> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://unkey.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Set ratelimit override

> Create or update a custom rate limit for specific identifiers, bypassing the namespace default.

Use this to create premium tiers with higher limits, apply stricter limits to specific users, or implement emergency throttling.

**Important:** Overrides take effect immediately and completely replace the default limit for matching identifiers. Use wildcard patterns (e.g., `premium_*`) to match multiple identifiers.

**Permissions:** Requires `ratelimit.*.set_override` or `ratelimit.<namespace_id>.set_override`




## OpenAPI

````yaml https://spec.speakeasy.com/unkey/unkey/openapi-json-with-code-samples post /v2/ratelimit.setOverride
openapi: 3.1.0
info:
  description: >-
    Unkey's API provides programmatic access for all resources within our
    platform.



    ### Authentication

    #

    This API uses HTTP Bearer authentication with root keys. Most endpoints
    require specific permissions associated with your root key. When making
    requests, include your root key in the `Authorization` header:

    ```

    Authorization: Bearer unkey_xxxxxxxxxxx

    ```


    All responses follow a consistent envelope structure that separates
    operational metadata from actual data. This design provides several
    benefits:

    - Debugging: Every response includes a unique requestId for tracing issues

    - Consistency: Predictable response format across all endpoints

    - Extensibility: Easy to add new metadata without breaking existing
    integrations

    - Error Handling: Unified error format with actionable information


    ### Success Response Format:

    ```json

    {
      "meta": {
        "requestId": "req_123456"
      },
      "data": {
        // Actual response data here
      }
    }

    ```


    The meta object contains operational information:

    - `requestId`: Unique identifier for this request (essential for support)


    The data object contains the actual response data specific to each endpoint.


    ### Paginated Response Format:

    ```json

    {
      "meta": {
        "requestId": "req_123456"
      },
      "data": [
        // Array of results
      ],
      "pagination": {
        "cursor": "next_page_token",
        "hasMore": true
      }
    }

    ```


    The pagination object appears on list endpoints and contains:

    - `cursor`: Token for requesting the next page

    - `hasMore`: Whether more results are available


    ### Error Response Format:

    ```json

    {
      "meta": {
        "requestId": "req_2c9a0jf23l4k567"
      },
      "error": {
        "detail": "The resource you are attempting to modify is protected and cannot be changed",
        "status": 403,
        "title": "Forbidden",
        "type": "https://unkey.com/docs/errors/unkey/application/protected_resource"
      }
    }

    ```


    Error responses include comprehensive diagnostic information:

    - `title`: Human-readable error summary

    - `detail`: Specific description of what went wrong

    - `status`: HTTP status code

    - `type`: Link to error documentation

    - `errors`: Array of validation errors (for 400 responses)


    This structure ensures you always have the context needed to debug issues
    and take corrective action.
  title: Unkey API
  version: 2.0.0
servers:
  - url: https://api.unkey.com
security:
  - rootKey: []
tags:
  - description: Analytics query operations
    name: analytics
  - description: API management operations
    name: apis
  - description: Deployment operations
    name: deploy
  - description: Identity management operations
    name: identities
  - description: API key management operations
    name: keys
  - description: Health check operations
    name: liveness
  - description: Permission and role management operations
    name: permissions
  - description: Customer Portal session management
    name: portal
  - description: Rate limiting operations
    name: ratelimit
paths:
  /v2/ratelimit.setOverride:
    post:
      tags:
        - ratelimit
      summary: Set ratelimit override
      description: >
        Create or update a custom rate limit for specific identifiers, bypassing
        the namespace default.


        Use this to create premium tiers with higher limits, apply stricter
        limits to specific users, or implement emergency throttling.


        **Important:** Overrides take effect immediately and completely replace
        the default limit for matching identifiers. Use wildcard patterns (e.g.,
        `premium_*`) to match multiple identifiers.


        **Permissions:** Requires `ratelimit.*.set_override` or
        `ratelimit.<namespace_id>.set_override`
      operationId: ratelimit.setOverride
      requestBody:
        content:
          application/json:
            examples:
              premium:
                summary: Higher limit for premium user
                value:
                  duration: 60000
                  identifier: premium_user_123
                  limit: 1000
                  namespace: api.requests
              wildcard:
                summary: Pattern for multiple identifiers
                value:
                  duration: 60000
                  identifier: premium_*
                  limit: 500
                  namespace: api.requests
            schema:
              $ref: '#/components/schemas/V2RatelimitSetOverrideRequestBody'
        required: true
      responses:
        '200':
          content:
            application/json:
              schema:
                $ref: '#/components/schemas/V2RatelimitSetOverrideResponseBody'
          description: Override successfully created or updated and is now active.
