Understanding and Resolving "Scan Quota Exhausted" Messages

Last updated: June 8, 2026

Introduction

If you see a "scan quota exhausted" message when trying to run a scan, it means you've reached the current limit for your plan. This guide explains why it happens and how to get back up and running quickly.

Why This Happens

Scan quotas exist to maintain system performance and security. Limits apply separately to:

  • Automated scans — typically unlimited on most plans, but subject to fair use limits

  • Manual penetration tests — fixed number per plan per year

You may hit this limit if:

  • Multiple team members are triggering scans simultaneously

  • You have several scheduled scans running frequently

  • Your subscription has lapsed or is pending renewal

How to Resolve It

Step 1: Confirm the issue Check the Continuous Scans page to see if scans are actively running. An in-progress scan may be holding your quota slot.

Step 2: Cancel any unnecessary active scans If a scan is running that you no longer need, cancel it from the scan details page to free up your quota.

Step 3: Contact support If no scans are running and the message persists:

  1. Raise a support ticket from your Astra dashboard

  2. Mention that you are seeing the "scan quota exhausted" message

  3. Support will verify your subscription and increase your quota as appropriate

Resolution is typically immediate once your subscription status is confirmed.

Expected Outcome

After support adjusts your quota, you will be able to initiate scans normally from the Continuous Scans page or via CI/CD.

Troubleshooting

Message appears even though I haven't run many scans

  • Check if scheduled scans are running automatically in the background. Review your schedules under the Automations tab.

  • Verify your subscription is active under Settings → Subscriptions.

Automated scans work but manual pentest quota is exhausted

  • Automated and manual scan quotas are tracked separately. Your plan may include unlimited automated scans but a fixed number of manual pentests. Contact your account manager to discuss adding more.

Quota was increased but message still appears

  • Clear your application cache (press Ctrl+Shift+K on Windows or Cmd+K on Mac, then search "Clear Cache") and retry.

Next Steps