Codex Limit Reached: What to Do Next
Content updated: Sep 15, 2026
First: find out which limit stopped you
Run /status in Codex. A zeroed 5-hour quota means a short wait — the rolling window refills continuously, usually within hours. A zeroed weekly quota means usage resumes at your personal weekly reset; the /status output shows the exact day and time.
Second: plan your return
Note the reset time and queue your heavy work for right after it. If you have a banked reset available, /status shows it. Setting a reset alert means you get notified the moment capacity returns instead of checking manually.
Third: stop it from recurring
Repeatedly hitting the limit means your burn rate exceeds what the window provides. Track your quota for a few checks, compute your daily burn, and bring it under the safe daily budget — remaining quota divided by days until your weekly reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'usage limit reached' mean in Codex?
One of your usage windows is exhausted — the rolling 5-hour limit or the weekly limit. /status shows which one and when it resets.
How long does the Codex limit last?
The 5-hour limit clears continuously as the window rolls; the weekly limit clears at your personal weekly reset time.
Is 'limit reached' an error or a ban?
Neither — it is the normal enforcement of usage limits. Your quota refills when the window resets.