> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.coupler.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.coupler.io/sources/category/finance-and-accounting/alpha-vantage/common-issues.md).
# Common Issues
## Connection issues
My API key is not being accepted
Double-check that you've copied the full API key from your Alpha Vantage account dashboard without any leading or trailing spaces. If you recently generated a new key, wait a few minutes — new keys can take a short time to activate. If the problem persists, log into Alpha Vantage and verify the key is still active under your account settings.
The importer connects but returns no data
This usually means the stock symbol is entered incorrectly. Make sure you're using the correct ticker format — for US stocks, use just the ticker (e.g., `MSFT`). For non-US stocks, append the exchange suffix (e.g., `TSCO.LON`). Also check that you've selected the right entity for your use case.
## Missing data
I'm missing data points for certain dates
Alpha Vantage does not return data for weekends, public holidays, or days when the exchange was closed. Gaps in the data for those dates are expected. If you're seeing gaps on regular trading days, try switching the output size to **full** — the compact setting only returns the last 100 data points, which may not cover the date range you need.
Intraday data is incomplete or only shows recent data
Intraday data availability depends on your Alpha Vantage plan. Free accounts may have limited access to intraday history. Also confirm that you've selected an interval in the Advanced settings — this field is required for the Time series intradays entity and without it the import may behave unexpectedly.
## Permission errors
I get an error when importing Time series daily adjusted data
The Time series daily adjusted entity is a **premium feature** on Alpha Vantage. If your account is on the free tier, you won't be able to access this entity. Upgrade your Alpha Vantage plan or use the standard Time series dailies entity instead.
{% hint style="warning" %}
The same restriction applies to premium-only endpoints. Check your Alpha Vantage plan if you encounter permission-related errors on any adjusted entity.
{% endhint %}
## Data discrepancies
Prices don't match what I see on a stock chart or trading platform
If you're comparing standard (unadjusted) data from Coupler.io with a chart that displays adjusted prices, the numbers will differ — especially for stocks that have had dividends or splits. Make sure you're comparing like for like: use an adjusted entity if your reference source shows adjusted data, and an unadjusted entity if it shows raw prices.
The most recent data point seems delayed
Alpha Vantage free-tier data may have a slight delay. Real-time quotes are available on higher-tier plans. Also check the schedule on your Coupler.io importer — if it's set to refresh once a day, the data will only update at the scheduled time, not continuously.
## Rate limits
My imports are failing with a rate limit or "Thank you for using Alpha Vantage" message
Alpha Vantage free accounts are limited to **5 API requests per minute** and **25 requests per day**. If you have multiple data flows running simultaneously or on a frequent schedule, you'll hit these limits quickly. To fix this:
* Stagger your data flow schedules so they don't run at the same time
* Reduce the number of active data flows on a free plan
* Upgrade to a premium Alpha Vantage plan for higher rate limits
* Use the **compact** output size to reduce unnecessary data transfer
{% hint style="danger" %}
Running many importers at once with a free Alpha Vantage API key will quickly exhaust your daily quota. Always check how many data flows are active if you see sudden import failures.
{% endhint %}
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