tweepy.errors.TwitterServerError: 503 Service Unavailable
Author: carlosperateCreated Mar 3, 2026Updated Mar 15, 2026
LabelsUnconfirmed Bug
Summary
For the last two or three days trying to post results in a "503 Service Unavailable" error.
Reproduction Steps
Running a tweepy script trying to post with a free account:
...
File "/home/runner/work/awesome-microbit/awesome-microbit/./.github/actions/tweet-commit/post_commit.py", line 199, in tweet_msg
client.create_tweet(text=msg)
File "/opt/hostedtoolcache/Python/3.12.12/x64/lib/python3.12/site-packages/tweepy/client.py", line 845, in create_tweet
return self._make_request(
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
File "/opt/hostedtoolcache/Python/3.12.12/x64/lib/python3.12/site-packages/tweepy/client.py", line 129, in _make_request
response = self.request(method, route, params=request_params,
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
File "/opt/hostedtoolcache/Python/3.12.12/x64/lib/python3.12/site-packages/tweepy/client.py", line 117, in request
raise TwitterServerError(response)
tweepy.errors.TwitterServerError: 503 Service Unavailable
Service UnavailableIt's quite likely x.com has made their API access paid-only, although I'm still looking for more information: https://devcommunity.x.com/t/503-service-unavailable-since-february-28/258496
Posting here also to inform other tweetpy users that might be encountering this error.
Minimal Reproducible Example
https://github.com/tweepy/tweepy/blob/master/examples/API_v2/create_tweet.py
Expected Results
To be able to post with a free account.
Actual Results
503 Service Unavailable
Twitter API Access Plan
Free
Tweepy Version
4.16.0
Checklist
- I have searched for duplicate issues.
- If applicable, I have shown the entire traceback.
- If applicable, I have removed any visible credentials from my code and/or screenshots.
Additional Context
Sorry, not a bug on tweepy, but after creating the issue I cannot remove the label.
Source: tweepy/tweepy