Kaizen #203 - Answering Your Questions | Handling API Limits and Error Responses

Kaizen #203 - Answering Your Questions | Handling API Limits and Error Responses



Hi Everyone,
Welcome back to yet another post in the Kaizen Series! 
We appreciate your keen participation in the 200th milestone celebration of the Kaizen series. We will continue to answer the queries we received through the feedback. 
When working with Zoho CRM APIs, you must respect API limits, handle errors properly, and deliver meaningful experiences—even when things go wrong. In this post, we will discuss handling API limits and error responses.

Understanding Zoho CRM API Limits

Zoho CRM enforces API limits based on the purchased user licenses and add-on credits, and this is to ensure availability to all users and prevent abuse of its APIs. The following limits are applicable to Zoho CRM REST APIs.

  • API Credits Limits: Each edition (Free, Standard, Professional, etc.) comes with a set number of API credits per rolling 24-hour window. For example, Enterprise/Zoho One offers a baseline of 50,000 plus 1,000 per user license, with a cap up to 5,000,000 credits including add-one credits. You can refer to our help documentation on API limits for more details.
  • Concurrency Limits: Concurrency is the number of parallel API calls that are active at one time instance. Apps are capped at concurrent requests based on CRM edition: Free (5), Standard (10), Professional (15), Enterprise (20), Ultimate (25).
  • Sub-Concurrency Limits: Some resource-intensive APIs have their own concurrency limits (typically 10 concurrent requests): bulk updates, queries, lead conversion, mail, etc. Exceeding these returns a TOO_MANY_REQUESTS error.
  • Limits per Call: Different APIs have specific limits for the number of resources that can be inserted/updated. For example for insert, update, or upsert records, you can pass up to 100 records in one API call. Refer to the individual help documentation for any such limits.

Tips:

  • Monitor Usage: Use Zoho’s dashboard to track API credits in real time. Set alerts if you are approaching limits. Alternatively, keep an eye on the header X-API-CREDITS-REMAINING which denotes the remaining credits that will be present in the response when your API usage exceeds 50 percent or the daily available credit limit. Also, you can customize your usage notification to receive an email alert.
  • Batch Operations: Prefer bulk inserts/updates (up to 100 records/call) to reduce wasteful requests. Use composite APIs when multiple APIs need to be executed. 
  • Space Out Calls: When integrating, use logical intervals and avoid call bursts to prevent concurrency /subconcurrency limit getting applied. We have covered this in more detail in our previous Kaizen post : How to effectively handle API calls to optimize API credits?

Limits in Zoho CRM GraphQL APIs

Like our REST APIs, our GraphQL API calls also consume credits based on the type and number of resources queried. Maximum allowed credits per call is 10 credits.
Complexity for each query is calculated based on the type and number of resources requested, and maximum allowed complexity is 1,000 per query. 
Depth refers to the number of nesting layers of a field. Depth up to seven for metadata and three for records is allowed.
You can refer to our GraphQL API documentation on Credits, Complexity, and Depth for more details.

Handling Errors

 Zoho CRM REST APIs return 200 status codes for every successful API call. Each API error has these sections:
  • Status Code 
  • Error Code 
  • Message 
Different sections of an error response
Here "resource_path_index": 0 in the response indicates which segment of the URL path contains the error, counting after the API version.

