Google reCAPTCHA Is Moving to Google Cloud – What You Need to Know

Google is phasing out reCAPTCHA Classic and moving all users to reCAPTCHA Enterprise under the Google Cloud platform by the end of 2025.

Why the Change?

Google is making this update to strengthen online security as internet threats evolve. The familiar checkbox or image puzzle asking, “Are you a robot?” is part of Google’s reCAPTCHA system designed to keep spam and fraud off the web.

The new version uses smarter algorithms to analyze interactions and detect modern threats—often allowing legitimate users to pass without completing those “select all crosswalks” challenges.

Google is consolidating all reCAPTCHA services within its Cloud platform for better management, faster updates, and more consistent, high-quality protection. The goal is a smoother user experience with stronger, behind-the-scenes security and fewer interruptions.

How Does This Affect My Website and Business?

If your website currently uses reCAPTCHA, you may start seeing prompts to “migrate your key.” This process requires creating a Google Cloud account, adding billing information, and accepting new terms of service.

While Google promises that the first 10,000 assessments per month will remain free, additional usage will incur charges. An assessment is a single verification event—each time reCAPTCHA checks whether a user is human or a bot (for example, a contact form submission, checkout process, or login attempt).

By the end of 2025, Google will automatically migrate all remaining Classic reCAPTCHA keys to the Google Cloud platform. You don’t need to update your site code—your existing v2 or v3 keys will continue to work after migration, even if you don’t immediately accept the new project invitation. The main point: reCAPTCHA will no longer be fully free once it moves to Google Cloud.

How CPS Can Help

At Creative Programs and Systems (CPS), we’ve already seen some client keys automatically ported to our internal Google Cloud project—but paying for every client’s CAPTCHA usage isn’t sustainable. The best long-term solution is for each client to have their own Google Cloud account (with billing set up) or to switch to an alternative.

We’re currently testing hCaptcha, a privacy-focused, free alternative that supports up to 100,000 requests per month. It’s already live on several CPS-managed sites and performing well.

If your website still uses the Classic version of Google reCAPTCHA, now is the time to start planning for migration or exploring replacement options. CPS can help assess your current CAPTCHA setup, guide you through the migration process, or install a more cost-effective alternative.

Still Not Sure? Consult the Computer Experts!

At CPS, your online safety is our top priority. We’ll review and discuss the best solutions for your website’s CAPTCHA to block bots, spam, and online abuse. Our team stays up to date with the latest digital advances to ensure our clients are protected by the most effective security measures available.

Contact us to review your current setup to limit bots and spam, and further protect your business from online threats. We’ll recommend the most efficient, secure, and budget-friendly solution.

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Founded in 1994, Creative Programs and Systems delivers professional results for all your computer needs. We design, create, and code various custom software programs and websites. Additionally, we offer superior digital marketing services, including enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and paid advertising. We also repair and support commercial computer infrastructure, build custom systems and servers, and provide secure data backups. Need assistance or want to learn more? Call (810)224-5252 or email info@cpsmi.com us!

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.