🔍 Overview

When you delete an OTTO project and its pixel, you might expect your site quota to return to zero immediately. However, the platform can sometimes still show 1 OTTO site in use, preventing you from installing the pixel on a new URL. This article explains why this happens and how to resolve it.

⚙️ Why Does This Happen?

Deleting an OTTO project does not always instantly release the associated site slot from your quota. There are a few common reasons this occurs:

• Cache delay: The quota counter can take a short time to refresh after a project is deleted.
• Pixel still linked: If the pixel was removed from your website but the project was not fully deactivated inside Search Atlas, the slot may remain occupied.
• Domain still registered: The original domain may still be registered against your account even after project deletion, holding the quota open.

🛠️ How to Free Your OTTO Site Quota

Follow these steps carefully to release the occupied slot and install your pixel on a new URL.

1. Go to OTTO SEO → All Sites (SEO Automation): In the left sidebar, click OTTO SEO, then All Sites (SEO Automation). This opens the OTTO dashboard at /seo-automation-v3.
2. Check for remaining projects: Review the project list for any entries tied to your old URL — including projects with a disconnected or inactive status. These can still hold a quota slot.
3. Fully deactivate the project: Open the old project, then look for a Deactivate or Disconnect Site option. Complete this step before deleting — skipping deactivation is the most common reason the slot is not released.
4. Delete the project: Once deactivated, delete the project using the project settings or the trash icon.
5. Refresh your quota: Return to the main OTTO SEO dashboard and wait up to 2 minutes, then refresh the page. Your site count should now show 0.
6. Install on your new URL: Create a new OTTO project for your new URL and follow the standard pixel installation steps.

✅ Confirm Your Quota Has Been Released

After completing the steps above, verify the following before setting up your new project:

• The OTTO SEO dashboard shows 0 of your allotted sites in use.
• No old projects appear in the project list, even with inactive or disconnected labels.
• The option to add a new site is no longer greyed out or blocked.

💡 Tips to Avoid This Issue in the Future

• Always deactivate a project first before deleting it — this ensures the site slot is properly released.
• Remove the OTTO pixel from your website after deactivating the project in Search Atlas, not before.
• If you plan to move to a new domain, deactivate and delete the old project before creating the new one to avoid hitting your quota limit.

🆘 Still Seeing 1 Site in Use?

If you have followed all the steps above and your quota still shows 1 site in use, a manual reset may be needed on the account level. 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.