If you use Google's search engine to browse the internet, you might have come across the error message stating, "Our system has detected unusual traffic from your computer network."
Have you ever tried to know the meaning of the "Unusual Traffic" error on Google and how to address it? When this error occurs, you're prompted to complete a
captcha verification
.
This error may arise when you enter a search query into Google's search bar and initiate the search. When you come across the error screen, you are asked to complete a CAPTCHA (Completely Automated Public Turing test to distinguish between computers and humans).
What causes the appearance of the 'Unusual traffic from your computer network' message?
Typically, this error screen is displayed when Google identifies automated traffic. If you use any form of bot or script to generate automated traffic directed at Google, you will encounter this screen.
Google identifies automated traffic when you engage in the following actions:
- Submitting searches via robots, software, automated services, or search scrapers.
- Employing programs that submit searches to Google in order to assess a website or web page's ranking on the search engine.
Therefore, if you engage in these activities, you may encounter this issue. However, apart from Google's evaluation, various other factors can also prompt the 'Unusual traffic from your computer network' error. Here are some of them:
- Your search activity is too rapid.
- Using browser extensions from third-party sources.
- Conducting Google searches on a shared network.
- Using VPN or proxy services.
- Your computer is infected with malware.
How to Fix Google Image Captcha Issue?
If you use any software or bot that generates automated traffic directed at Google, ceasing its use can resolve the issue. Consider using the methods listed below if you continue to encounter the 'unusual traffic from your computer network' error.
Resolve the CAPTCHA
When Google detects automated traffic, it displays the 'Unusual traffic' error. Alongside the error message, you'll encounter an option prompting you to confirm that you're not a robot. Simply tap on 'I'm not a robot' to dismiss the error. If the option is not visible, you may be required to solve an image captcha. Successfully pass the captcha test to resolve the 'Unusual traffic' error.
Reduce the speed of your search
Searching too rapidly on Google may trigger the appearance of the 'Unusual traffic from your computer network' screen, as it resembles automated traffic. To avoid this error, it's recommended to slow down your searching pace. Restarting the web browser and conducting searches at a more moderate speed can help prevent being flagged as automated traffic by Google.
Turn off VPN/Proxy services
VPN or Proxy Services can trigger an 'Unusual Traffic' error on Google Search due to flagged IP addresses. VPNs reroute traffic through encrypted servers, potentially causing Google to misinterpret your connection as automated. To resolve Google's persistent Image Captcha requests, disable your VPN or Proxy services.
Clear the DNS cache
Although the DNS cache is not directly related to the Google search error, clearing it has proven effective for many users experiencing the same issue. To flush the DNS cache on a PC, follow these simple steps:
- Search for 'Command Prompt' in Windows and right-click to select 'Run as administrator'.
- In the Command Prompt window, enter: ipconfig/release
- Then, enter: ipconfig/renew
Delete the browsing history
If you're constantly prompted to fill in text or image captchas during searches, clearing your browsing history may help. Google relies on cookies to detect bots and automated software, so clearing your browsing history and cookies could resolve the issue.
Below are the steps to clear browsing history:
- Open Google Chrome and click the three dots at the top-right corner.
- From the dropdown menu, go to More Tools > Clear Browsing Data.
- Switch to the Advanced tab and select 'All time' for the time range.
- Check the boxes for Browsing History, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files. Then, click Clear Data.
Perform an antivirus scan
Run a full scan with Windows Security to remove hidden malware that could be causing the 'Unusual traffic from your computer network' error in the search engine.
Change to another web browser
If your IP Address is the problem, you'll have to solve the Image CAPTCHA regardless of your browser. But if browser settings are causing the issue, switching browsers might help.
Many users have fixed the 'Google keeps asking to fill image CAPTCHA' problem by switching browsers. If other methods haven't worked, give this a try. Or, wait for Google to address the issue.
Constantly dealing with Google's image CAPTCHA requests can be frustrating, especially if you rely heavily on the search engine. Usually, a restart, router reset, or the methods mentioned will fix it. If you need more help with the 'Unusual Traffic' error, let us know in the comments.
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