WHM Showing “Bandwidth Limit Exceeded” – Easy Fix

6 days ago

Team

6 minutes

Introduction

If you’re managing a server through WHM (Web Host Manager) and see the “Bandwidth Limit Exceeded” warning, don’t panic. This is one of the most common issues faced by hosting providers and server administrators. It simply means that a cPanel account on your server has used more bandwidth than its allocated monthly limit.

In this blog post, we’ll break down what causes the Bandwidth Limit Exceeded message, how to resolve it instantly, and most importantly—how to prevent it from happening again. Whether you’re managing a single site or running a full-scale hosting business like JetHost.in, understanding this issue can save you time, money, and customer frustration.

What Does “Bandwidth Limit Exceeded” Mean?

The “Bandwidth Limit Exceeded” error in WHM indicates that a cPanel account has reached or surpassed its allocated monthly bandwidth usage. When this happens, the account is automatically suspended for exceeding its quota, and visitors will see an error page instead of the website.

Common Message Visitors See:

“Bandwidth Limit Exceeded. The server is temporarily unable to service your request due to the site owner reaching his/her bandwidth limit.”

This behavior is automatic and is controlled by WHM’s quota management system.

What Is Bandwidth in Web Hosting?

In the context of web hosting, bandwidth refers to the amount of data transferred between your server and your visitors’ browsers. It includes:

Page loads
File downloads
Email traffic
FTP usage
API or app integrations
Streaming or media transfers

If a website gets a traffic spike or hosts large media files, bandwidth usage can surge rapidly.

Why WHM Shows “Bandwidth Limit Exceeded”

Understanding the reasons behind this error helps in choosing the right fix. Common causes include:

1. Insufficient Bandwidth Allocation

The cPanel account may have outgrown its assigned quota, especially if you’re using default limits set by the WHM package.

2. Unexpected Traffic Spikes

Viral blog posts, media shares, or promotions can cause a surge in visitors, which in turn spikes bandwidth usage.

3. Bots or DDoS Traffic

Malicious bots or a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack can inflate bandwidth usage unnaturally.

4. Large File Downloads

Sites that host downloadable content (like videos, PDFs, or software) are more prone to hitting limits.

How to Fix “Bandwidth Limit Exceeded” in WHM

Let’s look at the easiest and most effective ways to resolve the issue. These solutions assume you have WHM root or reseller access.

✅ Step 1: Identify the Affected Account

Log into WHM.
Go to “Account Information” > “List Accounts.”
Find the account marked as suspended with a reason like “Bandwidth Limit Exceeded.”

✅ Step 2: Unsuspend the Account

Navigate to “Account Functions” > “Unsuspend an Account.”
Select the affected domain and click “Unsuspend.”

This will bring the website back online temporarily. However, unless you increase the bandwidth limit or reset usage, it may get suspended again.

✅ Step 3: Check Bandwidth Usage

To confirm how much bandwidth the account has used:

Go to “Bandwidth Usage” under WHM.
Filter or search for the domain.
Review the usage graph or monthly summary.

This will help you decide whether to increase the limit or wait for the reset on the 1st of the next month.

✅ Step 4: Increase Bandwidth Allocation

If you want to prevent further suspension:

Go to “Modify an Account” under WHM.
Select the domain.
Scroll to Bandwidth Limit (MB) and increase the value.
Save changes.

Alternatively, you can assign the account to a new package with a higher bandwidth limit.

✅ Step 5: Reset Bandwidth Usage (Optional)

In some emergency cases, you may want to reset the usage count:

Go to “Limit Bandwidth Usage” in WHM.
Select the account.
Set a new bandwidth limit (higher than current usage).
Save and apply changes.

Note: Bandwidth usage normally resets automatically on the 1st of each month. Manual reset is not usually needed unless you’re troubleshooting.

Best Practices to Prevent Bandwidth Limit Errors

Solving the issue is one thing—preventing it is another. Here are some expert tips to avoid future “Bandwidth Limit Exceeded” errors:

�� 1. Use Flexible WHM Packages

Set up WHM packages with realistic bandwidth limits based on each client’s needs. Avoid overly restrictive limits if the site hosts media or expects growth.

�� 2. Monitor Bandwidth Proactively

Use WHM’s Bandwidth Usage Report or third-party tools like Munin, Netdata, or cPanel plugins to monitor real-time usage. Set up alerts when usage nears 80–90%.

�� 3. Enable Cloudflare or CDN

Integrate your hosting accounts with Cloudflare or another CDN (Content Delivery Network). This reduces server bandwidth usage by caching and offloading static content.

�� 4. Audit for Bots and Malware

Use server logs or tools like ModSecurity to monitor abnormal traffic. Protect your clients from bots or potential abuse that can waste bandwidth.

�� 5. Educate Your Clients

If you run a reseller hosting business like Jet Host Hub, educate clients about:

Optimal file formats and compression
Offloading large files to external services
CDN benefits
Avoiding unnecessary file backups on public folders

When to Consider Upgrading Hosting Plans

If your client is consistently hitting bandwidth limits despite optimization, it may be time to recommend a:

VPS or Dedicated Server (for high-traffic sites)
Higher-tier Shared Plan
Custom bandwidth package

Offering scalable solutions through your hosting business ensures customer retention and reduces support tickets.

Final Thoughts

The “Bandwidth Limit Exceeded” message in WHM is a common and solvable issue. By unsuspending the account, adjusting limits, and understanding usage trends, you can keep websites online and clients satisfied.

For hosting providers like Jethosthub.com, bandwidth management is critical to delivering high-performance and uptime. With proactive monitoring, flexible plans, and client education, you can easily prevent this issue from recurring.

Need Expert Support?

At Jet Host Hub, we’re not just a hosting provider—we’re your partner in performance. Our support team is available 24/7 to help resolve bandwidth issues, optimize server resources, and guide you toward the best hosting solutions for your needs.

Let’s keep your websites online—no matter the traffic.