Common Errors

  • 400 Bad Request:  
    • INVALID_MODULE
      • Cause: Incorrect module name (e.g., "Lead" vs "Leads").
      • Fix: Use exact API names from Setup > Developer Space > APIs.
    • INVALID_DATA
      • Cause: Malformed JSON/wrong data type.
      • Fix: Validate field formats.
    • DUPLICATE_DATA
      • Cause: Unique field value exists elsewhere.
      • Fix: Disable "Do not allow duplicates" or change value.
    • MANDATORY_NOT_FOUND
      • Cause: Missing required field (e.g., Last_Name in Contacts while trying to insert a new record in Contacts module).
      • Fix: Include all mandatory fields in the request.
  •  401 Unauthorized: 
    • AUTHENTICATION_FAILED
      • Cause: Wrong domain URL .
      • Fix: Use the correct domain-specific URL.
    • INVALID_TOKEN:
      • Cause: Expired OAuth token is used for making API call.
      • Fix: Refresh access token using the refresh token.
  • 403 Forbidden: 
    • NO_PERMISSION
      • Cause: User lacks permission for the resource.
      • Fix: Obtain necessary permission to access the resource.
  •  404 Not Found: 
    • INVALID_URL_PATTERN
      • Cause: URL syntax error.
      • Fix: Verify endpoint structure in API docs.
  •  429 Too Many Requests: 
    • TOO_MANY_REQUESTS
      • Cause: Number of API requests for the 24 hour period is exceeded or the concurrency/sub-concurrency limit of the user for the app is exceeded.
      • Fix: Make calls in accordance with the limits.
  • 207 Multi-Status: 
    • In some cases when the API is partially successful, 207 status code is returned.

Tips

  • Mandatory Fields: Provide all mandatory fields in the response body.
  • OAuth Issues: Ensure correct scopes.
  • Inspect Every Response Body: Parse responses even if the HTTP status code returned is 2XX. 
  • Validate Data Before Calling: Ensure your request matches the expected format. Clean data before submission to prevent 400-range errors (e.g., MANDATORY_NOT_FOUND, DUPLICATE_DATA).
  • Token Issues: Respond to INVALID_TOKEN with a token refresh workflow.

Error Status Code in GraphQL APIs 

Zoho CRM GraphQL APIs return errors in 200 and 400 status codes depending on error type. 200 HTTP status codes are returned in two cases. 
(a) Issue in the input when validated against the schema .
(b) Runtime errors due to credits, depth, and so on.

Refer to the Status Codes and Responses page in GraphQL for more information.
We hope you found this post useful. We will be back next week to answer another query we received.
Let us know if you have any questions in the comments or drop us an email at support@zohocrm.com.

    • Recent Topics

    • Set off Unearned Revenue

      Hi, I would like to get a clarification on the below. I have an opening balance of BD.725/- in my Unearned Revenue A/c which includes the overpayments of 6 clients. No One of my clients settled his invoices by paying the value of the invoice less the

    • How Zoho Desk contributes to the art of savings

      Remember the first time your grandmother gave you cash for a birthday or New Year's gift, Christmas gift, or any special day? You probably tucked that money safely into a piggy bank, waiting for the day you could buy something precious or something you

    • Add Webhook Response Module to Zoho Flow

      Hi Zoho Flow Team, We’d like to request a Webhook Response capability for Zoho Flow that can return a dynamic, computed reply to the original webhook caller after / during the flow runs. What exists today Zoho Flow’s webhook trigger can send custom acknowledgements

    • When moments in customer support get "spooky"

      It’s Halloween again! Halloween is celebrated with spooky symbols and meanings based on history and traditions, with each region adding its own special touch. While we were kids, we would dress up in costumes along with friends, attend parties, and enjoy

    • How can I delete duplicate transactions?

      I want to delete the duplicates not simply exclude them. I have duplicates, because I had automatic bank feeds turned on (had to make sure this critical functionality was working before migrating to Zoho). Now when I import my csv's exported from Wave,

    • Python - code studio

      Hi, I see the code studio is "coming soon". We have some files that will require some more complex transformation, is this feature far off? It appears to have been released in Zoho Analytics already

    • Multiple email addresses

      Multiple email addresses: I understand there is the ability to add an additional email field to a contact, but the functionality here needs to be drastically revised. Currently, this second email address does not log under the contact email history, nor is it available as a send address when using the Send Mail button within CRM. We recently migrated from GoldMine. I hate GoldMine, but there is one thing they did well: Email. I suggest copying them. Change the email field to an editable picklist,

    • ViewID and Zoho Desk API

      I'm looking at the documentation for Listing contacts and it looks like you can filter by ViewID. I assume this is views created in a department or all departments. Is this correct? And if so, how do I find the ViewID for that view? EDIT: I see the view

    • Ability to Link Reported Issues from Zoho Desk to Specific Tasks or Subtasks in Zoho Projects

      Hi Zoho Desk Team, Hope you're doing well. When reporting a bug from Zoho Desk to Zoho Projects, we’ve noticed that it’s currently not possible to select an existing task or subtask to associate the issue with. However, when working directly inside Zoho

    • Print Tickets

      We have field engineers who visit customers. We would like the option to print a job sheet with full details of the job and account/contact details.

