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Fix the WordPress "429 Too Many Requests" Error

The server or a security tool says that your site sent too many requests. Find the source and set sensible limits.

WordPress2 min read6 steps

What the error means

HTTP status 429 Too Many Requests means a client sent more requests than the server allows in a short time. The server uses it to protect itself from overload.

Why it happens in WordPress

  • Server limits. Hosting servers cap the number of requests.
  • Rate limiting. A CDN, a firewall or a security plugin may limit requests per IP address.
  • Bad plugins. Some plugins send too many requests, for example to an API, or run frequent background tasks.
  • Heavy themes or code that make many requests per page.
  • Bots and attacks. Bots can hit the login page or xmlrpc.php all day.

Effects

  1. A slow site.
  2. Visitors who leave.
  3. SEO damage, because speed and user experience matter to Google.

Fixes

Method 1: Find the plugin that causes it

  1. Log in to the dashboard and go to Plugins.
  2. Deactivate the plugins one at a time, and check the site after each one.
  3. If the error goes away, you found the plugin. Keep it off, look for a replacement, or contact its developer.

If you cannot enter the dashboard, rename the folder wp-content/plugins with FTP.

Method 2: Check the rate limit settings

Look at the rate limit settings of your server, your security plugin (Wordfence and others), your CDN (for example Cloudflare rate limiting rules) and your firewall. Raise the limit a little, or add your own IP address to the allow list.

Method 3: Cut down the requests

  • Use caching, so fewer requests reach PHP.
  • Combine and minify scripts and styles.
  • Lower the frequency of the Heartbeat API (a plugin such as Heartbeat Control).
  • Remove unneeded external scripts.

Method 4: Block abusive traffic

Block bots and attackers. For example, limit access to xmlrpc.php and wp-login.php, and block IP addresses that make too many requests.

Method 5: Update

Update WordPress, the theme and the plugins.

Method 6: Ask your host

Open a ticket with Hostvento support. Send the time of the errors and the URL. They can check the server limits and the logs, and tell you if a plan upgrade helps.

Quick recap

  • 429 is a rate limit.
  • Test plugins, review the limits of the server and CDN, and reduce the requests.
  • Upgrade the plan if your traffic needs it.