Fixing “Our system has detected unusual traffic” Google Alert

When using Google search and an alert appears about “Our system has detected unusual traffic from your computer network,” it could mean that the network (IP or ISP) you are using seems to be sending automated traffic to Google. Sometimes, this would happen if a web user ran a series of online searches on Google. There is actually nothing to worry about, especially if you see the box “I am not a robot.” This is a simple “reCaptcha” to check that the person who is using Google search is not from an automated traffic. The full message states the following:

Our system have detected unusual traffic from your computer network. This page checks if the requests are really sent by you and not by a robot.

“Our system have detected unusual traffic” Malware Copycat

Please be aware that malware sometimes mimics legitimate warnings to mislead users, and “Our system has detected unusual traffic” can be one of those alerts that will pop up on the computer prompting the download of promoted applications. In this case, if the installation of third-party software is required, better opt-out of the offer and immediately close the internet program. Another method is to check the presence of adware on Safari or remove adware from the Google Chrome internet browser.

Other times, scammers, such as those pretending to be technical support specialists, are also exploiting the “Our system has detected unusual traffic” warnings to draw users into subscribing to the online services being offered by these scammers.

What to do when this message appears

As stated and also verified by Google, the message “Our system has detected unusual traffic” will appear when Google senses that the search inquiry appears to be from automated traffic. The usual way to pass by this warning is to solve the reCaptcha to let Google know that you are human. After solving the reCaptcha, the “Our system has detected unusual traffic” will go away, and you can continue using Google services again.

Screenshot image of Unusual Traffic Alert

What if you are stuck in the reCaptcha loop? Here is a workaround

There are instances where web users are stuck on the “Our system has detected unusual traffic” page and are not able to pass the reCaptcha verification. This could mean different things, like a bug in the browser, the server itself, or issues in the network. In this case, you need to follow the guide below in order to stop seeing the “Our system has detected unusual traffic” message. These are simple workarounds without having to go through a complex solution.

Disable VPN Software

One reason could be the use of a program relevant to Virtual Private Network (VPN). If there is a browser plug-in or software that reroutes your connection to VPN, please try to uninstall VPN software first. Then, restart the device and see if that resolves the issue.

Restart your Wi-Fi Modem

If you are accessing the internet on a Wi-Fi network, please try turning off the modem for a while. Then, turn it on, connect to it, and see if the issue is gone. This method may reset your connection to the ISP and move you away from the problematic network. If this didn’t solve the issue and Google still shows the “Our system has detected unusual traffic” alert, please proceed to the procedures below.

Disable Mobile Data

If you are seeing an “Our system has detected unusual traffic” alert on a mobile device, please try to activate Airplane Mode for a while or disconnect your mobile data connection. After a few minutes, connect to the internet and see if this has resolved the issue.

Complete Procedures to Solve “Our system has detected unusual traffic,” Google Alert

These are comprehensive steps to solve the issues on Google involving various browser applications and devices. Please make sure to follow the guide in exact order.

Some steps in this procedure may log you out of websites and services like Google, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Pinterest, and so on. Be sure that you know your username and password to log in again.

Solution for Google Chrome for PC and Mac

1. Open Google Chrome browser
2. Logout from your Google account.

Image of Google Account Logout
3. In the address bar, please type : chrome://settings/clearBrowserData
4. In the Clear browsing data window, go to Advanced tab and please make sure to select the following:

  • Browsing history
  • Download history
  • Cookies and other site data
  • Cached images and files

5. Click on Clear Data button and close Google Chrome.

Image of Clearing Data on Google Chrome

6. Please restart your computer.

Solution for Safari on Mac

1. Open Safari browser on your Mac device.
2. Go to Google.com and sign out of your account.
3. On top menu, click on Safari > Clear History.

Image to Clear History on Safari
4. If it prompts for a time frame, please select All History.
5. Then, click Clear History button and close the current window.
6. Again, click on Safari Menu and now, go to Preferences.

Image of removing website data
7. Click on Privacy tab and then select Manage Website Data button.
8. It will show list of websites , click on Remove All.
9. Please close Safari browser and restart your Mac.
10. Open Safari browser and sign in to your Google account if necessary.

Solution for Safari on iPhone or iPad

1. Open your Safari browser and go to Google.com
2. Please sign-out your Google account and close Safari browser.
3. Go to device Settings and select Safari.
4. Under Settings list, please choose Safari.
5. Tap on Clear History and Website Data. Please confirm your actions.
6. Please restart the iPhone or iPad device.

Solution for Google Chrome on iPhone and iPad

1. Open Google Chrome Browser.
2. Please sign-out from your account.
3. Tap the Google Chrome menu or Ellipsis (3 dots) icon.
4. From the lists, tap on Settings.
5. Scroll down and select Privacy.
6. On Privacy window, tap on Clear Browsing Data and select the following:

  • Browsing History
  • Cookies, Site Data
  • Cached Images and Files

7. Tap on Clear Browsing Data to proceed.
8. Please restart your iOS device.

Solution for Google Chrome on Android Phones and Gadgets

1. Open Google Chrome browser and make sure that you are signed out of your Google account.
2. Tap on Menu or Ellipsis (3 dots) on top right corner of the browser.
3. Select Settings from the drop-down list.
4. Please select Privacy.
5. Tap on Clear browsing data and go to Advanced tab.
6. Please make sure to select the following:

  • Browsing history
  • Cookies and other site data
  • Cached images and files

7. Tap on Clear Data to proceed.
8. Please restart your Android device.

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