AI API error troubleshooting guide

The fastest way to fix an API error is to classify it by layer: client configuration, authentication, quota, request validation, route health, or upstream availability.

401 or 403 authentication errors

Check the header name, token format, endpoint host, account status, and whether the key is enabled. Never solve an authentication error by repeatedly retrying the same request.

429 rate limits and quota

Inspect the response headers and usage logs, slow down concurrency, use bounded exponential backoff, and confirm that the selected model and package allow the requested volume.

Timeouts and 5xx responses

Record the request ID and duration, retry only idempotent operations, and check whether the error affects one route or the entire service. A gateway with health checks can move traffic away from an unhealthy route.

400 request errors

Compare the model ID, message structure, content type, tool schema, and maximum context size with the route documentation. Validate the smallest possible request first.