Spam form submissions are more than just annoying. They clog inboxes, waste time, and can create security risks. That’s why we recommend using Google’s reCAPTCHA on website forms.
With Google’s recent changes to how reCAPTCHA is managed, now is a good time to review what reCAPTCHA is, why it matters, and how to prepare for the upcoming updates.
What Is reCAPTCHA?
reCAPTCHA is a security tool from Google that helps protect websites from spam and abuse. It is most commonly used on contact forms, quote requests, appointment scheduling forms, and other lead generation forms to ensure submissions are coming from real users.
reCAPTCHA analyzes user behavior to determine whether a form submission is coming from a real person or an automated bot. If the activity looks suspicious, it may require additional verification before allowing the form to be submitted.
Recently, Google announced that reCAPTCHA management is transitioning to Google Cloud Platform (GCP). While existing implementations will continue to function for now, new setups and future management will require a GCP account, which introduces changes in how keys are created, managed, and billed.
Why Is reCAPTCHA Used?
Without protection, website forms can be targeted by automated bots that submit:
| Bot Activity | reCAPTCHA Result |
|---|
| Spam messages sent through forms | Blocks automated submissions |
| Phishing attempts | Requires human verification |
| Malicious links | Filters suspicious behavior |
| Fake inquires | Improved lead quality |
reCAPTCHA helps prevent these automated submissions by requiring users to verify they are human before submitting a form.
How We Use reCAPTCHA
We implement reCAPTCHA on form submissions, such as:
- Contact Us forms
- Quote request forms
- Appointment scheduling forms
- Any custom lead generation forms
For most websites, we use reCAPTCHA v2, which adds a required checkbox next to the form. Users must verify they are human before submitting.
This method is simple for users and highly effective at reducing spam. As Coty Drake, Associate Web Application Developer at LRS Web Solutions, explains, “Automated bots are constantly scanning websites looking for unprotected forms. Adding reCAPTCHA helps block suspicious submissions before they ever reach your inbox.”
Automated bots are constantly scanning websites looking for unprotected forms. Adding reCAPTCHA helps block suspicious submissions before they ever reach your inbox.
Coty Drake, Associate Web Application Developer
reCAPTCHA Is Moving to Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
Google has announced changes to how reCAPTCHA is managed. While existing implementations will continue to function for now, reCAPTCHA management is transitioning to Google Cloud Platform (GCP) accounts.
What is Google Cloud Platform
Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is Google's suite of cloud-based services used to host applications, store data, run infrastructure, and manage online tools. Instead of running software on physical servers, organizations use cloud platforms like GCP to manage services through Google's global network of data centers.
As reCAPTCHA moves into the Google Cloud ecosystem, the creation and management of reCAPTCHA keys will now take place inside a GCP account.
What This Means
- Your reCAPTCHA keys will need to be owned and managed within a Google Cloud Platform account controlled by your organization.
- Without migration, future updates from Google could impact functionality or security.
Why Google Is Making This Change
Google is consolidating reCAPTCHA under its cloud services to provide:
- Enhanced security
- Better integration with other Google tools
- Improved management and reporting
We recommend completing this migration as soon as possible to avoid potential disruptions.
What's the Difference Between reCAPTCHA v2 vs v3?
Google currently offers two common versions of reCAPTCHA used on websites: reCAPTCHA v2 and reCAPTCHA v3. While both help prevent spam and bot submissions, they work in different ways.
| Feature | reCAPTCHA v2 | reCAPTCHA v3 | Best For |
|---|
| User Interaction | Requires users to check the "I'm not a robot" box. | No user interaction required | Sites that want visible verification vs frictionless forms |
| Verification Method | Checkbox challenge and behavioral analysis | Background behavioral analysis with risk scoring | Basic protection vs advanced automated filtering |
| User Experience | Visible verification step | Invisible to users | Simpler websites vs high traffic sites |
| Security Approach | Challenge-response | Risk score based on user behavior | Sites that want explicit human verification vs behavioral detection |
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For many business websites with standard contact or quote forms, reCAPTCHA v2 provides a simple and effective layer of protection. Websites that prioritize a seamless user experience or handle higher volumes of traffic may prefer reCAPTCHA v3.
reCAPTCHA v2 is still widely used and is very effective for most websites. Both versions are effective at preventing automated spam. The right choice often depends on your website’s traffic, security needs, and how much user interaction you want during the form submission process.
Not sure which one is best for your site? We can help.
How to Set Up reCAPTCHA (v2)
If you need to create new reCAPTCHA keys, follow the steps below:
- Go to https://developers.google.com/recaptcha/intro
- Click the “Get Started” button.
- Fill out the registration form.
- In the Label field, create an easily remembered name (your business name is typically best).
- Select the reCAPTCHA type: reCAPTCHA v2.
- Add your domain name (without http:// or www). For example: yourdomain.com
- Click Submit.
- Copy both the Site Key and the Secret Key.
- Email both keys to your project manager so they can be properly configured on your website.
These keys allow your website to securely communicate with Google’s reCAPTCHA service.
How to Set Up reCAPTCHA (v3)
- Go to https://developers.google.com/recaptcha/intro
- Click the “Get Started” button.
- Fill out the registration form.
- In the Label field, create an easily remembered name (your business name is typically best).
- Select the reCAPTCHA type: reCAPTCHA v3.
- Add your domain name (without http:// or www). For example: yourdomain.com
- Accept the terms and click Submit.
- Copy both the Site Key and the Secret Key.
- Email both keys to your project manager so they can be properly configured on your website.
Unlike v2, reCAPTCHA v3 assigns a risk score to each interaction based on user behavior. Your website can then decide how to respond, for example, allowing the submission, requiring additional verification, or blocking suspicious activity.
Developers typically configure score thresholds (such as 0.5) to determine when traffic may be suspicious.
Need Help with Migration or Setup?
Security updates can feel technical, but they are important. If you need assistance creating your keys, migrating to Google Cloud Platform, or confirming your forms are properly protected, our team is here to help.
You can submit a support request through our customer support or email our team directly at websupport@lrs.com.
A small update now can prevent bigger headaches later.