally in place to protect the platform’s integrity and user security.

Best Practices to Avoid Similar Issues

• Limit Rapid Interactions: Avoid executing multiple commands or inputs in quick succession, which may resemble automated behavior.

• Use Alternative Methods: If pasting data triggers security protocols, try uploading files directly through supported channels, if available.

• Clear Browser Cache and Cookies: Sometimes, residual data can interfere with session authenticity. Clearing cache may help reduce false positives.

• Check for IP or Device Anomalies: If multiple users share an IP address or device, security systems might flag activity erroneously.

• Allow Time Before Retry: Security measures often lift after a cooldown period. Waiting a few minutes before attempting again can resolve the issue.

• Ensure Software and Browser Updates: Outdated browsers or software can sometimes miscommunicate with web