LiteLLM / LiteLLM

LiteLLM Missing Retry-After Header on Rate Limit Errors

Fix LiteLLM not returning Retry-After header when all deployments are in cooldown Includes evidence for LiteLLM troubleshooting demand.

Source-backed Last updated May 14, 2026 1 source Needs local verification

Category: LiteLLM
Error signature: No Retry-After header on RouterRateLimitError (all deployments in cooldown)
Quick fix: Reduce request pressure, check quota or plan limits, and retry with backoff instead of immediate repeated requests.
Updated: May 14, 2026
Verification status: Source-backed
Evidence: 1 public source URL

Before you change production

This page includes public source URLs in the imported troubleshooting record. Compare those references with your version and environment before applying changes.

Reproduce the smallest failing action and save non-secret logs before changing configuration.
Check versions for LiteLLM, related SDKs, package managers, CI runners, and hosting providers.
Change one setting or dependency at a time, then rerun the same failing command or request.
Avoid destructive commands, credential rotation, billing changes, or security relaxations without a rollback plan.

What this error means

No Retry-After header on RouterRateLimitError (all deployments in cooldown) is a LiteLLM failure pattern reported for developers trying to fix litellm not returning retry-after header when all deployments are in cooldown. Based on the imported evidence, treat this as a tool-specific troubleshooting page rather than a generic API error.

Why this happens

Bug report with comment: RouterRateLimitError responses lack Retry-After header when all deployments are in cooldown. Affects clients implementing standard HTTP retry-after semantics.

Common causes

When LiteLLM's router hits rate limits and puts all deployments in cooldown, the 429 response doesn't include a Retry-After header. Clients implementing proper retry logic depend on this header to know when to retry, and its absence causes either immediate retry storms or excessive backoff.
Bug report with comment: RouterRateLimitError responses lack Retry-After header when all deployments are in cooldown. Affects clients implementing standard HTTP retry-after semantics.

Quick fixes

Confirm the exact error signature matches No Retry-After header on RouterRateLimitError (all deployments in cooldown).
Check the LiteLLM account, local tool state, and provider configuration involved in the failing workflow.
Reduce request pressure, check quota or plan limits, and retry with backoff instead of immediate repeated requests.

Platform/tool-specific checks

Verify the command, editor, extension, or API client that produced the error.
Compare local settings with CI, deployment, or editor-level settings when the error appears in only one environment.
Avoid deleting credentials, local model data, or project settings until the failing scope is clear.

Step-by-step troubleshooting

Capture the exact error message and the command, editor action, or request that triggered it.
Check whether the failure is account/auth, quota/rate, model/provider, local runtime, or deployment configuration.
Review the source evidence below and compare it with your environment.
Apply one change at a time and rerun the smallest failing action.
Keep the working fix documented for the team or deployment environment.

How to prevent it

Keep provider/tool configuration documented.
Record non-secret diagnostics such as tool version, provider name, model name, and command path.
Add a lightweight check before CI or production workflows depend on the tool.

Diagnostic flow for this page

Match No Retry-After header on RouterRateLimitError (all deployments in cooldown) exactly before applying the quick fix.
Compare the failing environment with LiteLLM versions, account scope, provider settings, and deployment context.
Check the listed common causes in order, starting with the cause that best matches your logs.
Use the evidence status below to decide whether to confirm against public sources or official documentation.
Apply one reversible change, rerun the smallest failing action, and keep rollback notes.

FAQ

What does No Retry-After header on RouterRateLimitError (all deployments in cooldown) mean in LiteLLM?

No Retry-After header on RouterRateLimitError (all deployments in cooldown) indicates the workflow described by "LiteLLM Missing Retry-After Header on Rate Limit Errors" failed in a LiteLLM context. Start by confirming the exact signature and the component that emitted it.

What should I check first for No Retry-After header on RouterRateLimitError (all deployments in cooldown)?

Check whether this cause matches your environment: When LiteLLM's router hits rate limits and puts all deployments in cooldown, the 429 response doesn't include a Retry-After header. Clients implementing proper retry logic depend on this header to know when to retry, and its absence causes either immediate retry storms or excessive backoff.

Is the No Retry-After header on RouterRateLimitError (all deployments in cooldown) guidance source-backed?

The "LiteLLM Missing Retry-After Header on Rate Limit Errors" page is labeled source-backed. It has 1 public source URL from github.com, so use that evidence status when deciding how much additional verification you need.

When should I avoid the quick fix for No Retry-After header on RouterRateLimitError (all deployments in cooldown)?

For "LiteLLM Missing Retry-After Header on Rate Limit Errors", avoid applying "Reduce request pressure, check quota or plan limits, and retry with backoff instead of immediate repeated requests." when the error text differs, the affected version or provider is different, or the change would touch credentials, billing, DNS, production deploy settings, or irreversible data.

What should I collect before debugging No Retry-After header on RouterRateLimitError (all deployments in cooldown)?

For "LiteLLM Missing Retry-After Header on Rate Limit Errors", collect the failing LiteLLM command or request, non-secret configuration, versions, timestamps, request IDs when available, and the smallest reproduction that still triggers the signature.