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I got a "Stale request" error for my upload API call, what does it mean?

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Orly Bogler
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All API requests are signed using your Cloudinary's API Key and Secret. For better security, the signature is valid for one hour. Therefore, all API calls and the signatures include the 'timestamp' parameter that should be set to the current time (Unix time in GMT). Getting the "Stale request" error usually means that either your computer's clock is in the past or the timestamp was not calculated in GMT.

It is recommended to use our server-side SDKs, as those automatically add the signatures to all admin API, and upload API requests.

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  • Avatar
    Tim Strietzel

    That is realy a helpful post! Thank you, Orly!

    Especially if you use VMs for development that you frequently hibernate/suspend and resume later on the VMs you can run into problems. The operating system (Ubuntu in my case) can lose track of the "real" time which leads to the error.

    Simply updating the system time of your development VM fixes the issue.

    Cheers!

    Tim

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    kidkeeper

    It's not working on my own computer (not a VM).
    For some reason it doesn't take my local time and I can't set the time - it doesn't work:
    cloudinary = new Cloudinary(...);
    cloudinary.uploader().upload(file,
    ObjectUtils.asMap("timestamp", "129830123"));

    What I am doing wrong?

    P.S - It worked one time, I don't know what was changed...

    Thanks!

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    emmanuel

    hello, Orly Bogler, does this mean I have to reset my time? How exactly do I solve this problem, pls?

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    Maor Gariv

    Hi Emmanuel,

    Can you elaborate on your issue (provide relevant code, error message, etc.)?
    Feel free to open a new support ticket (https://support.cloudinary.com/hc/en-us/requests/new) if privacy is an issue.

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    charlie

    Hi I was getting same error too.

    Here is the code:

    var uploadResult = new ImageUploadResult();

    if (file.Length >0)
    {

    using (var stream = file.OpenReadStream())
    {
    var uploadParam =newImageUploadParams()
    {
    File = new FileDescription(file.Name, stream),
    Transformation = new Transformation().Width(500).Height(500).Crop("fill").Gravity("face")
     
    };

    uploadResult = _cloudinary.Upload(uploadParam);
    }
    }
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    Shirly Manor

    Hi Charlie,

    This error usually happens when the clock on the computer is not set to the right time.
    In order to provide a better feedback, can you please open a ticket at support@cloudinary.com with your cloud name and we can investigate more in this issue. 

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    Jose D

    I tested image upload from my local machine (IST timing), and it works fine. Then tested the same code from development server (server timezone is UAE), I get the Stale request error. Please advice how can I solve this.

    Uncaught Cloudinary\Error: Stale request - reported time is 2019-03-13 06:03:08 +0000 which is more than 1 hour ago

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    nyola mike

    Am using a php docker image for development on my local macos pc.

    and I get this same error.

    Fatal error: Uncaught Cloudinary\Error: Stale request - reported time is 2020-05-20 20:55:23 +0000 which is more than 1 hour ago in /var/www/html/bee/cloudinary/Uploader.php:559 S

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    James Oduro

    I am developing an application in PHP and am gonna be using Cloudinary for all user uploads. Hopefully, upgrade to premium plan after development.

    my question on the subject error is:

    Does this mean this error will keep occurring if the user hibernates her computer and let's say return to the site in 2-3 days.??

    Am concerned with this because my application allows auto-login with cookies

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    Aleksandar Kostadinov

    Hi James,

    The error is only relevant at the time the upload request is initiated from your code as that will be when the 'timestamp' parameter will be generated. If a user of your website triggers an upload then our SDKs would automatically generate the 'timestamp' as part of the signature creation and the upload request will be sent. If you're using one of our server-side SDKs to perform the uploads or if you are generating the signature right in your own code before the upload request is sent then you will not run into this case.

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