LimitWatch · Errors · Session limit
You've hit your session limit
Claude Code · session limit · string last verified 2026-10-27
Seen in: CLI, Desktop app, cloud sessions
You've hit your session limit · resets 3:45pmThe 3:45pm clock time is the example in Anthropic's error docs, not a reset shared by every account.
Anthropic's error docs say these recovery messages apply across the CLI, the Desktop app, and cloud sessions.
What it means
Anthropic's error docs say subscription plans include a rolling usage allowance. When it runs out, Claude Code can show this message, and it blocks further requests until the reset time shown in the message.
The session limit is shared across all models, so switching models does not restore access. Usage counts against the session allowance and the weekly allowance at the same time.
Related wording in the same doc
You've used 85% of your session limit · resets 3:45pm
The docs use this as an example of the warning Claude Code can show before a window runs out. source
Which plan and limit
| Plan | Price | Usage limit | Vendor quote | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pro | $20/month $20 monthly, or $17/mo billed annually ($200 up front) | At least 5x Free usage per 5-hour session; weekly limits apply vendor publishes no numbers | "Pro gives you at least 5x more usage per 5-hour session than Free." | Claude Code pricing checked 2026-10-27 |
| Max 5x | $100/month | 5x Pro usage per 5-hour session; includes $100/month API credits vendor publishes no numbers | "Max gives you 5x or 20x more usage per 5-hour session than Pro." | Claude Code pricing checked 2026-10-27 |
| Max 20x | $200/month $200/month per Anthropic's Max plan help article | 20x Pro usage per 5-hour session; includes $200/month API credits vendor publishes no numbers | "Max gives you 5x or 20x more usage per 5-hour session than Pro." | Claude Code pricing price source checked 2026-10-27 |
The tag means the vendor publishes no hard message count. Prices, and any multiplier written in the limit cell, are still that vendor's figures.
Limits on these plans change without notice. Get one email when they do.
When it resets
Wait for the reset time shown in your own message. In an interactive session signed in with a claude.ai subscription, Claude Code can wait in the open session and continue the interrupted task shortly after the reset. Before v2.1.234 it did not offer that wait.
On the Desktop app's Code tab, the session-limit card offers an Auto-continue when limits reset checkbox. The weekly-limit card does not. That checkbox and the CLI setting Continue automatically at usage limit in /config are separate, so each one is turned off on its own.
How this tool describes the window
Rolling 5-hour session window plus weekly limits on paid plans; shared pool across chat and Claude Code.
"Every plan has usage limits that reset on a rolling five-hour session window, and paid plans add weekly limits on top... there's no fixed message count."
source, checked 2026-10-27
What it costs to keep going now
Run /usage-credits to buy additional usage on Pro and Max, or to request it from an admin on Team and Enterprise. The cited error doc does not publish a dollar price for those credits.
For a higher base limit, the same doc points to claude.com/pricing.
Difference of the tracked plan prices shown on this page.
Max 5x ($100/month) is $80/month more than Pro ($20/month).
Max 20x ($200/month) is $100/month more than Max 5x ($100/month).
Your options, ranked
- Wait. Wait for the reset time printed in your message. An interactive claude.ai session can stay open and continue shortly after that reset. Before v2.1.234, Claude Code did not offer the wait. source
- Auto-continue. On the Desktop Code tab, check Auto-continue when limits reset on the session-limit card. The CLI switch is separate: Continue automatically at usage limit, in /config. source
- Buy usage credits. On Pro and Max, run /usage-credits. On Team and Enterprise, that command requests credits from an admin. The error doc does not list a price for the credits. source
- Upgrade. The docs point to the pricing page for a higher base limit. The dollar gap from one tracked plan to the next is in the cost section above. source
- Check /usage. Run /usage to see your plan limits and when they reset. source
- Switch model. Switching models does not clear this session limit. The docs say the session and weekly limits are shared across models. Switching with /model is the documented workaround only for the separate Opus or Sonnet limit. source
- Another tool. LimitWatch cannot see whether another product on your account still has allowance. The compare pages list published prices and limits only.
Recent limit changes
| Date | Change | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-15 | Artifact usage promotion ended (Oct 1-15: artifact work used 50% less of the 5-hour session limit on Pro/Max/Team; Free from Oct 7). | source |
| 2026-10-01 | Artifact usage promotion started on Pro, Max and Team. | source |
Full changelog · Claude Code vendor page
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FAQ
Does switching models clear the Claude Code session limit?
No. Anthropic's error docs say the session and weekly limits are shared across all models, so switching models does not restore access.
Is 3:45pm when every Claude Code session limit resets?
No. resets 3:45pm is the example in the error docs. Claude Code blocks further requests until the reset time shown in your message.
How do I buy more Claude Code usage before the session limit resets?
On Pro and Max, run /usage-credits. On Team and Enterprise, /usage-credits requests it from an admin. The cited error doc does not publish a dollar price for those credits.
String last verified 2026-10-27 against source. Limits data checked 2026-10-27.