How to Fix Cloudflare Error 1015 on Websites Protected by Cloudflare?

You try to open a website and instead of loading, you see Error 1015 – You Are Being Rate Limited. The page is blocked by Cloudflare, and you can’t get through. This error matters because it cuts off access to the site, whether you’re trying to shop, log in, or just read content. In this guide, you’ll learn what error 1015 means, the common causes, working fixes, and prevention tips.

What is Cloudflare Error 1015?

Error 1015 is a rate limiting message. Cloudflare, the content delivery network (CDN) and security service, shows this error when it detects too many requests from the same IP address in a short time. Rate limiting is used to stop bots, scrapers, and denial-of-service attacks, but sometimes real users get caught too.

You usually see this error as a white screen in your browser with the text “You are being rate limited. (Error 1015)” It means Cloudflare blocked your requests temporarily. The block can last a few seconds to several minutes depending on the site’s settings.

Common Causes of Cloudflare Error 1015

This error can be triggered for several reasons:

• Sending too many page requests in a short time.
• Using automated tools or bots to scrape data.
• Suspicious or flagged IP address reputation.
• Browsing with a VPN or proxy server that shares IPs.
• Strict DDoS protection rules enabled by Cloudflare.
• Outdated or corrupted browser cookies and cache.
• Website administrator set aggressive rate limiting rules.

How to Fix Cloudflare Error 1015 on Websites Protected by Cloudflare?

This error depends on how Cloudflare and the website handle requests. Some fixes are simple, like waiting. Others involve changing settings or checking your network. Try the following solutions one by one.

Fix #1 Wait for the Rate Limit to Expire

Cloudflare usually blocks requests for a short time only. If you see Error 1015, the block may clear itself after a few minutes. Close the tab, wait, and reload later. This is the fastest fix if the site isn’t urgent.

Fix #2 Restart Your Router to Change IP Address

If your IP address is flagged, restarting your router can assign a fresh one. Here are the steps you can follow:

1. Turn off your router or modem.
2. Wait at least 2 minutes so your ISP drops the old IP.
3. Turn the router back on.
4. Check your internet connection.
5. Open the website again and see if the error is gone.

Fix #3 Disable VPN or Proxy Services

VPNs and proxies often share IPs across many users. If one person abused the site, all users of that IP may be blocked. Disable your VPN or proxy and connect directly. If you need privacy, switch to a VPN with dedicated IPs.

Fix #4 Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Old or corrupted cookies can trigger rate limiting. Here’s how to clear them:

1. Open your browser settings.
2. Go to Privacy and Security.
3. Select Clear browsing data.
4. Choose Cookies and Cached Images.
5. Apply changes and restart the browser.
6. Visit the website again.

Fix #5 Stop Repeated Refreshing or Automated Requests

Rapid clicks or refreshes look like bot activity. If you use browser extensions, scripts, or automated tools, turn them off. Open the site slowly and avoid hitting refresh too often.

Fix #6 Contact the Website Administrator

Sometimes the rate limiting is set too strict. If you need access—for example, to a shopping cart or a work portal—contact the website’s support team. They can whitelist your IP or relax Cloudflare’s settings for trusted users.

Fix #7 For Website Owners: Adjust Cloudflare Rate Limiting Rules

If you own or manage the site, the error comes from your own configuration. To fix it:

1. Log in to your Cloudflare dashboard.
2. Go to Security > WAF > Rate Limiting.
3. Review the current rules and thresholds.
4. Increase the allowed number of requests if they’re too low.
5. Whitelist safe IPs that should never be blocked.
6. Save your changes and test by loading your site.

Prevention Tips to Avoid Cloudflare Error 1015 on Websites

You can avoid seeing error 1015 again by following these habits:

• Don’t refresh pages too quickly.
• Avoid running bots or automated scrapers.
• Use a stable and trusted internet connection.
• Keep your browser updated and clear cache regularly.
• Limit VPN or proxy use when accessing Cloudflare-protected sites.
• If you own a site, configure fair rate limits that don’t block normal users.
• Whitelist trusted IPs if you manage a website.

Conclusion

Cloudflare error 1015 means you’ve hit a rate limit. It happens when Cloudflare blocks too many requests from the same IP address. The block is usually temporary, but it can also point to VPN, cache, or strict firewall rules.

Most users can fix it by waiting, restarting their router, disabling VPNs, or clearing cache. Site owners may need to adjust Cloudflare settings. If the problem keeps coming back, contacting the site administrator is the best option. With the right fixes and prevention steps, you’ll be able to access the site smoothly again.