How do I block spam entries with invisible reCAPTCHA?

Invisible reCAPTCHA blocks bot entries without a puzzle. It's on by default, works on every plan, and is set under Dashboard → Edit → 6. Invisible reCAPTCHA.

How invisible reCAPTCHA works in KingSumo

When someone enters with their email, Google's reCAPTCHA checks the entry in the background. Entries it rates as likely automated are refused. Real entrants never see a challenge.

  • Nothing to set up in Google. There are no keys, sensitivity levels or other settings to configure — KingSumo manages reCAPTCHA for you.
  • It's per giveaway. You turn it on or off for each giveaway separately.
  • Entrants see a short note under the entry form: "This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply."
  • Entries made with Enter with Google skip the reCAPTCHA check.

How to turn reCAPTCHA on or off

  1. Open your list of giveaways from Dashboard.
  2. Next to the giveaway, open the dropdown and click Edit.
  3. Scroll to section 6. Invisible reCAPTCHA.
  4. Tick or untick Enable invisible reCAPTCHA.
  5. Click Save.

Other spam protection that is always on

  • The same network (IP address) can't enter the same giveaway again within one minute.
  • A network that has entered 25 or more KingSumo giveaways in the past month can't enter.

To remove spam entrants who got through, see How can I stop spammers from entering my giveaways?

Troubleshooting

An entrant sees "Sorry, we were unable to process your entry" (Error code GE-1 or GE-2)

The entrant's browser couldn't reach Google's reCAPTCHA, often because of an ad blocker, a privacy extension or a network filter. Ask them to refresh the page, allow the giveaway page in their blocker, or try another browser. This can happen even when reCAPTCHA is turned off for the giveaway.

An entrant sees "Sorry, there was an error processing your entry" (Error code GE-3)

reCAPTCHA rated the entry as likely automated. A real person can try again later, or from another device or network. If many genuine entrants report it, you can turn reCAPTCHA off for that giveaway.

An entrant sees "Sorry, there was an error processing your entry" (Error code GE-4)

Too many entries came from the same network, for example a shared office or school connection. The entrant can wait a minute and try again, or use another network.

Spam entries still get through

reCAPTCHA reduces automated entries but can't stop all of them. You can remove suspicious entrants from your giveaway yourself. If an entrant says they entered but can't find their entry, see Why are some entrants not being registered by KingSumo?

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Google reCAPTCHA account or keys?

No. KingSumo manages reCAPTCHA; you only tick the checkbox.

Is reCAPTCHA available on the Free plan?

Yes. It's available on every plan.

Will my entrants have to solve a puzzle?

No. The check is invisible and runs in the background.

Can I change how strict reCAPTCHA is?

No. There's one setting: on or off.