Cursor stops generating code, hangs on “Thinking…”, or gives empty responses. Here are the most common causes and fixes.

Fix 1: Check API connection

Cursor needs an active internet connection and valid subscription:

Settings → Cursor → Account
# Verify you're logged in and subscription is active

If you see “API Error” or “Connection failed”:

• Check your internet connection
• Try switching between WiFi and mobile hotspot
• Cursor’s servers might be down — check status.cursor.com

Fix 2: Switch models

If one model isn’t responding, try another:

Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + P → "Cursor: Change Model"

Model	Speed	Quality	When to use
GPT-5.4 Mini	Fastest	Good	Default for speed
Claude Sonnet	Medium	Best for code	Complex edits
GPT-5.4	Medium	Great	Complex reasoning

Sometimes a specific model is overloaded. Switching to another often fixes the issue immediately.

Fix 3: Clear cache

Corrupted cache can cause hangs:

# macOS
rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/Cursor/Cache
rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/Cursor/CachedData

# Linux
rm -rf ~/.config/Cursor/Cache
rm -rf ~/.config/Cursor/CachedData

# Windows
rmdir /s %APPDATA%\Cursor\Cache
rmdir /s %APPDATA%\Cursor\CachedData

Restart Cursor after clearing.

Fix 4: Extension conflicts

VS Code extensions can conflict with Cursor’s AI features:

1. Disable all extensions: Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + P → "Disable All Extensions"
2. Test if Cursor AI works
3. Re-enable extensions one by one to find the conflict

Common conflicts: GitHub Copilot (competing AI), other AI assistants, heavy language servers.

Fix 5: Large file issues

Cursor struggles with very large files (5,000+ lines):

• Split large files into smaller modules
• Use @file references instead of opening everything
• Close tabs you’re not actively editing

Fix 6: Composer not generating

If Cursor Composer specifically isn’t working:

Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + P → "Cursor: Reset Composer State"

Or close and reopen the Composer panel. If it persists, restart Cursor entirely.

Fix 7: Reinstall

Nuclear option if nothing else works:

# macOS
brew uninstall cursor
brew install cursor

# Or download fresh from cursor.com

Back up your settings first: Settings → Profiles → Export Profile

Prevention

• Keep Cursor updated (auto-updates are on by default)
• Don’t open projects with 10,000+ files — use .cursorignore to exclude node_modules, dist, etc.
• Close unused tabs to reduce memory pressure
• Use Cursor’s MCP integration instead of loading entire codebases into context

Related: Claude Code vs Cursor · Cursor One-Week Review · MCP + Cursor Setup · Best AI Coding Tools · GitHub Copilot vs Cursor