Wikimedia bots use separate accounts, and the right to edit with a bot flag depends on the specific wiki and the bot’s task. The global policy describes three routes—global bot status, automatic approval where a wiki explicitly permits it, and local community approval—but it does not grant universal permission across Wikimedia.
Do Wikimedia bots need a separate account?
Yes. Meta-Wiki’s Global bot policy says: “A bot must be run using a separate account from the operator, as no human editor should be granted a bot flag.” The bot’s user page should clearly identify it as a bot, and its human operator remains responsible for answering comments. Automated scripts that answer messages are not permitted; if the bot cannot detect messages, some operators redirect its talk page to their own.
The name convention is guidance, not a requirement: the policy recommends including “bot” in the name when possible, while names identifying the operator can also be used.
How do you get a bot flag?
First identify the exact wiki and the task the bot will perform. Read that wiki’s bot policy and request page to determine which authorization routes it accepts. The global policy describes three routes, but local rules determine whether a route is available and what a request must include.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
| Route | Where it applies | Approval and evidence | Task scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global bot status | Only wikis that allow global bots | A request is discussed at Steward requests/Bot status for two weeks and publicized through MassMessage. The operator must show the task is welcome on multiple Wikimedia projects; being flagged on five or more wikis for one task is given as a useful example. | The task must be welcomed across multiple projects, and the operator must respect each wiki’s preferences about the bot flag. |
| Automatic approval | Only a wiki whose policy or request page explicitly allows this route | Demonstrate regular unflagged editing for at least a week or make 100 edits on the applicable wikis; then request the local flag directly from stewards. | Only fixing double redirects. |
| Local community consensus | The wiki whose community considers the request | Obtain consensus on the most relevant local discussion page. A local bureaucrat can add the flag, or the operator can ask a steward to do so. | The approved task; seek community input before expanding it. |
These periods and edit counts are policy thresholds, not statistical findings. If there is no local community and neither global status nor automatic approval applies, the policy says the bot must run without a bot flag or not at all.
What is the difference between a local bot and a global bot?
A local bot flag is an authorization on a particular wiki, generally granted after that wiki’s community approves the request. Global bot status is a cross-project status, but it works only on wikis that allow global bots. It does not override a wiki’s decision to disallow them, and it does not automatically authorize every task everywhere.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Under the global policy, new content wikis have had global bot access enabled by default since 12 November 2022, but local projects can opt in or out through community consensus. If a wiki does not allow global bots, the operator can seek a local bot flag instead.
Can you run a Wikimedia bot before approval?
The global policy says unflagged edits should be more than one minute apart. For work at high speed or without human supervision, obtain the applicable approval first. Automatic approval is not a general trial period: it is available only when the local policy permits it, after the required demonstration, and only for fixing double redirects.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Once authorized and appropriately flagged, the policy states an absolute minimum interval of five seconds between edits. That is a lower bound, not a recommended operating speed or a waiver of other technical and local constraints.
What does a bot flag change?
Meta-Wiki’s Bot overview explains that the bot user right permits higher rate limits for MediaWiki actions such as editing and hides bot edits from Recent Changes by default. The overview also describes bot groups as exempt from some rate limits used against web scrapers; check current technical and policy documentation before relying on a particular exemption.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
What limits and responsibilities apply?
- Choose tasks likely to be supported by local editors; bots should not make controversial changes.
- If the task changes beyond what the community approved, post on the relevant discussion page to check for opposition.
- Do not use a bot for bulk content retrieval unrelated to an approved bot task. The policy directs people who want project content toward database copies.
- Automated spelling correction requires explicit community approval, especially in main content namespaces.
- A policy violation can result in an immediate block until the operator resolves the problem.
Global bot status can be removed at the operator’s request, for persistent use outside its remit, or for inactivity. The policy defines inactivity as no edits for a whole year on any project that allows global bot access; before removal on that basis, the operator must be notified on their home wiki or wikis and on Meta-Wiki.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why check the local bot policy first?
The standard bot procedure is adopted individually by projects, rather than applying identically everywhere. Meta-Wiki’s implementation guidance describes establishing discoverable request and discussion pages, linking relevant project pages, and setting up local request-page wording. Local implementation can specify whether requests go to bureaucrats or stewards.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- Identify the target wiki and the precise task.
- Read that wiki’s bot policy and request page.
- Check whether global bots are allowed, automatic approval is explicitly available for the task, or local community approval is required.
- Follow the route’s process and stay within the task and scope approved.
Approval for one task or wiki should not be treated as approval for a different task or project.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
