How to Fix Janitor AI Proxy Error 429 (Rate Limit Exceeded)

Fix Janitor AI: Proxy Error 429 (Rate Limit Exceeded)

You’re seeing Proxy Error 429 in Janitor AI with the message “rate limit exceeded free models per day.” This happens when the daily message cap for free models on OpenRouter is reached.

Error: What “429 Rate Limit Exceeded” Means

OpenRouter free models are capped at 50 messages per day if your account has fewer than 10 credits. When you hit that cap, Janitor AI returns a 429 error and blocks further requests until the daily reset.

• Cause: Daily message limit reached for OpenRouter free models.
• Impact: You cannot send more messages until the limit resets.

Solution 1: Wait for the Daily Reset (OpenRouter Free Models)

If you’re using OpenRouter free models and you’ve hit 50 messages, you must wait until the next day to continue.

Steps:

1. Stop sending messages after the 429 error appears.
2. Wait for the 24-hour reset window to pass for your account.
3. Try again the next day with the same model.

Notes:

• Accounts with fewer than 10 credits are limited to 50 free model requests per day.
• Keep your message count below 50 to avoid repeated 429s.

Solution 2: Switch to Claude API for Higher Limits

If you need ongoing messaging without daily caps from OpenRouter free models, set up a proxy configuration in Janitor AI using Claude’ API.

Create a Claude API Key

Set up your access so you can authenticate requests from Janitor AI.

Steps:

1. Sign up and log in to your Claude account (as provided by the service).
2. Go to the API Platform section in your account.
3. Create a new API key:
   • Click Create API Key.
   • Give it a simple name (e.g., “free”).
   • Copy the key and store it securely. You won’t always be able to view it again.

Add the Proxy Configuration in Janitor AI

Configure your character to use the Claude proxy.

Steps:

1. Open your Janitor AI character that supports proxy configuration.
2. Click the menu (three lines) > Go to API settings.
3. Select Add configuration > Proxy.
4. Fill in the fields:
   • Configuration name: any label (e.g., Free model).
   • API key: paste your Claude API key.
   • Proxy model name: paste the model identifier provided by the Claude docs.
   • Proxy URL: paste the proxy endpoint from the Claude docs.
5. Click Add configuration, then Save changes.
6. Use the character with the new configuration to avoid the 429 from OpenRouter’s free model cap.

Example config (replace placeholders):

Configuration name: Free model
API key: Claude_API_KEY_HERE
Proxy model name: PROVIDED_MODEL_IDENTIFIER
Proxy URL: https://PROVIDER_PROXY_ENDPOINT/v1

Additional Tips

• Keep the API key safe: store it in a password manager and never share it publicly.
• If you still get errors:
  • Verify the API key is correct and active.
  • Confirm the Proxy model name and Proxy URL match the provider’s instructions.
  • Save changes in Janitor AI after editing the configuration.
• To prevent hitting limits again on OpenRouter free models, pace your messages or switch configurations before you reach the cap.

Conclusion

Error 429 in Janitor AI means you’ve hit the OpenRouter free model daily cap. You can wait for the next day to resume, or set up a proxy configuration with a Claude API key to keep chatting without the free model limit. Configure the proxy in Janitor AI with your API key, model name, and proxy URL, then save and continue using your character.