The “API Limit Exceeded” error in Power Automate occurs when a flow makes too many requests to an external API within a specific time period, exceeding rate limits set by the service provider.
Error Message:
"API limit exceeded – The flow hit the rate limit for the external API."
This issue can be caused by:
- Excessive API requests within a short time
- Exceeding daily or hourly API quotas
- Concurrent executions overwhelming the service
- Unoptimized queries pulling unnecessary data
2. Common Causes and Fixes
| Cause | Description | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Too Many API Calls | The flow is making too many requests per minute/hour. | Reduce frequency or implement a retry mechanism. |
| Exceeded Quota Limits | The service enforces daily/monthly request limits. | Upgrade the plan or distribute calls over time. |
| Concurrent Flow Runs | Multiple flows running at the same time cause high API usage. | Add delays or queue requests to avoid congestion. |
| Large Data Fetching | Querying too much data at once increases API consumption. | Optimize queries with filters and pagination. |
| Inefficient Loop Execution | Loops in the flow call the API multiple times unnecessarily. | Use bulk operations instead of single requests. |
3. Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Step 1: Identify the API Limits
Each service has different rate limits. Identify the allowed API usage for your connector.
How to check API limits:
- Microsoft APIs: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/admin/api-request-limits-allocations
- Third-party APIs: Check the provider’s documentation for request quotas.
Example Fix:
- If using SharePoint REST API, the limit is 600 requests per minute. Reduce requests accordingly.
- If calling Microsoft Graph API, the limit is 10,000 requests per 10 minutes per user.
Step 2: Reduce Flow Execution Frequency
If the flow triggers too often, it may quickly hit API limits.
Steps to fix:
- Open Power Automate.
- Edit the flow and check the trigger frequency.
- If using a Recurrence trigger, increase the interval.
- If using Automated flows, consider filtering triggers with conditions.
Example Fix:
- Instead of triggering every minute, change it to every 15 minutes.
- Use a trigger condition to fire only when needed.
Step 3: Optimize Loops to Reduce API Calls
Unnecessary loops calling an API multiple times can waste API requests.
Steps to fix:
- If using “Apply to Each”, check if each loop iteration calls an API.
- Use batch processing instead of individual API calls.
- Reduce the number of items processed in each run.
Example Fix:
- Instead of calling an API 100 times in a loop, use bulk operations where possible.
- If using SQL Server, retrieve all records in one query instead of multiple queries.
Step 4: Implement Retry and Throttling Policies
If an API rejects requests due to rate limits, retrying with delays can help.
Steps to enable retry policy:
- Open Power Automate.
- Click on the failing action.
- Go to Settings → Retry Policy.
- Set it to Exponential Backoff to gradually increase retry intervals.
Example Fix:
- If a third-party API limits requests, configure retry settings to prevent failures.
Step 5: Use Pagination for Large Data Requests
Fetching too much data at once can quickly consume API limits.
Steps to enable pagination:
- Open Power Automate.
- Click on the action retrieving data.
- Enable Pagination under advanced settings.
- Set an appropriate Page Size to avoid large requests.
Example Fix:
- If pulling data from Dataverse, set pagination to 500 records per page instead of retrieving all records at once.
Step 6: Upgrade API Subscription or Use a Different Plan
If the API has a strict request limit, upgrading to a higher plan may be necessary.
Steps to check API usage:
- Log into the API provider’s dashboard and check request usage.
- If limits are frequently exceeded, consider a higher-tier plan.
Example Fix:
- If using a third-party service like Google Maps API, upgrade to a plan with higher request quotas.
Step 7: Queue Requests Instead of Sending All at Once
If multiple flows are calling an API simultaneously, they may exceed limits.
Steps to fix:
- Introduce delays between requests.
- Use Power Automate Queues to stagger requests.
- Add a delay action in loops to slow down API calls.
Example Fix:
- Instead of sending 10 API calls in 1 second, add a 5-second delay between each call.