ChatGPT’s Keeps Giving error with Excel Files: How to Fix ?

ChatGPT’s spreadsheet-analysis features have become one of its most popular capabilities, especially for professionals who rely on quick data insights. However, in recent weeks, many users have reported a sudden increase in errors when uploading or analyzing Excel files. These issues are affecting both casual users and professionals preparing for high-stakes presentations or corporate training sessions.

photo shows error when an excel file is uploaded on chatgpt

If you are encountering problems like ChatGPT refusing to read Excel files, showing upload errors, or returning unspecified analysis failures, you are not alone. Here is a detailed look at what users are experiencing and what might be causing the problem.

1. What Users Are Reporting

Across multiple locations, devices, and accounts, users describe similar symptoms:

a. ChatGPT refuses to read Excel files for long periods

One user noted that the model was unable to read any Excel file for more than twelve hours. Another reported that the feature worked earlier in the day but suddenly stopped functioning without any warning.

b. Errors appear even when uploading simple or previously working files

Users say ChatGPT was analyzing spreadsheets perfectly just days ago, but the same files now trigger:

“Upload failed”
“I did not receive any file”
“Unable to read the .xls file properly”
“File format not recognized”

This includes files saved in multiple versions such as .xlsx, .xls, and .csv.

c. Custom GPTs struggle even when the main ChatGPT works

Several users observed that:

ChatGPT 4 or GPT-4o in the main interface reads Excel normally
But custom GPTs built for data analysis fail with identical prompts and files

This inconsistency is adding to user frustration.

d. The issue persists across multiple computers and internet connections

People have tested:

Home networks
Office networks
Different laptops and desktops
Various browsers

The same issue occurs everywhere, suggesting the root cause is not device-specific.

2. Why These Errors Matter for Professionals

For many users, ChatGPT is not just a casual tool—it is a critical part of their workflow.

One data trainer from Korea reports preparing to deliver a live demonstration to over 100 HR and training managers. The fear of Excel upload failures during a corporate presentation creates understandable anxiety. Others mention strict deadlines and professional projects that depend on accurate spreadsheet analysis.

Frequent Excel-reading failures undermine the reliability of ChatGPT for:

HR analytics
Market analysis
Finance reports
Audit and compliance workflows
Predictive modeling
Risk assessment

When the AI cannot even load data, deadlines and client expectations become difficult to meet.

3. Possible Causes Behind ChatGPT’s Excel Upload Failures

While OpenAI has not yet released official guidance, user patterns indicate several likely explanations.

a. Temporary backend processing limitations

High server load may affect file-handling features more than text queries. Large Excel files, multiple sheets, or complex structures may cause processing bottlenecks.

b. Bugs in the file-upload or file-parsing pipeline

Several users noted the issue began recently, despite files working previously. This implies a potential regression or bug introduced in a recent update.

c. Limitations in custom GPTs

Many users reported that:

Standard ChatGPT handles Excel
Their custom GPTs do not

This suggests that the file-parsing tools available to custom GPTs may be temporarily degraded or misconfigured.

d. Model-level inconsistencies

Some models read files correctly, while others do not. This hints at feature mismatches across versions.

4. User-Tested Workarounds (Not Guaranteed but Helpful)

While there is no universal fix yet, here are some strategies that have helped users regain temporary functionality:

1. Try using the main GPT-4 or GPT-4o interface instead of a custom GPT

Several users confirmed that the issue appears only in private GPT assistants.

2. Save and upload in different formats

Try exporting your file as:

.xlsx
.xls
.csv
.tsv

Some users experienced success after re-saving the spreadsheet.

3. Reduce file size or number of sheets

Break the data into smaller files with fewer columns or sheets.

4. Clear browser cache and restart

Some users recovered upload functionality after clearing cache or switching browsers entirely.

5. Use a different ChatGPT workspace

One user found that switching from a custom GPT to the main ChatGPT workspace restored Excel reading capabilities.

5. Why Transparency Matters

Several users expressed frustration that OpenAI has not acknowledged the issue or provided guidance. Many rely on the tool professionally and expect:

Status updates
Workarounds
Explanations
A timeline for fixes

Silence from the platform leads to loss of trust for users who depend on AI for mission-critical tasks.

6. Should Users Expect a Fix Soon?

Based on user reports, this is not an isolated issue. Dozens of users worldwide have experienced identical problems. The sudden onset and widespread impact strongly indicate a backend problem rather than user error.

OpenAI typically resolves file-handling bugs in batches through server-side updates. It is likely the issue will be fixed soon, but without official acknowledgment, users should prepare alternative options when planning live demonstrations or time-sensitive projects.

7. Conclusion

ChatGPT’s inability to read Excel files is currently affecting many users, from students to corporate professionals. Although workarounds exist, the inconsistency is causing stress and workflow disruptions.

Until OpenAI deploys a stable fix, users should:

Test spreadsheets ahead of important meetings
Have alternative tools ready
Avoid relying exclusively on custom GPTs for file analysis
Monitor updates and community discussions for status changes

Excel analysis is one of ChatGPT’s most valuable features. A stable and reliable file-reading system is essential for continued trust and adoption across industries.