        '400':
          content:
            application/json:
              schema:
                $ref: '#/components/schemas/BadRequestErrorResponse'
          description: Bad request
        '401':
          content:
            application/json:
              schema:
                $ref: '#/components/schemas/UnauthorizedErrorResponse'
          description: Unauthorized
        '403':
          content:
            application/json:
              examples:
                missingPermission:
                  summary: Missing required permission
                  value:
                    error:
                      detail: >-
                        Your root key requires the 'ratelimit.*.set_override'
                        permission to perform this operation
                      status: 403
                      title: Forbidden
                      type: forbidden
                    meta:
                      requestId: req_0uVwX4yZaAbCdEfGhIjKl
              schema:
                $ref: '#/components/schemas/ForbiddenErrorResponse'
          description: >-
            Forbidden - Insufficient permissions (requires
            `ratelimit.*.set_override`)
        '404':
          content:
            application/json:
              examples:
                namespaceNotFound:
                  summary: Namespace not found
                  value:
                    error:
                      detail: This namespace does not exist.
                      status: 404
                      title: Not Found
                      type: not_found
                    meta:
                      requestId: req_2wXyZaAbCdEfGhIjKlMnOp
              schema:
                $ref: '#/components/schemas/NotFoundErrorResponse'
          description: Not Found - Namespace not found
        '429':
          content:
            application/problem+json:
              schema:
                $ref: '#/components/schemas/TooManyRequestsErrorResponse'
          description: Too Many Requests
        '500':
          content:
            application/json:
              schema:
                $ref: '#/components/schemas/InternalServerErrorResponse'
          description: Internal Server Error
      security:
        - rootKey: []
      x-codeSamples:
        - lang: go
          label: Go (SDK)
          source: "package main\n\nimport(\n\t\"context\"\n\t\"os\"\n\tunkey \"github.com/unkeyed/sdks/api/go/v2\"\n\t\"github.com/unkeyed/sdks/api/go/v2/models/components\"\n\t\"log\"\n)\n\nfunc main() {\n    ctx := context.Background()\n\n    s := unkey.New(\n        unkey.WithSecurity(os.Getenv(\"UNKEY_ROOT_KEY\")),\n    )\n\n    res, err := s.Ratelimit.SetOverride(ctx, components.V2RatelimitSetOverrideRequestBody{\n        Namespace: \"api.requests\",\n        Duration: 60000,\n        Identifier: \"premium_user_123\",\n        Limit: 1000,\n    })\n    if err != nil {\n        log.Fatal(err)\n    }\n    if res.V2RatelimitSetOverrideResponseBody != nil {\n        // handle response\n    }\n}"
        - lang: python
          label: Python (SDK)
          source: |-
            from unkey.py import Unkey


            with Unkey(
                root_key="<YOUR_BEARER_TOKEN_HERE>",
            ) as unkey:

                res = unkey.ratelimit.set_override(namespace="api.requests", duration=60000, identifier="premium_user_123", limit=1000)

                # Handle response
                print(res)
        - lang: typescript
          label: Typescript (SDK)
          source: |-
            import { Unkey } from "@unkey/api";

            const unkey = new Unkey({
              rootKey: process.env["UNKEY_ROOT_KEY"] ?? "",
            });

            async function run() {
              const result = await unkey.ratelimit.setOverride({
                namespace: "api.requests",
                duration: 60000,
                identifier: "premium_user_123",
                limit: 1000,
              });

              console.log(result);
            }

            run();
components:
  schemas:
    V2RatelimitSetOverrideRequestBody:
      description: >-
        Sets a new or overwrites an existing rate limit override. Overrides
        allow you to apply special rate limit rules to specific identifiers,
        providing custom limits that differ from the default.


        Overrides are useful for:

        - Granting higher limits to premium users or trusted partners

        - Implementing stricter limits for suspicious or abusive users

        - Creating tiered access levels with different quotas

        - Implementing temporary rate limit adjustments

        - Prioritizing important clients with higher limits
      additionalProperties: false
      properties:
        namespace:
          description: The ID or name of the rate limit namespace.
          type: string
          minLength: 1
          maxLength: 255
        duration:
          description: >-
            The duration in milliseconds for the rate limit window. This defines
            how long the rate limit counter accumulates before resetting to
            zero.


            Considerations:

            - This can differ from the default duration for the namespace

            - Longer durations create stricter limits that take longer to reset

            - Shorter durations allow more frequent bursts of activity

            - Common values: 60000 (1 minute), 3600000 (1 hour), 86400000 (1
            day)
          format: int64
          type: integer
          minimum: 1000
        identifier:
          description: >-
            Identifier of the entity receiving this custom rate limit. This can
            be:


            - A specific user ID for individual custom limits

            - An IP address for location-based rules

            - An email domain for organization-wide policies

            - Any other string that identifies the target entity


            Wildcards (*) can be used to create pattern-matching rules that
            apply to multiple identifiers. For example:

            - 'premium_*' would match all identifiers starting with 'premium_'

            - '*_admin' would match all identifiers ending with '_admin'

            - '*suspicious*' would match any identifier containing 'suspicious'


            More detailed information on wildcard pattern rules is available at
            https://www.unkey.com/docs/ratelimiting/overrides#wildcard-rules
          type: string
          minLength: 1
          maxLength: 255
        limit:
          description: >-
            The maximum number of requests allowed for this override. This
            defines the custom quota for the specified identifier(s).


