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Why Is My Chat Failing?

If your messages in NorthSignal are failing to generate a response, the issue is almost always related to your API keys or provider account. Here are the five most common causes and how to fix each one.

1. You Haven't Added an API Key​

NorthSignal does not come pre-loaded with AI access. You must provide your own API key.

The Fix:

  1. Open Settings (gear icon in the sidebar).
  2. Select the tab of the AI provider you want to use (OpenAI, Anthropic, or Google).
  3. Paste your key and click Save Settings.
  4. Don't have a key? Follow our API Key Setup Guide.

2. Your API Key Is Out of Credits​

This is the most common reason for failed chats among active users. OpenAI and Anthropic require prepaid billing. If your account balance drops to $0.00, they block all API requests.

The Fix:

  1. Log into your provider's developer console:
  2. Go to the Billing section and check your credit balance.
  3. If empty, add $5–$10 to your account.
  4. Try chatting in NorthSignal again — it should work within minutes.
tip

Set up auto-reload in your provider's billing settings so your balance is automatically topped up when it gets low.

3. Your API Key Was Revoked or Deleted​

If you deleted the key on the provider's website, regenerated it, or accidentally exposed it publicly (e.g., in a Git commit), the provider will permanently deactivate it.

The Fix:

  1. Generate a brand new API key from the provider's console.
  2. Open NorthSignal Settings.
  3. Delete the old key and paste the new one.

4. Rate Limit Exceeded (429 Error)​

If you're sending many messages in rapid succession, the provider may temporarily throttle your account.

The Fix:

  • Wait 30–60 seconds and try again.
  • If this happens frequently, check your provider's rate limit documentation — you may need to request a higher tier.

5. Network or Timeout Errors​

Occasional network issues can cause generation failures, especially on slow connections or when the AI provider's servers are under heavy load.

The Fix:

Still Having Trouble?​

If you've verified your keys are correct and funded but chats still fail, contact support with a description of the error you're seeing.

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