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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Microlink returns HTTP 429 with error code ERATE when a request exceeds the applicable rate limit. Check the response body and the x-rate-limit-limit, x-rate-limit-remaining, and x-rate-limit-reset headers to confirm whether the limit was reached and when it resets. Microlink’s current API overview lists 25 requests per day on the free plan; after that allowance is used, wait for the reset or configure an eligible Pro key for Microlink’s Pro endpoint.
How to confirm the 429 is a rate-limit response
Inspect the actual response for the screenshot request rather than inferring the cause from the status alone. Microlink associates HTTP 429 and ERATE with requests past the applicable limit.
x-rate-limit-limitreports the applicable limit.x-rate-limit-remainingreports the remaining allowance.x-rate-limit-resetgives the reset time as UTC epoch seconds. Convert that value to a UTC date and time; use the header from the response being debugged rather than assuming a fixed daily reset hour.
If the response body and headers do not indicate ERATE or show an exhausted allowance, the available information is not enough to diagnose your particular request. Check the endpoint, plan, authentication, response body, and all three headers together.
Check the plan, endpoint, and authentication
Microlink documents distinct endpoints for its free and Pro plans. The free endpoint is api.microlink.io; the Pro endpoint is pro.microlink.io. The current API overview states that the free plan allows 25 requests per day and that Pro offers a higher quota. A Pro token belongs in the x-api-key request header sent to the Pro endpoint. Microlink’s API overview
#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.
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- Confirm which endpoint your screenshot request actually calls.
- Check which plan and quota apply to that endpoint.
- If using Pro, send the Pro token in the
x-api-keyheader and callpro.microlink.io, not the free endpoint. - Read the response status, body, and rate-limit headers from the same request.
A 429 response alone does not establish whether you are on the free plan, whether your Pro key was configured correctly, or whether a particular request used the intended endpoint. The returned details are needed to distinguish those cases.
What to do after the applicable limit is reached
Wait for the reset
If the workload can pause, stop retrying until the UTC time represented by x-rate-limit-reset. Use that request’s header value rather than relying on a presumed reset schedule.
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- 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.)
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- 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.
Use the Pro endpoint for a workload that needs more quota
If you have an eligible Pro key, send it using x-api-key to pro.microlink.io. Microlink describes Pro as offering higher quota, but the available overview does not specify a numerical Pro limit here. Do not send the Pro key to the free endpoint.
Make screenshot-only calls lighter, but do not treat this as a quota fix
Microlink’s screenshot guide says setting meta: false skips metadata extraction and is usually the biggest speedup when you only need the screenshot. Screenshot generation itself is enabled with the screenshot parameter; the response includes a screenshot data field, and the screenshot asset is described as being delivered through a CDN URL. Microlink screenshot parameters
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsRank #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.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Disabling metadata extraction is a performance optimization, not a documented way to increase the quota or bypass an exhausted rate limit. For delivery, Microlink distinguishes a normal JSON response, which contains screenshot metadata and the asset URL, from embed: 'screenshot.url', which serves the image directly for uses such as HTML, CSS, Markdown, or social tags. Screenshot guide Delivery guide
Or skip the browser setup
If you want a screenshot API alternative, ScreenshotNeo returns PNG, JPEG, WebP, or PDF from one GET request; it removes cookie banners, popups, and chat widgets before capture, and only clean shots are billed.
Example request, with the API key supplied as a query parameter:
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
curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://stripe.com -o shot.webpSee the ScreenshotNeo API documentation for request options. Bot checks, blank pages, and failed loads are never billed; its MCP server lets AI agents take screenshots; and the free plan includes 1,000 screenshots a month with no card, while paid plans start at $5 for 3,000. Sign up for ScreenshotNeo’s free plan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I read Microlink’s reset header?
The x-rate-limit-reset value is a UTC epoch-seconds timestamp. Convert the value from the response into a UTC date and time.
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.
Does setting meta: false stop a 429?
No documented quota effect is stated. It skips metadata extraction to speed up screenshot-only requests, but it does not raise the rate limit.
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