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How to fix ChatGPT Removed project folders and Not working?
Many ChatGPT users, including Plus subscribers, are reporting a sudden disappearance of their project folders along with an error message saying:
“Project not found or insufficient permissions.”
If your saved folders and chats have vanished or are inaccessible, don’t worry — you’re not alone. This issue has been observed across multiple browsers and devices, especially after recent ChatGPT updates. Here’s everything you need to know and the possible fixes.
Understanding the Issue
Several users have noticed that their ChatGPT projects and folders disappeared overnight, with the sidebar completely blank. Even paid accounts are affected.
The error usually appears when:
- You try to open a saved project or chat from the sidebar.
- ChatGPT says the feature has been removed or restricted.
- The folders load partially or not at all.
In some cases, users found that the projects were not deleted but hidden due to a loading, permission, or synchronization issue.
Common Symptoms
- “Project not found or insufficient permissions.”
- Projects sidebar missing completely.
- Chats inside folders not visible.
- Projects appear on one device but not another.
- Project folders reappear after switching browsers or restarting the app.
Fix ChatGPT “Removed My Project Folders” and “Insufficient Permissions” Error: iOS , PC, Mobile Phone
1. Log Out and Log Back In
A simple sign-out and sign-in often refreshes your ChatGPT session and reloads missing folders. Many users confirmed that after logging back in, their projects reappeared instantly.
2. Try a Different Browser
If you are using Chrome, try switching to Microsoft Edge, Firefox, or Safari.
Some users reported that projects missing in Chrome appeared normally when accessed in another browser. This suggests a browser cache or cookie issue.
3. Clear Cache and Cookies
Cached data can interfere with the loading of stored projects.
- Go to your browser settings → Clear browsing data → Select Cookies and Cached files.
- Restart the browser and log in again to ChatGPT.
4. Reset Project Permissions
In the ChatGPT desktop app, resetting permissions may restore access to hidden folders:
- Open the ChatGPT desktop app.
- Navigate to Settings → Permissions.
- Reset or re-enable access.
5. Use the ChatGPT Desktop App
If your browser version fails to load projects, open ChatGPT from the Windows or macOS app instead.
Some users noticed that projects reappeared in the desktop client even when missing in the browser.
6. Refresh the Sidebar on Mobile
If you’re on the ChatGPT mobile app:
- Open the sidebar menu.
- Swipe down to refresh the list.
This action can reload your projects and make missing folders visible again.
Why This Happens
Based on user feedback, the issue may stem from:
- Temporary server synchronization bugs after updates.
- Permission conflicts between browser sessions and app sessions.
- ChatGPT backend maintenance temporarily disabling folder visibility.
Until OpenAI releases an official fix, these troubleshooting steps remain the most reliable workarounds.
Final Thoughts
Losing your project folders in ChatGPT can be frustrating, especially if you rely on them for ongoing work or research. While there’s no official acknowledgment yet from OpenAI, most users have recovered their projects using the above fixes — particularly switching browsers or logging out and back in.
If the issue persists, submit feedback directly through the ChatGPT Help → “Report a Bug” option. Providing screenshots or videos can help OpenAI’s team identify the cause faster.
