If you’ve ever seen the message “Rate limit exceeded” or “You are rate limited” while using Twitter (now X), you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common, and confusing, errors users encounter.
This notification means you’ve temporarily reached the maximum number of actions (like viewing tweets, sending DMs, or following accounts) allowed in a short time. But why does it happen? How long does it last? And most importantly, how can you fix it fast?
In this complete guide, we’ll explain everything about Twitter rate limits, how they work, and how to avoid getting blocked again.
What Does “Rate Limit Exceeded” Mean on Twitter (X)?
“Rate limiting” is Twitter’s way of controlling how often users can perform certain actions. It prevents spam and protects servers from overload.
When you see “Rate limit exceeded,” it means you’ve made too many requests, like scrolling, liking, or refreshing, in a short time frame. The system temporarily blocks further activity until your limit resets.
In other words, X is asking you to slow down.
This limit is applied differently for various actions:
- Viewing tweets and timelines
- Sending or deleting tweets
- Following or unfollowing accounts
- Sending DMs
- Using third-party apps or automation tools
Why Does X Enforce Rate Limits?
Rate limits serve multiple purposes beyond just slowing you down. Here’s why they exist:
- To prevent spam: Bots and automation tools send thousands of requests per minute.
- To stop abuse: Bulk follow/unfollow patterns are often linked to fake growth tactics.
- To protect the system: Millions of users hitting “refresh” at once can crash servers.
- To encourage healthy engagement: It ensures real interactions, not automated traffic.
Sometimes, bot followers or suspicious tools connected to your profile can trigger limits faster. Cleaning up your profile by removing bot followers helps maintain account health.
How Twitter Rate Limits Work (Technical Explanation)
Twitter’s backend uses “API endpoints” — every action you perform (refreshing, liking, following) counts as a request. When you exceed the allowed number of requests per 15-minute window, your session gets rate limited.
While exact limits aren’t public, here’s a general idea (based on X Developer Documentation):
| Action | Approximate Limit | Reset Time |
| Viewing tweets | 600–6,000 per day (varies by account type) | Every 15 mins–24 hrs |
| Sending tweets | 2,400 per day | 24 hours |
| DMs | 500 per day | 24 hours |
| Follows | 400 per day | 24 hours |
Verified and premium users get higher limits.
If you use third-party tools that automate posting, mass following, or scraping, they count toward your API quota.
Historical Context: How Rate Limits Changed After Musk’s Takeover
In mid-2023, Elon Musk implemented stricter view limits to fight “data scraping and system manipulation.” Free accounts were capped at 600 posts per day, later increased after backlash.
By 2024–2025, limits became dynamic, based on account trust, verification, and behavior. Premium users can view and post more frequently than free users.
Compared to other top social media platforms, X now uses one of the most complex anti-scraping systems.
Common Reasons You See ‘Rate Limit Exceeded’
- Scrolling too fast: Viewing hundreds of tweets within minutes.
- Using bots or automation: Tools that like, retweet, or follow accounts automatically.
- Following/unfollowing in bulk: Exceeding follow limits.
- Too many DMs: Sending repetitive messages.
- Refreshing constantly: Especially during outages or trending events.
- Linked inactive accounts: Sometimes inactive accounts connected to your main profile create background requests.
How Long Does Twitter Rate Limit Last?
Most temporary limits reset within 15 minutes to 1 hour.
However, if the system detects repeated or automated abuse, it can extend up to 24 hours or even trigger a temporary suspension.
During this period, you can’t view new tweets or interact much, even notifications may stop updating.
How to Fix “Rate Limit Exceeded” on X
1. Wait for the Reset
Most limits clear automatically once the timer resets. Avoid spamming the app during this time.
2. Log Out and Back In
This refreshes your session and can sometimes reset the rate counter early.
3. Close & Reopen the App
If you’re stuck on the same error, clearing cache or restarting the app often helps.
4. Disable Automation or Bots
If you use any automation tool for follows, tweets, or unfollows, disable it. Accounts linked to mass actions are prime targets for rate limits.
5. Avoid Fake Growth Methods
Buying followers or using engagement bots can raise red flags. Learn why this practice hurts your profile long-term in our guide on buying Twitter followers safely.
6. Review Third-Party Apps
Go to Settings → Security → Connected Apps and revoke any tool you don’t trust.
7. Limit Username Changes
Frequent profile updates can also trigger restrictions, especially handle changes. See how often it’s safe to update your Twitter username.
Can You Bypass the Twitter Rate Limit?
No official way exists to bypass it, and trying to do so can get your account suspended.
However, you can reduce your chances of hitting the limit by:
- Scheduling posts throughout the day instead of rapid bursts
- Avoiding constant scrolling
- Disconnecting unused automation tools
- Using official Twitter clients instead of third-party APIs
Users often share tips and live updates about X’s latest policies on social media discussion forums, where you can stay informed about rate-limit resets and changes.
Preventive Best Practices
Here’s how to keep your account healthy and avoid limits in the future:
- Avoid bulk follows, unfollows, or DMs.
- Don’t rely on automated engagement bots.
- Use X’s native tools (TweetDeck, Ads Manager).
- Post gradually, not in bursts.
- Clean inactive or fake accounts regularly.
- Diversify activity, tweet, reply, like, not just scroll.
What Happens If You Keep Hitting Rate Limits?
Repeated rate limit violations can lead to:
- Temporary suspensions
- Reduced visibility (your tweets might not appear in timelines)
- Shadowbans for API abuse
- Permanent account bans for persistent automation violations
If your account is flagged multiple times, moderation systems may treat it as spam-related, especially if paired with bot activity or fake followers.
Rate Limits and Inactive Accounts
An interesting pattern many users overlook: inactive or duplicate accounts can trigger unnecessary API requests. These “ghost sessions” log into your main profile without you realizing it.
Keeping your profile clean from inactive logins helps minimize background rate-limit triggers.
FAQs
X often adjusts views and follow caps without notice. Temporary restrictions can occur during policy updates or high server load.
It means you’ve exceeded your hourly or daily action cap, viewing, tweeting, following, or DMing too often.
Wait for the reset, avoid automation, update your app, and limit repetitive actions.
No. Rate limits are dynamic but still exist to control API traffic and spam.
Frequent profile edits or username updates can count as API actions, temporarily restricting your access.
Usually between 15 and 60 minutes, depending on behavior.
Yes. Repeated violations (bot activity or mass following) can lead to temporary suspension.
Final Thoughts
While the “Rate limit exceeded” message can feel like a punishment, it’s Twitter’s (X’s) way of keeping the platform stable and fair. The best fix is patience, and prevention.
By avoiding automation tools, limiting bulk actions, and keeping your account free of bots or inactive followers, you’ll rarely see the message again.
Remember, smart, consistent activity beats mass engagement every time.
Alex Bennett is an entrepreneur whose practical tips have helped thousands improve their careers and grow with confidence.