Fix: Recaptcha not Working in Google Chrome
Several Chrome issues are having difficulties using reCAPTCHA from a Google Chrome browser. Most affected users are reporting that the Recaptcha shows initially but when the user clicks on it the whole Recaptcha just fades away. Upon reloading the web page, affected users receive a message warning them that “Your computer or network may be sending automated queries.”
What is causing the “Recaptcha not Working in Chrome” issue?
We investigated this particular issue by looking at various user reports and the repair strategies that affected users deployed to get the issue resolved. Based on what we gathered, there are several fairly common scenarios that will trigger this particular error message:
- Chrome is not updated to the latest version – One of the most common reasons why this error occurs is that of an outdated Chrome version. ReCaptcha will actively look at the browser version before allowing you access. This is applicable to all browser versions, not just Chrome. In this case, the solution is to update Google Chrome to the latest version.
- Corrupted Chrome browser profile – Several affected users have reported that for them, the issue went away indefinitely as soon as they forced Google Chrome to create a new browser profile. This step can be done manually by renaming the existent browser profile (Default). Consult Method 2 for more details.
- VPN or Proxy service is not playing well with reCaptcha – As some users have pointed out, there are some VPN and Proxy services that will create this problem with reCaptcha V2 verification. In most cases, the best solution is to contact the VPN/proxy provider support or move on to a different provider.
- Computer’s IP address is in a banned range – The issue might occur if you are unlucky enough to be granted an IP placed in a banned range that Captchas’s database is aware of. If you’re working with a dynamic IP, one solution would be to force your ISP to grant you a different IP (one that is hopefully not in a banned range).
- Malware infection – A malware infection can also be responsible for this particular issue. Browser hijackers and adware injectors can send too many process requests to reCaptcha until the software decides to prevent you from using it. In this case, the solution is to clean your system of malware infection and reinstall Google Chrome.
If you’re struggling to resolve this particular issue, this article will provide you with a couple of verified troubleshooting steps. Down below, you’ll discover a collection of methods that other users in a similar situation have used to get around reCaptcha.
To maximize efficiency, follow the methods below in the order that they are presented. You should eventually stumble upon a fix that takes care of the issue for you.
Method 1: Update Chrome to the latest version
You might be encountering this issue due to a Google Chrome bug that was since patched. Also, keep in mind that one of the reCaptcha V2 the most important requirements is to maintain a browser version. With this in mind, deactivate any plug-in or software blocking the updating process (if you have any) and follow the instructions below:
- Open Google Chrome and click the action button (three-dot icon) in the top-right corner. Then, go to Help > About Google Chrome.
Go to Settings > Help > About Google Chrome - Once you access this next window, Chrome will scan to see if a new version is available. If it is, you will be prompted to install it.
Update Google Chrome - At the next browser startup, re-visit the reCaptcha window and see if the issue has been resolved.
If you’re still encountering the same issue, move down to the next method below.
Method 2: Creating a new Chrome browser profile
A few users struggling to resolve the same issue have reported that the issue was resolved after they created a new browser profile. This method seems to suggest that a corrupted browser profile can also end up causing this particular issue.
Follow the steps below to create a new browser profile in an attempt to resolve the Recaptcha not Working in Chrome issue:
- Close Google Chrome completely (ensure that the process is not still opened inside the tray bar).
- Open Windows Explorer (Windows key + E) and navigate to the following location by pasting it inside the navigation bar and pressing Enter:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\
Navigating to the location of the browser profile - Inside the User Data folder, right-click on the Default folder and choose Rename. Then, rename it “Backup Default“. This will force the Chrome browser to create a new Default folder at the next startup, which ends up creating a new browser profile.
Renaming the Default folder - Open Google Chrome to force it to create a new browser profile and navigate to a reCaptcha page to see if the issue has been resolved.
Method 3: Disabling the VPN or Proxy service
As some affected users have pointed out, the reCaptcha functionality might also be hindered by a VPN solution. If you are indeed using a VPN application, disable it temporarily and see if the reCaptcha issue is eliminated.
If the issue no longer occurs while the VPN is disabled and you are paying for a premium service, you’ll need to contact the service provider and ask for directions on how to connect properly.
The same goes if you are using a Proxy service – Start by disabling it and see if the issue is still occurring. If it doesn’t, look for a different provider or contact support.
Method 4: Reset IP address
If you are experiencing this issue with multiple browsers (not just on Google Chrome), one solution that seems to have helped a lot of users is to reset the IP address. Keep in mind that they are large numbers of databases (public or private) that keep track of suspicious IP addresses.
If you are unfortunate enough to have an IP in a suspected range, the reCAPTCHA prompt might present you with additional roadblocks. In this case, forcing your router/modem to assign a new IP address will allow you to circumvent the issue.
Since most ISP nowadays provide dynamic IP addresses, you will most likely reset your IP just by disconnecting your internet connection and reconnect to get a new IP address. Or, you can follow the steps below to reset your IP address manually:
- Press Windows key + R to open up a Run dialog box. Then, type “cmd” and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open up an elevated Command Prompt. If prompted by the UAC (User Account Control), click Yes to grant administrative privileges.
Opening Command Prompt via Run dialog box - In the elevated Command Prompt, type the following commands in order and press Enter after each one to reset your IP address:
netsh winsock reset netsh int ip reset ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew
- Once all commands have been processed successfully, open Google Chrome again and see re-Captcha is functioning properly.
Method 5: Scanning system with Malwarebytes
ReCaptcha problems are also linked with malware like browser hijackers and trojans. The most common cases are infected with files inside the Chrome folder (adware and hijackers).
In this particular case, most affected users have reported that their problems have magically disappeared after they used Malwarebytes to clean the infection. Here’s a quick guide on installing Malwarebytes and running a scan before reinstalling a clean version of Google Chrome:
- First things first, let’s eliminate the malware by running a Malwarebytes scan.
Malwarebytes – Windows 10 - Once the scan is complete and the malware is removed, press Windows key + R to open up a Run dialog box. Then, type “appwiz.cpl” and press Enter to open up Programs and Features.
Type appwiz.cpl and Press Enter to Open Installed Programs List - Inside Programs and Features, scroll through the list and locate Google Chrome. Once you see it, right-click on it and choose Uninstall. Then, follow the on-screen prompts to uninstall Google Chrome completely.
Uninstalling Chrome - Once Google Chrome is uninstalled, restart your computer.
- Visit this link (here) from IE or a different browser and download the latest version of Chrome. Then, open the installation executable and follow the on-screen prompts to reinstall the browser on your computer.
Downloading Latest Chrome - Navigate to a reCaptcha window and see if the feature is now functioning properly.
If none of these methods/workarounds shown above worked for you. First, you can try to change another browser such as Opera, Mozilla Firefox, etc You can try to power-cycle your WiFi router, to receive a new IP address assigned from your router’s DHCP. For Power-cycling your router, simply turn off your router and turn off all the devices connected to that router or turn off WiFi from those devices. Now, wait for about 30 Seconds then plug your router back in, wait for all the lights to check stability, then you can connect to the router. If that doesn’t work for you either, try contacting your ISP and explain your situation to him.