            Special values:

            - Higher than default: For premium or trusted entities

            - Lower than default: For suspicious or abusive entities

            - 0: To completely block access (useful for ban implementation)


            This limit entirely replaces the default limit for matching
            identifiers.
          format: int64
          type: integer
          minimum: 0
      required:
        - namespace
        - identifier
        - limit
        - duration
      type: object
    V2RatelimitSetOverrideResponseBody:
      type: object
      required:
        - meta
        - data
      properties:
        meta:
          $ref: '#/components/schemas/Meta'
        data:
          $ref: '#/components/schemas/V2RatelimitSetOverrideResponseData'
    BadRequestErrorResponse:
      type: object
      required:
        - meta
        - error
      properties:
        meta:
          $ref: '#/components/schemas/Meta'
        error:
          $ref: '#/components/schemas/BadRequestErrorDetails'
      description: >-
        Error response for invalid requests that cannot be processed due to
        client-side errors. This typically occurs when request parameters are
        missing, malformed, or fail validation rules. The response includes
        detailed information about the specific errors in the request, including
        the location of each error and suggestions for fixing it. When receiving
        this error, check the 'errors' array in the response for specific
        validation issues that need to be addressed before retrying.
    UnauthorizedErrorResponse:
      type: object
      required:
        - meta
        - error
      properties:
        meta:
          $ref: '#/components/schemas/Meta'
        error:
          $ref: '#/components/schemas/BaseError'
      description: >-
        Error response when authentication has failed or credentials are
        missing. This occurs when:

        - No authentication token is provided in the request

        - The provided token is invalid, expired, or malformed

        - The token format doesn't match expected patterns


        To resolve this error, ensure you're including a valid root key in the
        Authorization header.
    ForbiddenErrorResponse:
      type: object
      required:
        - meta
        - error
      properties:
        meta:
          $ref: '#/components/schemas/Meta'
        error:
          $ref: '#/components/schemas/BaseError'
      description: >-
        Error response when the provided credentials are valid but lack
        sufficient permissions for the requested operation. This occurs when:

        - The root key doesn't have the required permissions for this endpoint

        - The operation requires elevated privileges that the current key lacks

        - Access to the requested resource is restricted based on workspace
        settings


        To resolve this error, ensure your root key has the necessary
        permissions or contact your workspace administrator.
    NotFoundErrorResponse:
      type: object
      required:
        - meta
        - error
      properties:
        meta:
          $ref: '#/components/schemas/Meta'
        error:
          $ref: '#/components/schemas/BaseError'
      description: >-
        Error response when the requested resource cannot be found. This occurs
        when:

        - The specified resource ID doesn't exist in your workspace

        - The resource has been deleted or moved

        - The resource exists but is not accessible with current permissions


        To resolve this error, verify the resource ID is correct and that you
        have access to it.
    TooManyRequestsErrorResponse:
      type: object
      required:
        - meta
        - error
      properties:
        meta:
          $ref: '#/components/schemas/Meta'
        error:
          $ref: '#/components/schemas/BaseError'
      description: >-
        Error response when the client has sent too many requests in a given
        time period. This occurs when you've exceeded a rate limit or quota for
        the resource you're accessing.


        The rate limit resets automatically after the time window expires. To
        avoid this error:

        - Implement exponential backoff when retrying requests

        - Cache results where appropriate to reduce request frequency

        - Check the error detail message for specific quota information

        - Contact support if you need a higher quota for your use case
    InternalServerErrorResponse:
      type: object
      required:
        - meta
        - error
      properties:
        meta:
          $ref: '#/components/schemas/Meta'
        error:
          $ref: '#/components/schemas/BaseError'
      description: >-
        Error response when an unexpected error occurs on the server. This
        indicates a problem with Unkey's systems rather than your request.


        When you encounter this error:

        - The request ID in the response can help Unkey support investigate the
        issue

        - The error is likely temporary and retrying may succeed

        - If the error persists, contact Unkey support with the request ID
    Meta:
      type: object
      required:
        - requestId
      properties:
        requestId:
          description: >-
            A unique id for this request. Always include this ID when contacting
            support about a specific API request. This identifier allows Unkey's
            support team to trace the exact request through logs and diagnostic
            systems to provide faster assistance.
          example: req_123
          type: string
      additionalProperties: false
      description: >-
        Metadata object included in every API response. This provides context
        about the request and is essential for debugging, audit trails, and
        support inquiries. The `requestId` is particularly important when
        troubleshooting issues with the Unkey support team.
