You see an error message as you download records or images when you exceed the permitted number of downloads. The error varies, depending on your browser.
- In Edge and Chrome, you see a frowning face and the message: "This page isn't working. If the problem continues, contact the site owner. HTTP Error 429."
- Firefox puts up a black screen with a small message at the top: "The image [URL of the image you wanted to download] cannot be displayed because it contains errors."
We cannot grant exceptions to our download limits. The limits help assure that we abide by contracts with the record custodians.
It is possible that, instead of the generic error 429, you see a message about download limits. Here are the messages you can see:
- "It appears that you may have data needs that exceed the general use license and purpose for this web application. Please contact recordrequests@FamilySearch.org for information on proper access of FamilySearch data. If you believe that you have been improperly blocked, please send an explanation of your needs to searchfeedback@churchofjesuschrist.org."
- "{"server":"10-33-157- 51.fsglobal.net","serviceName":"FinderService","serviceMessage":"Stream download restricted due to too many requests","status":429,"subStatus":40313,"state":"unchanged","causeException":null,"causeMessage":null,"authorizationXML":null}"
For either message, please contact recordrequests@FamilySearch.org for information on proper access to FamilySearch data. If you believe that you have been improperly blocked, please send an explanation of your needs to searchfeedback@churchofjesuschrist.org