# API03005: Rate Limit Exceeded

## What This Means[​](#what-this-means "Direct link to What This Means")

You've made too many requests to the server in a short period. Rate limiting protects the server from being overwhelmed.

## Common Causes[​](#common-causes "Direct link to Common Causes")

* **Rapid sync operations** — Multiple devices syncing simultaneously
* **Aggressive refresh** — Refreshing data too frequently
* **Security plugin** — A plugin is enforcing request limits
* **Hosting limits** — Your hosting plan has API rate limits

## Server Error Mapping[​](#server-error-mapping "Direct link to Server Error Mapping")

This error code is triggered when the server returns:

| Server Code | Source                         |
| ----------- | ------------------------------ |
| HTTP 429    | Any server response (fallback) |

## How to Fix[​](#how-to-fix "Direct link to How to Fix")

### 1. Wait and Retry[​](#1-wait-and-retry "Direct link to 1. Wait and Retry")

Rate limits are temporary:

* Wait 1-5 minutes
* The POS will automatically retry
* Avoid manually refreshing repeatedly

### 2. Reduce Concurrent Operations[​](#2-reduce-concurrent-operations "Direct link to 2. Reduce Concurrent Operations")

If using multiple POS terminals:

* Stagger initial sync across devices
* Avoid refreshing all devices at once
* Let one complete before starting another

### 3. Check Security Plugins[​](#3-check-security-plugins "Direct link to 3. Check Security Plugins")

Plugins like Wordfence may block rapid requests:

* Whitelist the POS application
* Whitelist your POS device IPs
* Adjust rate limiting thresholds

### 4. Review Hosting Limits[​](#4-review-hosting-limits "Direct link to 4. Review Hosting Limits")

Some hosts limit API requests:

* Check your hosting plan details
* Consider upgrading if limits are too low
* Contact support about increasing limits

### 5. Optimise Sync Frequency[​](#5-optimise-sync-frequency "Direct link to 5. Optimise Sync Frequency")

In POS settings:

* Adjust auto-refresh intervals
* Use manual sync when appropriate
* Avoid unnecessary data refreshes

## Related Errors[​](#related-errors "Direct link to Related Errors")

* [API03004](/error-codes/API03004.md) — Request Too Large
* [API03007](/error-codes/API03007.md) — Request Queue Full