Apify runs all Actors with their default/prefilled input daily, verifying a valid output. If an Actor does not pass these automated tests at least twice in the last three days, it is automatically placed Under maintenance with this banner:
Reasons for failure and how to resolve them
If your Actor fails the automated test, you will receive a notification detailing the type of failure. Failures fall into two categories:
Actor could not be started
Issue with the Actor run
Actor couldn’t be started
If the Actor could not be started, there is most likely an issue with the Input schema. You will receive this notification:
Every required input field must have a default or prefilled input defined in the input_schema.json file, like this:
Read more about the difference between default and prefill in the input schema specification.
If your Actor requires an API key, token, cookies, or other type of secret authentication, you don’t have to set yours as a prefilled or default input. In these cases, you can request to skip automated tests by filling out the form linked in the notification. The support team will review your request. You will be notified once the request has been approved, and the Actor will no longer be tested.
You can check what’s wrong with your input schema by trying to run the Actor with its prefilled/default input, exactly like the test system does.
Open your Actor.
Go to Source > Input.
Click Restore example input.
This action pulls fresh values from the input schema, and you will see what is wrong in red. For example, if the default value is 3, but the input schema dictates it should not be higher than 2, the Actor cannot be started.
Adjust the input_schema.json file and rebuild the Actor.
Issue with the Actor run
If the Input schema was set up correctly, the test system was able to start the Actor, and there will be an actual run to troubleshoot. The run is linked in the notification, like this:
Actors must complete their test runs within a 5-minute time limit, which is set to manage issues like blocked requests during execution. If your Actor exceeds this limit while processing prefilled input, it is marked Under maintenance.
Set prefill or default values that return a few results to ensure your Actor finishes within the 5-minute limit. Setting an input that returns thousands of results is not necessary.
If your Actor is not meant to return results, you can request to skip automated tests by filling out the form linked in the notification. You will be notified once the request has been approved, and the Actor will no longer be tested.
Keeping your Actor available
Be sure to provide valid prefill or default values for required inputs, and confirm your Actor runs efficiently within the 5-minute time limit for the test inputs.