Your computer or network may be sending automated queries

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How to Fix: Your computer or network may be sending automated queries

Your computer or network may be sending automated queries

Sometimes when you try to search on Google or use a website you see a message that says, "We're sorry, but your computer or network may be sending automated queries." This message can be scary. It means Google thinks something on your phone, tablet, or home network might be a bot or tool that sends many searches quickly. In 2025, more people see this because of new privacy tools, shared networks, VPNs, and more smart programs that talk to websites. This simple guide will help you fix the problem step by step.

Quick answer

This message means Google saw unusual traffic from your IP address. Start by solving any CAPTCHA on the page. If that does not help, check VPNs, browser add-ons, malware, or a device on your network that is making many requests. Fixing these usually clears the block.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Solve the CAPTCHA first: Complete it to prove you are human. If it does not appear, move to the next steps.
  2. Restart your router and modem: Rebooting may give you a new IP address.
  3. Turn off VPNs, proxies, or private relays: These can trigger false positives.
  4. Disable browser extensions and add-ons: Some cause background requests.
  5. Scan for malware and adware: Use trusted tools like Microsoft Defender or Malwarebytes.
  6. Clear cookies and browser data: Old cookies can interfere with reCAPTCHA.
  7. Try another browser or device: Helps isolate the cause.
  8. Check for background tools or scripts: Stop any automation tools.
  9. Ask your ISP or network admin for help: They can check for IP issues.
  10. Use proper APIs if you’re a developer: Avoid scraping; use Google APIs.

Troubleshooting and extra tips

  • Turn off iCloud Private Relay on Apple devices.
  • Check router devices and remove unknown ones.
  • Use safe, trusted anti-malware tools only.
  • Avoid scraping Google search pages directly.
  • Keep software and browsers updated.
  • Ensure JavaScript is enabled for CAPTCHA to load properly.

Extra how-to steps (quick copy commands)

Run a quick malware scan (Windows):

  1. Open Windows Security.
  2. Go to “Virus & threat protection”.
  3. Click “Quick scan” or “Full scan”.
  4. Follow the prompts and remove threats.

Clear Chrome cookies and cache quickly:

  1. Open Chrome.
  2. Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Cmd+Shift+Delete on Mac).
  3. Select “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files”.
  4. Click “Clear data”.

Disable extensions in Chrome:

  1. Type chrome://extensions in the address bar.
  2. Toggle off suspicious extensions.
  3. Restart Chrome.

Check router device list:

  1. Log into your router (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
  2. Look for “Connected devices” or “Device list”.
  3. Remove unknown devices or block them.
  4. Change Wi-Fi password if needed.

Why this happens more in 2025

In 2025, privacy tools and shared IP services make this message more common. VPNs, private relays, and background automation tools trigger Google’s protective checks. The goal is to keep harmful bots off the web.

Quick checklist

  • Solve CAPTCHA
  • Turn off VPN/private relay
  • Restart router
  • Disable extensions
  • Run malware scan
  • Try another device
  • Contact ISP if needed

Final tip

If you fix the problem but see it again later, keep a log of what you did before the error. It may reveal a recurring cause.

When to contact Google or support

If you think the block is a mistake and you followed the steps above, contact the website owner or Google support. Developers can refer to Google’s reCAPTCHA documentation for further details.

Useful Sources

Who this helps

This guide helps people who see the automated queries message when using Google or other websites. It suits home users, students, remote workers, and small office admins.

FAQ

Will Google block me forever?
No, almost all blocks are temporary. Fix the cause and solve the CAPTCHA.
Can my phone cause this for the whole home network?
Yes, one infected device can cause this.
Does a VPN always cause this problem?
Not always, but shared VPN IPs can look suspicious.
I run scripts that search Google. What should I do?
Use Google’s official APIs with proper rate limits.
How long does it take to fix?
Usually minutes to a few hours.

Conclusion

The "automated queries" message is Google’s way to protect users from bots. Start with CAPTCHA, then check VPNs, extensions, and malware. Restart your router or try another device. Developers should use APIs. With these steps, most people fix it quickly.

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