Why is my IP blocked by Google reCAPTCHA?
If Google keeps showing you “Our systems have detected unusual traffic from your computer network” or endless reCAPTCHA challenges, the cause is almost always your IP address’s reputation, not your device. Here’s why it happens and how to clear it.
What triggers a reCAPTCHA block?
reCAPTCHA scores the traffic coming from your IP. It challenges or blocks you when that address looks automated or untrusted — common triggers include: a VPN or proxy IP shared by many users, a CGNAT address shared across a whole neighbourhood, a previously compromised machine on your network sending bot traffic, or simply a high volume of searches from one address.
Quick fixes to try first
Disable any VPN or proxy and retry — if the challenges stop, a shared VPN IP was the cause. On mobile data, toggling airplane mode often gives you a fresh carrier IP. On home broadband, restarting your router may pull a new dynamic IP if yours is flagged. Clearing cookies and signing into your Google account also raises your trust score.
Is a device on your network the source?
If the problem persists without a VPN, a device on your network may be infected and generating bot traffic, dragging down your shared IP’s reputation. Scan your devices for malware. You can also check whether your IP appears on security blocklists with our Blacklist Check tool — a listing is a strong signal something on your network is misbehaving.
When is it out of your hands?
On CGNAT (common with mobile carriers and ISPs like Jio), you share a public IP with many strangers, so one bad actor can trigger challenges for everyone on that address. You can’t fix a shared IP’s reputation yourself — a VPN with a cleaner IP, or asking your ISP about a dedicated address, are the practical options.
Related: Blacklist Check tool · Change your mobile IP with airplane mode