Strava API usage is limited on a per-application basis using both a 15-minute and daily request limit. The default rate limit allows 100 requests every 15 minutes, with up to 1,000 requests per day. As an application grows, its rate limit may need to be adjusted.
An application’s 15-minute limit is reset at natural 15-minute intervals corresponding to 0, 15, 30 and 45 minutes after the hour. The daily limit resets at midnight UTC. Requests exceeding the limit will return 429 Too Many Requests along with a JSON error message. Note that requests violating the short term limit will still count toward the long term limit.
An application’s limits and usage are reported on the API application settings page as well as returned with every API request as part of the HTTP Headers:
| X-RateLimit-Limit integer, integer two comma-separated values | 15-minute limit, followed by daily limit. |
| X-RateLimit-Usage integer, integer two comma-separated values | 15-minute usage, followed by daily usage. |
Below is an example request to the Strava API using HTTPie, along with sample response headers for a successful and rate-limited request:
Example request
$ http 'https://www.strava.com/api/v3/athlete'
'Authorization:Bearer 83ebeabdec09f6670863766f792ead24d61fe3f9'
Example successful response headers
HTTP/1.1 200 OK
Content-Type: application/json; charset=utf-8
Date: Tue, 10 Oct 2020 20:11:01 GMT
X-Ratelimit-Limit: 600,30000
X-Ratelimit-Usage: 314,27536
Example rate-limited response headers
HTTP/1.1 429 Too Many Requests
Content-Type: application/json; charset=utf-8
Date: Tue, 10 Oct 2020 20:11:05 GMT
X-Ratelimit-Limit: 600,30000
X-Ratelimit-Usage: 692,29300
Adjustment Requests
There are four steps
1) Create Demand
We only raise rate limits for apps that are approaching capacity. Check the API Settings page to be sure you qualify.
If you have fewer than 100 users, the problem is most likely inefficient usage of the API. Common culprits are:
| Problem | Solution |
| Activity polling is causing you to hit your daily rate limits | Implement webhooks |
| Backfill is causing you to hit your 15-minute rate limits | Check API response headers (see above) and throttle back requests when necessary |
2) Review API Terms
Our API Agreement, get to know it.
3) Comply with Brand Guidelines
All apps have to be in compliance with Strava brand guidelines, make sure your app meets those standards.
4) Write Us
So now you’ve got a popular app that’s lookin’ sharp? Congrats! You’re probably ready to get your rate limit raised. Send an email to developers -at- strava.com with the subject line “Rate Limit Increase” that includes your API App ID and screenshots of all the places Strava data is shown and the “Connect with Strava” button in your app.