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How to Use reCAPTCHA in WordPress

What is reCAPTCHA?

reCAPTCHA is a free service provided by Google that is used to prevent bots and spam on websites. It is an effective way to verify whether a visitor is a human or an automated bot. This is typically done by having the visitor complete a simple task, such as selecting images that match a certain criteria.

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How to Use reCAPTCHA in WordPress:

To use reCAPTCHA on a WordPress website, you can follow these steps:

  1. Create a Google reCAPTCHA Account: Visit the Google reCAPTCHA website and sign in with your Google account. Click on "Admin Console" and then "Add a site." Fill in the required information, including your website's domain name.

  2. Choose the reCAPTCHA Type: You can choose between "reCAPTCHA v2" (I'm not a robot checkbox) and "reCAPTCHA v3" (invisible reCAPTCHA). For most contact forms, reCAPTCHA v2 is sufficient.

  3. Generate the reCAPTCHA Keys: After selecting the type, Google reCAPTCHA will provide you with a site key and a secret key. Keep these keys handy as you will need them to configure the plugin.

  4. Install and Activate a reCAPTCHA Plugin for WordPress: There are several plugins available in the WordPress Plugin Directory that offer reCAPTCHA integration. A popular option is "reCAPTCHA by BestWebSoft." Go to your WordPress dashboard, click on "Plugins," and then "Add New." Search for the reCAPTCHA plugin you've chosen and install it. Activate the plugin after installation.

  5. Configure the reCAPTCHA Plugin: Go to the settings of the installed plugin and enter the site key and secret key you generated in step 3. Save the changes.

  6. Add reCAPTCHA to Your Contact Form: Depending on the plugin you've chosen, you can add reCAPTCHA to your contact form by inserting a shortcode or adjusting the plugin settings. Refer to the documentation of the specific plugin for detailed instructions.

  7. Test Your Contact Form: Visit your website and test your contact form to ensure that reCAPTCHA is working correctly and blocking bots.

By implementing reCAPTCHA on their WordPress website, your clients can effectively secure their contact forms against spam and unwanted submissions. It protects their website from abuse by automated bots and enhances the overall security and reliability of their online forms.