The “unusual traffic from your computer network” Google error is frustrating and confusing, especially when you’re just browsing normally. There are several reasons you would see the error message, along with a few fixes to prevent or at least reduce how often you see it.
Unusual Traffic Google Error: A Virus or Something Simple
You’re minding your own business, searching for stuff, and bam, you get something like this:
“Our systems have detected unusual traffic from your computer network. This page checks to see if it’s really you sending the requests, and not a robot.”
It’s easy to panic seeing this error. Your first thought is probably along the lines of “I have a virus.” That was my first thought when I saw it.
While it could be a virus, Google (no matter which browser you’re using) gives you this error whenever the search giant suspects automated traffic. According to Google, using bots, web scrapers, computer programs, and automated services to search can get you blocked. The same is true if you use automated programs to check website ranks.
If you’re like me and not using any of those things, you’re probably even more perplexed why you’re getting the “unusual traffic from your computer network” error. While the above is Google’s official reason for giving the error, there are a few other reasons:
- Too many searches in a short period (the period isn’t specified)
- Using a public computer (when all computers are in use, there are numerous searches happening in a short period)
- Using a VPN (Google may limit VPN searches more than standard searches)
- Malware infection
- Using search operators too often
While you’re getting this error, you can’t perform any more Google searches until you successfully solve a reCAPTCHA. Sometimes this works, and sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes you won’t see a reCAPTCHA at all.
If you don’t see one, or it doesn’t work, there’s still hope. Or, if you’re seeing this error often, there are still things you can do beyond solving endless reCAPTCHAs, which, let’s agree, everyone hates.
Scan for Malware
The first step is to scan your system for malicious software, like malware. If you’re not searching Google that much or using any automated search tools, malware is a real possibility. Free antivirus tools, like Windows Defender (included with Windows), usually work well for performing a deep scan. Tools like Malwarebytes focus more on malware and ransomware. While free tools may not always offer real-time protection, they can help you remove any malware currently causing you issues.
Update Browser, VPN, and Operating System
Sometimes, Google sees outdated software as a sign a bot is searching versus a human. Take a minute to update your browser, virtual private network (if you’re using one), and your operating system. Plus, it’s safer to keep things updated anyway. This helps to prevent malware that could result in the “unusual traffic from your computer network.”
Clear Cookies and Browsing History
Though it doesn’t always work, clearing your browsing history and cookies may eliminate the unusual traffic Google error. For Chrome and most Chromium-based browsers like Brave and Edge, open the browser, press Ctrl + Shift + Del, and check what you want to clear. Press Clear Data, and restart your browser.
For other browsers, open the browser’s settings, and search for privacy, security, or history.
Reset Your Router/Modem
The “unusual traffic from your computer network” could be a simple misunderstanding between Google and your router or router/modem combo. Simply resetting the router refreshes the connection.
Turn your router off, wait 30 seconds to a few minutes, and turn it back on. Some routers also have a reset button, though not all. Resetting your router is also a great troubleshooting step if you’re having general network issues. Alternatively, use these tips to optimize your network connection.
Take a Break
It may sound just as annoying as the error itself, but if you’ve turned into a Google power user suddenly, taking a break may be the only way to stop Google from seeing you as a bot. Usually, 10 to 15 minutes is all you need.
For instance, as a writer, I’m constantly doing research. I used to see the error every few months. Then, Google decided to crack down even more on automated searches. During one particular project, I was performing several searches a minute. No amount of reCAPTCHAs solved the issue. I just had to slow down my searches.
Actually, I ended up using Brave while Google calmed down. It’s important to note that even if you use alternative search engines, some of them still pull results from Google. So if you’re being blocked from searching Google, you may still get an error.
Turn Off Your VPN
Not all VPNs are created equally. In fact, some of them are worse than using no VPN at all. Naturally, Google doesn’t like any of them, as it makes it difficult for Google to track you. Some VPNs, though, are incredibly unsafe. These are blocked by Google.
If you’ve started using a new VPN, especially a free one, and see the “unusual traffic from your computer network” Google error, turn off the VPN, and try searching again. If everything works well, it’s the VPN connection that’s the problem.
Log in to Google
Though usually this isn’t the cause, I have personally had luck if I log in to my Google account, then search. Numerous searches while logged out can trigger Google into thinking you’re a bot and not a human user. This has helped me on occasion. While you’re never truly anonymous with Google, there are ways to better protect your privacy.
Also, try using a different device if possible. It doesn’t always work, but if your phone is using mobile data, traffic appears from a different network than your computer.
Contact Your ISP
As a final resort, contact your Internet service provider. It’s possible someone on the network is using automated tools, causing Google to block searches for everyone in the immediate area. Your ISP can investigate traffic usage and take action if needed.
Patience is sadly the best solution. As strange as it sounds, Google, the number one search engine, actually prefers you to search less often. If Google doesn’t want to play nice, try other search engines that work just as well and offer better privacy, including Brave’s own search engine.
Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Crystal Crowder.
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