    V2RatelimitSetOverrideResponseData:
      type: object
      properties:
        overrideId:
          description: >-
            The unique identifier for the newly created or updated rate limit
            override. This ID can be used to:


            - Reference this specific override in subsequent API calls

            - Delete or modify this override later

            - Track which override is being applied in rate limit responses

            - Associate override effects with specific rules in analytics


            Store this ID if you need to manage the override in the future.
          type: string
      required:
        - overrideId
    BadRequestErrorDetails:
      allOf:
        - $ref: '#/components/schemas/BaseError'
        - type: object
          properties:
            errors:
              description: >-
                List of individual validation errors that occurred in the
                request. Each error provides specific details about what failed
                validation, where the error occurred in the request, and
                suggestions for fixing it. This granular information helps
                developers quickly identify and resolve multiple issues in a
                single request without having to make repeated API calls.
              items:
                $ref: '#/components/schemas/ValidationError'
              type: array
          required:
            - errors
      description: >-
        Extended error details specifically for bad request (400) errors. This
        builds on the BaseError structure by adding an array of individual
        validation errors, making it easy to identify and fix multiple issues at
        once.
    BaseError:
      properties:
        detail:
          description: >-
            A human-readable explanation specific to this occurrence of the
            problem. This provides detailed information about what went wrong
            and potential remediation steps. The message is intended to be
            helpful for developers troubleshooting the issue.
          example: Property foo is required but is missing.
          type: string
        status:
          description: >-
            HTTP status code that corresponds to this error. This will match the
            status code in the HTTP response. Common codes include `400` (Bad
            Request), `401` (Unauthorized), `403` (Forbidden), `404` (Not
            Found), `409` (Conflict), and `500` (Internal Server Error).
          example: 404
          format: int
          type: integer
        title:
          description: >-
            A short, human-readable summary of the problem type. This remains
            constant from occurrence to occurrence of the same problem and
            should be used for programmatic handling.
          example: Not Found
          type: string
        type:
          description: >-
            A URI reference that identifies the problem type. This provides a
            stable identifier for the error that can be used for documentation
            lookups and programmatic error handling. When followed, this URI
            should provide human-readable documentation for the problem type.
          example: https://unkey.com/docs/errors/unkey/resource/not_found
          type: string
      required:
        - title
        - detail
        - status
        - type
      type: object
      additionalProperties: false
      description: >-
        Base error structure following Problem Details for HTTP APIs (RFC 7807).
        This provides a standardized way to carry machine-readable details of
        errors in HTTP response content.
    ValidationError:
      additionalProperties: false
      properties:
        location:
          description: >-
            JSON path indicating exactly where in the request the error
            occurred. This helps pinpoint the problematic field or parameter.
            Examples include:

            - 'body.name' (field in request body)

            - 'body.items[3].tags' (nested array element)

            - 'path.apiId' (path parameter)

            - 'query.limit' (query parameter)

            Use this location to identify exactly which part of your request
            needs correction.
          type: string
          example: body.permissions[0].name
        message:
          description: >-
            Detailed error message explaining what validation rule was violated.
            This provides specific information about why the field or parameter
            was rejected, such as format errors, invalid values, or constraint
            violations.
          type: string
          example: Must be at least 3 characters long
        fix:
          description: >-
            A human-readable suggestion describing how to fix the error. This
            provides practical guidance on what changes would satisfy the
            validation requirements. Not all validation errors include fix
            suggestions, but when present, they offer specific remediation
            advice.
          type: string
          example: >-
            Ensure the name uses only alphanumeric characters, underscores, and
            hyphens
      required:
        - location
        - message
      type: object
      description: >-
        Individual validation error details. Each validation error provides
        precise information about what failed, where it failed, and how to fix
        it, enabling efficient error resolution.
  securitySchemes:
    rootKey:
      bearerFormat: root key
      description: >-
        Unkey uses API keys (root keys) for authentication. These keys authorize
        access to management operations in the API.

        To authenticate, include your root key in the Authorization header of
        each request:

        ```

        Authorization: Bearer unkey_123

        ```

        Root keys have specific permissions attached to them, controlling what
        operations they can perform. Key permissions follow a hierarchical
        structure with patterns like `resource.resource_id.action` (e.g.,
        `apis.*.create_key`, `apis.*.read_api`).

        Security best practices:

        - Keep root keys secure and never expose them in client-side code

        - Use different root keys for different environments

        - Rotate keys periodically, especially after team member departures

        - Create keys with minimal necessary permissions following least
        privilege principle

        - Monitor key usage with audit logs.
      scheme: bearer
      type: http

````