    • Zoho Desk integration with Power BI

      Hi, I want to be able to create a Power BI report which has live updates of ticket data from zoho desk, is this possile at all? Thanks Jack

    • Ability to Attach Images When Reporting Issues to Zoho Projects from Zoho Desk

      Hi Zoho Desk Team, Hope you’re doing well. We’re using the Zoho Desk–Zoho Projects integration to report bugs directly from support tickets into the Zoho Projects issue tracker. This integration is extremely useful and helps us maintain smooth coordination

    • Ability to Choose Task List and Add Subtasks When Creating Tasks from Zoho Desk

      Hi Zoho Desk Team, Hope you’re doing well. We’re using the Zoho Desk–Zoho Projects integration to seamlessly connect customer tickets with project tasks. While the integration works great overall, we noticed two important limitations that affect our workflow

    • Sync Task Status from Zoho Projects to Zoho Desk

      Hi Zoho Desk Team, Hope you’re doing well. We’re actively using the Zoho Desk–Zoho Projects integration, which helps our support and project teams stay aligned. However, we noticed that when we change a task’s status in Zoho Projects, the change is not

    • Default/Private Departments in Zoho Desk

      1) How does one configure a department to be private? 2) Also, how does one change the default department? 1) On the list of my company's Zoho Departments, I see that we have a default department, but I am unable to choose which department should be default. 2) From the Zoho documentation I see that in order to create a private department, one should uncheck "Display in customer portal" on the Add Department screen. However, is there a way to change this setting after the department has been created?

    • Zoho CRM IP Addresses to Whitelist

      We were told to whitelist IP addresses from Zoho CRM.  (CRM, not Zoho Mail.) What is the current list of IP Addresses to whitelist for outbound mail? Is there a website where these IP addresses are published and updated?  Everything I could find is over

    • Color of Text Box Changes

      Sometimes I find the color of text boxes changed to a different color. This seems to happen when I reopen the same slide deck later. In the image that I am attaching, you see that the colors of the whole "virus," the "irology" part of "virology," and

    • The difference between Zoho Marketing Automation and Zoho Campaigns

      Greetings Marketers! This post aims to differentiate between Zoho Marketing Automation and Zoho Campaigns. By the time you get to the end of the post, you will be able to choose a product that objectively suits you. What is Zoho Marketing Automation?

    • How to use Rollup Summary in a Formula Field?

      I created a Rollup Summary (Decimal) field in my module, and it shows values correctly. When I try to reference it in a Formula Field (e.g. ${Deals.Partners_Requested} - ${Deals.Partners_Paid}), I get the error that the field can’t be found. Is it possible

    • Zoho Mail Android app update - View emails shared via Permalink on the app.

      Hello everyone! In the latest version(v2.8.2) of the Zoho Mail Android app update, we have brought in support to access the emails shared via permalink within the app. Earlier, when you click the permalink of an email, you'll be redirected to a mobile

    • Let us view and export the full price books data from CRM

      I quote out of CRM, some of my clients have specialised pricing for specific products - therefore we use Price Books to manage these special prices. I can only see the breakdown of the products listed in the price book and the specialised pricing for

    • How to display Motivator components in Zoho CRM home page ?

      Hello, I created KPI's, games and so but I want to be able to see my KPI's and my tasks at the same time. Is this possible to display Motivator components in Zoho CRM home page ? Has someone any idea ? Thanks for your help.

