# **🔍 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.