https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/17/anthropic-tightens-usage-limits-for-claude-code-without-telling-users/ [tc-lockup] TechCrunch Desktop Logo [tc-lo] TechCrunch Mobile Logo * Latest * Startups * Venture * Apple * Security * AI * Apps * Events * Podcasts * Newsletters Search [ ]Submit * Site Search Toggle Mega Menu Toggle Topics Latest AI Amazon Apps Biotech & Health Climate Cloud Computing Commerce Crypto Enterprise EVs Fintech Fundraising Gadgets Gaming Google Government & Policy Hardware Instagram Layoffs Media & Entertainment Meta Microsoft Privacy Robotics Security Social Space Startups TikTok Transportation Venture More from TechCrunch Staff Events Startup Battlefield StrictlyVC Newsletters Podcasts Videos Partner Content TechCrunch Brand Studio Crunchboard Contact Us Anthropic Claude logo on mobileImage Credits:Smith Collection/Gado / Contributor / Getty Images AI Anthropic tightens usage limits for Claude Code - without telling users Russell Brandom 2:04 PM PDT * July 17, 2025 Since Monday morning, Claude Code users have been hit with unexpectedly restrictive usage limits. The problems, many of which have been aired on Claude Code's GitHub page, seem to be concentrated among heavy users of the service, many of whom are on the $200-a-month Max plan. Users are only told "Claude usage limit reached," and given a time (typically within a matter of hours) when the limit will reset. But with no explicit announcement of a change in limits, many users have concluded that their subscription has been downgraded or that their usage is being inaccurately tracked. "Your tracking of usage limits has changed and is no longer accurate," one user complained. "There is no way in the 30 minutes of a few requests I have hit the 900 messages." When reached for comment, an Anthropic representative confirmed the issues but declined to elaborate further. "We're aware that some Claude Code users are experiencing slower response times," the representative said, "and we're working to resolve these issues." The change has been alarming for users, who received no advance notice of the changes and no guidance on what to expect going forward. One user, who asked not to be identified, said it has been impossible to advance his project since the usage limits came into effect. "It just stopped the ability to make progress," the user told TechCrunch. "I tried Gemini and Kimi, but there's really nothing else that's competitive with the capability set of Claude Code right now." These problems have emerged alongside broader issues within Anthropic's network. Many API users reported overload errors during the same period, and the company's status page shows six separate issues during the past four days. Notably, the network still shows 100% uptime for the week. While loading errors are commonplace, Anthropic's new approach to usage limits has caused significant confusion among users, many of whom were unaware they were subject to usage limits. Part of the confusion comes from Anthropic's pricing system, which sets tiered limits without ever guaranteeing a set level of access. The most expensive Max plan, priced at $200 a month, promises usage limits 20 times higher than a Pro subscription. The Pro plan, in turn, offers limits five times higher than the free plan. But Anthropic says the free user limit "will vary by demand" and does not set an absolute value. The result leaves users unable to plan around usage limits, since they have no clear idea of when their service will be restricted. Techcrunch event Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital -- just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They're here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don't miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech -- grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise. Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital -- just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They're here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don't miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech -- grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise. San Francisco | October 27-29, 2025 REGISTER NOW The $200 Max plan has been particularly popular among heavy users of the service, with some viewing the plan as unsustainable for Anthropic in the long term. The user we spoke to said the plan often allows him to make over $1,000 worth of calls (measured in API pricing) in a single day. As a result, he wasn't surprised usage limits were becoming more restrictive -- but hoped the company would communicate the changes more clearly. "Just be transparent," he said. "The lack of communication just causes people to lose confidence in them." Topics AI, Anthropic, Claude Russell Brandom Russell is a freelance writer based in New York. View Bio Event Logo October 27-29, 2025 San Francisco Put your brand in front of 10,000+ tech and VC leaders across all three days of Disrupt 2025. Amplify your reach, spark real connections, and lead the innovation charge. Secure your exhibit space before your competitor does. Book Your Table Most Popular * Anthropic tightens usage limits for Claude Code - without telling users + Russell Brandom * Microsoft is buying tons of carbon removal from Xprize startup Vaulted Deep + Tim De Chant * Hadrian raises $260M to build out automated factories for space and defense parts + Aria Alamalhodaei * After raising over $3M, popular VC-backed beauty brand Ami Cole is shuttering + Dominic-Madori Davis * OpenAI launches a general purpose agent in ChatGPT + Maxwell Zeff * Twitch starts testing vertical video streams + Sarah Perez * Meta appoints generative AI VP to run Threads + Amanda Silberling Loading the next article Error loading the next article TechCrunch Logo * X * LinkedIn * Facebook * Instagram * youTube * Mastodon * Threads * Bluesky * TechCrunch * Staff * Contact Us * Advertise * Crunchboard Jobs * Site Map * Terms of Service * Privacy Policy * RSS Terms of Use * Code of Conduct * Meta AI * Thinking Machines Lab * Fyre Festival * Voxtral * Chatbots * Tech Layoffs * ChatGPT (c) 2025 TechCrunch Media LLC.