[BUG] Repeated "Image couldn't be processed" API errors consuming usage limit in Claude Code
Preflight Checklist
- [x] I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
- [x] This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
- [x] I am using the latest version of Claude Code
What's Wrong?
Description
Claude Code repeatedly triggered image processing errors that consumed my entire usage limit without producing useful output. After an initial failed attempt to process a base64-encoded image, every subsequent request in the conversation triggered the same error.
Error Pattern
The following error appeared on every tool invocation after the initial failure:
An image couldn't be read. Rewind to remove it and try a different format.
API Error: an image in the conversation could not be processed and was removed. Re-read the file with a different approach if you still need it.
Tool calls that triggered the error:
- Read bg66xakij.output
- ToolSearch
- Generic tool usage
- "Verify image then send all preview emails"
- "Follow redirect to confirm 200"
Actual Behavior
The error persisted across all subsequent requests, consuming my entire 5-hour usage limit without producing useful work.
Environment
- Product: Claude Code Desktop MacOS
- Conversation ID: 215474449845617
- Date: May 26, 2026
- MacOS Version 26.3.1 (a) (25D771280a) Claude desktop version: "May 22, 2026 1.8555.1"
Impact
This bug consumed my entire usage allocation, preventing me from completing my work.
What Should Happen?
Expected Behavior
After an image processing error, Claude Code should either:
- Stop attempting to process the problematic image
- Allow the conversation to continue without repeatedly triggering the same error
- Not consume usage credits for repeated error states
Error Messages/Logs
Image couldn't be processed
An image couldn't be read. Rewind to remove it and try a different format.
View details
API Error: an image in the conversation could not be processed and was removed. Re-read the file with a different approach if you still need it.Steps to Reproduce
Steps to Reproduce
- Asked Claude Code to append an image to an email template
- Claude Code attempted to read base64-encoded image from
/tmp/barberas-email/logo-base64.txt - Initial commands executed:
cat /tmp/barberas-email/logo-base64.txt | wc -c(returned 2098)cat /tmp/barberas-email/logo-base64.txt | head -c 100 && echo "..."
- Received error: "API Error: an image in the conversation could not be processed and was removed"
- Every subsequent request triggered the same error repeatedly
Claude Model
Opus
Is this a regression?
I don't know
Last Working Version
_No response_
Claude Code Version
2.1.140 (Claude Code)
Platform
Anthropic API
Operating System
macOS
Terminal/Shell
Terminal.app (macOS)
Additional Information
<img width="1196" height="464" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/c40d9415-63ae-42ba-97ec-30cf8c4dc4e0" />
<img width="1210" height="622" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/44a4abd0-e74c-4a13-b636-f82fe68abb27" />
27 Comments
Same error here but it says:
API Error: an image in the conversation could not be processed and was removed. Re-read the file with a different approach if you still need it.
keeps repeating through the VS Code Extension on Opus 4.8
+1
Was happening today. Burned through my 5 hour within 2 prompts..
Also happened to me in Claude for VS Code, I wiped my 5 hours out in an hour flat somehow.
yes same with me
just one prompt with claude this and my limit got reached
Same with me, got multiple similar error and wiped my 5 hours that was just reset. I was on max 5x plan.
Same here, usage went in 2 mins after one prompt after resetting, on the pro licence also.
I'm getting the same error here:
"API Error: an image in the conversation could not be processed and was removed. Re-read the file with a different approach if you still need it."
The issue also consumed my MAax plan usage in less than 5 minutes. I NEED MY USAGE RESTORED !!!!
Because of this error, I couldn't finish my project on time and now I have to wait 5 hours before I can continue.
+1
@ThariqS
<img width="1214" height="829" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/efceefb1-4f72-4e02-9919-4eda7a08727c" />
Same here:
+1. It's been happening since yesterday continuously. It's unusable!
I’ve encountered the same issue. Has any solution been found yet? Is everyone still experiencing this problem?
Damn Claude. Give me my tokens back!
Just hit this issue, drained a pro 5× in a few prompts.
terrible. I also have this bug. And tokens used very fast (less than half min use all 5 hour) even I am the 5X user.
same error "API Error: an image in the conversation could not be processed and was removed. Re-read the file with a different approach if you still need it.". The tokens had used do fast that even the request to compact the context was non finished.
Opus 4.7.
Anyone form the Anthropic team are working on this ?
Same issue, one prompt with the error: "API Error: an image in the conversation could not be processed and was removed. Double press esc to edit your message, or re-read the file if you still need it.
API Error: Server is temporarily limiting requests (not your usage limit) · Rate limited"
Used all my 5 hour usage. Absurd
very annoying...
I think the error is with QR code images
This bug is super annoying and drains the 5 hour limit tokens in a few prompts
<img width="981" height="332" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/b766b7bc-1cc9-4e44-8de0-222e1ea0b744" />
Wasted my whole 5 hour window
<img width="521" height="1264" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/cdcf5f49-3f45-4233-8b8a-8e78aff319c9" />
Since today i have the same problem, 5 hour session limit is reached in minutes.
I have the same problem, 5 hour session limit is reached in minutes.
<img width="641" height="421" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/d741c8fe-3bff-4f08-bcc1-de691e8fc2ef" />
It's still happening (Claude Code v2.1.195, MacOS). It burnt about 50% of my 5h window (8% of weekly limits) of Max 5x within 5 minutes