    • Introducing Record Summary: smarter insights at your fingertips

      Hello everyone, We’re excited to introduce the Record Summary feature. This powerful addition makes use of Zia to simplify how you interact with your CRM data, providing a seamless, consolidated view of critical record information. Scrolling through the

    • Zoho Bookings changes Lead Source

      Hi. i would like to know if there's a way for Zoho Bookings to not change the lead source when booking a lead for an appointment as the lead source will be used in a report. Scenario: Lead source: Website after booking an appointment Lead source: Zoho Bookings Thanks. Dan

    • Delegates should be able to delete expenses

      I understand the data integrity of this request. It would be nice if there was a toggle switch in the Policy setting that would allow a delegate to delete expenses from their managers account. Some managers here never touch their expense reports, and

    • Function #9: Copy attachments of Sales Order to Purchase Order on conversion

      This week, we have written a custom function that automatically copies the attachments uploaded for a sales order to the corresponding purchase order after you convert it. Here's how to configure it in your Zoho Books organization. Custom Function: Hit

    • Kaizen #8 - Handling Recurrence and Participants in the Events Module via API

      Hello everyone! We are back this week with an exciting post—Handling recurrence and participants in the Events module through API. First things first—What is the Events module? "Events" is a part of the Activities module in Zoho CRM.  An event is an activity that happens at a given place and time. You can find Events on the user's Zoho CRM's home page, Activities home page, Calendar, and in other related records. What are the types of Events? Events are of two types—Recurring and non-recurring events.

    • Marketer’s Space - Get Holiday-Ready with Zoho Campaigns

      Hello marketers, Welcome back to another post in Marketer’s Space! Q4 is packed with opportunities to connect with your audience - from Halloween, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. In this post, we’ll look at how

    • Personalized demo

      can I know more about the personalized demo we are construction company and

    • Can I collect email addresses in a form??

      Can I add new subscribers to my email list (hosted in FloDesk) when they check a box and add their email address on a Zoho form?

    • Zoho CRM Android app updates: Kiosk and multiple file upload support for subforms

      Hello everyone, We've rolled out new enhancements to the Zoho CRM Android app to bring better mobile CRM experience and efficiency. Let's take a quick look at what's new: Kiosk Multiple file uploads for subforms Kiosk Kiosk is a no-code tool in Zoho CRM

    • Alerts for mentions in comments

      We are testing the use of Writer internally and found that when a user is mentioned in a comment, there is no email alert for the mention. Is this something that's configurable, and if so, where can we enable this option?

    • OAuth integration issues

      I'm experiencing persistent OAuth errors when trying to connect Make with Zoho API. I've tried multiple approaches but keep encountering the following issues: First error: 'Invalid Redirect Uri - Redirect URI passed does not match with the one configured'

    • Zoho Mail Android app update: Manage folders

      Hello everyone! In the latest version(v2.9) of the Zoho Mail Android app update, we have brought in support for an option to manage folders. You can now create, edit, and delete folders from within the mobile app. You can also manage folders for the POP

    • validation rules doesn't work in Blueprint when it is validated using function?

      I have tried to create a validation rule in the deal module. it works if I try to create a deal manually or if I try to update the empty field inside a deal. but when I try to update the field via the blueprint mandatory field, it seems the validation

    • Get Zoho Mail API working (including DRE Connector, Oauth Token, ZUID, ZOID & ACCOUNT_ID)

      Disclaimer: I’m not a professional coder! Do you need to use Zoho Mail API? Me too. It lets you do all sorts of things — like reading the complete header of an email, or forwarding an email with its attachments — which is what I wanted to do. But setting

    • Revenue Deferrals

      Does ZOHO books and subscriptions handle Revenue Deferrals?   

    • Can I make a website open inside Zoho whenever I log in?

      Hi Zoho Team, Every day, I check a few websites for updates, for example, Rojgar--result, where I see the latest government job results and notifications. I was wondering if there’s any option in Zoho to make a website like that open inside Zoho whenever

    • Kaizen #214 - Workflow APIs - Part 2

      Welcome back to another week of Kaizen! Last week, we discussed how Zylker Cloud Services used the Workflow APIs to discover and audit all the automations in their CRM, listing every workflow, checking triggers, and understanding their automation limits.

    • Playback and Management Enhancements for Zoho Quartz Recordings

      Hello Zoho Team, We hope you're all doing well. We would like to submit a feature request related to Zoho Quartz, the tool used to record and share browser sessions with Zoho Support. 🎯 Current Functionality As of now, Zoho Quartz allows users to record

    • Next Page