Too Many Requests with Error Code 429

When browsing a website, you may sometimes encounter error messages, one of which could be related to an unusually high volume of requests. This particular error, known as the “429 Too Many Requests” error, triggers protective measures to ensure the integrity and performance of the website. If you’re a Staq user and have come across our custom message: “We are sorry, it appears that there has been an unusually high volume of requests to this page in a short period of time, which triggered a protective measure,” then this guide is for you.

Why does the 429 Error occur?

Web servers use various methods to ensure that they aren’t overwhelmed by requests. One such protective measure is rate limiting, which limits the number of requests a user can make in a specified amount of time. When this limit is surpassed, the server responds with a 429 error to prevent potential DDoS attacks or server overloads.

How to Whitelist an IP Address in Staq Firewall

If you need uninterrupted access or if you believe that legitimate requests to your website are being limited, one solution is to whitelist the specific IP addresses. This way, the Staq Firewall recognizes the IP address as a trusted source and allows the traffic through without restrictions. Here’s how to do it:

1. Inside the WordPress website: Ensure you are on the WordPress site in question that’s hosted on Staq.
2. Click on ‘Staq Hosting’: Find the ‘Staq Hosting’ option, typically located on the dashboard or the left-hand side of your screen.
3. Navigate to ‘Firewall’: Once inside the Staq Hosting section, you’ll see an option labeled ‘Firewall’. Click on it.
4. Access “Advanced” settings: Within the firewall section, you’ll find an ‘Advanced’ option. Clicking on this will give you more specific settings to adjust.
5. Insert the IP address: Once in the advanced section, there will be a field or option to insert the desired IP address or addresses that you wish to whitelist. Input the relevant IP addresses and confirm or save the changes.

Conclusion

Error code 429, while a protective measure, can sometimes be a hindrance when it affects genuine users or site administrators. By whitelisting specific IP addresses in the Staq Firewall, you can ensure uninterrupted access for trusted sources. Remember to periodically review the IP addresses you’ve whitelisted to maintain the security and performance of your site.