🔍 What Is a Quota Error?
A quota error (also shown as an "Out of Quota" message) means your account has reached the maximum number of requests or actions allowed under your current plan for a given period. Search Atlas tracks usage across tools like keyword research, site audits, backlink analysis, and more — each contributing to your overall quota.
💡 Why Did This Happen After Not Using the Tool?
This is one of the most common reasons customers are surprised by a quota error. Here is what you need to know:
- Quotas reset every month on your billing day. On annual plans, the monthly quota reset date is different from your yearly renewal date.
- Automated or background processes may consume quota. Scheduled site crawls, rank tracking refreshes, and automated reports can use quota even when you are not actively logged in.
- Unused quota does not roll over. Any quota you did not use in a previous period does not carry forward to the next cycle.
- Plan downgrades reduce your quota cap. If your plan changed while you were away, your available quota may be lower than you remember.
In short, even months of inactivity on your end does not guarantee your quota was untouched — background features may have been running on your behalf.
🛠️ How to Check Your Current Quota Usage
- Log in to your Search Atlas account.
- Click your profile icon in the top-right corner of the platform.
- Select Settings or Billing from the dropdown menu.
- Review the Usage Overview section to see how much quota has been consumed and how much remains.
- Check your next reset date so you know when your quota will replenish.
✅ Steps to Resolve a Quota Limit Exceeded Error
Follow these steps depending on your situation:
- Wait for your quota to reset. If your next quota reset is soon, you may simply need to wait. Your quota will automatically restore on your monthly billing day (which, on annual plans, is separate from your yearly renewal date).
- Upgrade your plan. If you regularly hit your quota limit, upgrading to a higher-tier plan gives you a larger monthly allowance. Visit Account Menu (avatar) → Billing → Plans & Top-ups (Change Plan) to compare available plans.
- Review and pause automated tasks. Go to your scheduled crawls, rank tracking settings, and automated report configurations. Pause or reduce the frequency of any tasks you do not urgently need to conserve remaining quota.
- Prioritise high-value actions. If quota is limited before your reset date, focus on the tasks that deliver the most impact and defer lower-priority queries.
🚀 Tips to Manage Quota More Effectively
- We automatically notify you as your usage approaches your quota — by email and in-app, at 50%, 90%, and 95% consumption. No setup is required on your end.
- Audit your automated tasks regularly. Disable crawls or tracking for domains and projects you no longer actively manage.
- Batch your research. Instead of running multiple small queries throughout the day, combine your needs into fewer, more focused sessions.
- Check your usage mid-cycle. A quick review halfway through your billing period helps you adjust before you run out unexpectedly.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Will my quota reset automatically? Yes. Your quota resets automatically every month on your billing day. No action is required on your part.
Can I buy additional quota without upgrading my plan? This depends on your current plan tier. Check the Billing section of your account for available add-on options, or speak with our team via the chat widget.
Will I lose data if I hit my quota limit? No. Hitting your quota limit only prevents new requests from being processed. Your existing reports, projects, and historical data remain fully accessible.
Why does my quota show as used when I haven't done anything? Background features such as rank tracking refreshes and scheduled site audits run automatically. Review your Scheduled Tasks settings to identify and manage these processes.
💬 Still Need Help?
If you need further assistance, open the chat widget in the bottom-right corner of the platform and type human teammate to be connected with a member of our team.