Claude Code "API Error: 529 overloaded_error": causes and fixes
Is there an outage right now?
Claude Code official status is operational. If this error persists, it is likely an implementation or environment issue on your side.
View Claude Code status →What this error means
The Anthropic API is temporarily overloaded (HTTP 529), surfacing in Claude Code as "API Error: 529 {"type":"overloaded_error"}". Returned during demand spikes; usually transient.
Common causes
- •Anthropic-wide demand spike
- •Model capacity pressure
- •Surge right after a new model launch
- •Peak-hour congestion
How to fix
- 1.Wait and re-run (Claude Code auto-retries; if it persists, space out manually)
- 2.Temporarily switch model with /model
- 3.Run at a different time
- 4.Check status at top of page and official status
When waiting helps (and when it won't)
Usually recovers over time since it is overload-driven. Avoid hammering—space out retries.
Alternatives when Claude Code is down
Related errors
FAQ
What is API Error 529 (overloaded)?
The Anthropic API is temporarily overloaded (HTTP 529), surfacing in Claude Code as "API Error: 529 {"type":"overloaded_error"}". Returned during demand spikes; usually transient.
How do I fix API Error 529 (overloaded)?
Wait and re-run (Claude Code auto-retries; if it persists, space out manually) / Temporarily switch model with /model / Run at a different time / Check status at top of page and official status