Azure API error 403: Resource temporarily blocked - seeking resolution

Question

Hello!

I'm dealing with this Azure API error with status code 403: Your resource has been temporarily blocked because we detected unusual behaviour.

The first time it happened it rate limited several of my deployments, which I found quite weird. It's only been a problem with gpt-4.5-preview since, but the even weirder part is that I can't even use it in Playground.

I'm only asking decent questions, by all means. The only thing I could think of is the NSFW fallback in my prompt, but I've had it there for a long time and never had issues with it. So I'm trying to determine:

1. Why is this happening?
2. How do we prevent it for good?
3. Can we ask for higher limits? Here is an example request that got blocked:
   Forbidden: Your resource has been temporarily blocked because we detected unusual behavior. | Apim-request-id: 4d62e159-df99-431c-8c1d-19f60399cace

It sometimes helps to just re-deploy the model, but if it does, it stops working after a few messages. Additionally, it seems to happen equally within the playground or within my app, and regardless of inference and prompting. I've read the policies and I can't spot what's making my requests seem suspect. I've also tried changing the filtering, but both Default and Defaultv2 seem to get me running into the same wall.
I would very much enjoy to be able to use this model freely, so I'd very much appreciate any help to do so.

Thank you!

Answer 1

Hello Teodor Constantin,

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum. 

The 403 "temporarily blocked" error with Azure's GPT-4.5-preview model typically stems from automated traffic patterns (even unintentional ones) triggering Azure’s abuse prevention systems, especially if your requests include rapid retries, high-frequency polling, or repetitive prompts. While your prompts may comply with content policies, Azure’s rate-limiting algorithms might flag sudden spikes in usage or unusual deployment churn (e.g., frequent model re-deployments) as suspicious behavior. 

To resolve this, first audit your request patterns: Space out API calls, implement exponential backoff for retries, and avoid redundant deployments. If your prompts include NSFW fallbacks, ensure they don’t inadvertently trigger content filters test with simplified prompts to isolate the issue. For persistent blocks, contact Azure Support with the Apim-request-id to request a manual review or quota adjustment. 

Long-term, migrate to a dedicated Azure OpenAI Service resource (not shared tiers) for higher rate limits and stability. Monitor usage via Azure Metrics to preemptively identify throttling risks. If the issue persists, Microsoft may need to whitelist your workload provide concrete use-case details to expedite resolution. 

If the above answer helped, please do not forget to "Accept Answer" as this may help other community members to refer the info if facing a similar issue. Your contribution to the Microsoft Q&A community is highly appreciated. 

Answer 2

Hello Teodor Constantin,

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A and thank you for posting your questions here.

I understand that you are getting error 403: Resource temporarily blocked and seeking resolution.

Regarding your questions:

Why is this happening?

The 403 error with a message about unusual behavior typically indicates that Azure's automated systems have flagged your usage pattern as potentially abusive or non-compliant. This can happen due to:

1. Rate Limit Violations: Even if you’re within your quota, too many rapid requests or bursts can trigger temporary blocks.
2. Prompt content or structure.
3. GPT-4.5-preview is still in preview, and Microsoft may have stricter monitoring or lower tolerance thresholds for unusual usage patterns on preview models.
4. If you're on a shared Azure subscription or using a multi-tenant environment, someone else's behavior could affect your resource.

Can you ask for higher limits or unblock access?

Yes, you can submit a Support Request via the Azure Portal and choose Quota or Limits or Technical Issue depending on your case. Then, include the Apim-request-id (like 4d62e159-df99-431c-8c1d-19f60399cace) and a detailed explanation. Also, you can request higher token limits, RPM (requests per minute), or TPM (tokens per minute). Be specific about your use case and why you need more capacity.

Finally,

How to prevent it for good?

Below are some best practices to avoid triggering these blocks:

• Implement exponential backoff or rate-limiting logic in your app to avoid bursts.
• Stick with Default or Defaultv2 content filters unless you have a specific reason to change them.
• If your app maintains long-running sessions with many messages, consider breaking them into smaller, independent interactions.
• Use Azure’s metrics and logs to track your usage patterns and identify spikes or anomalies.

Then follow these steps:

1. Go to your Azure OpenAI resource > Content filtering logs:
   • Check for flagged prompts or completions.
   • If NSFW terms appear, even in fallback logic or as commented strings, Azure may classify it as probable or possible NSFW.
   • https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/ai-services/openai/how-to/content-filtering
2. You will need to review usage and request patterns via metrics: Navigate to Azure Monitor > Metrics. > Filter by your OpenAI resource. > Plot Tokens per minute (TPM) and Requests per minute (RPM) > Check for spikes or sustained high traffic. If you see surges followed by drops, this may confirm an **automated rate-based flag. - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/ai-services/openai/how-to/monitor
3. GPT-4.5-preview may include stricter protections. So, you will need to verify Model-Specific Behavior by trying the followings:
   • Try the same prompt sequence using gpt-4 or gpt-3.5-turbo-16k.
   • If they work and GPT-4.5-preview fails consistently, it's highly likely the issue lies in that specific deployment or the preview model.
   • NOTE: GPT-4.5-preview is not generally available in all Azure regions and is subject to preview constraints. See: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/ai-services/openai/concepts/models for more details.
4. Avoid Flagged Terms, Even in Fallbacks
5. Use a dedicated capacity especially if you're using shared OpenAI infrastructure, Microsoft might rate-limit or block you more aggressively. Consider switching to dedicated throughput (Enterprise pricing) or request a higher quota via Azure Support.
6. Submit a detailed support ticket - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/ai-services/openai/how-to/request-increase with necessary information.

I hope this is helpful! Do not hesitate to let me know if you have any other questions or clarifications.

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