EasyWay to Bypass reCAPTCHA While Scraping in 2024

What are reCAPTCHAs?

reCAPTCHAs are a type of challenge-response test used to determine whether the user is a human or an automated bot. Developed by Google, they are designed to prevent automated software from performing actions on websites that would otherwise be susceptible to abuse, such as automated scraping, spamming, or brute-force attacks.

How Does CAPTCHA Block You While Web Scraping

CAPTCHAs, especially reCAPTCHAs, detect and block automated scraping by requiring users to complete a challenge that is easy for humans but difficult for bots. This includes recognizing images, solving puzzles, or interacting with certain elements. These challenges are often triggered by suspicious behavior, such as rapid, repeated requests from the same IP address or unusual browser fingerprinting data.

How to Bypass CAPTCHA While Web Scraping

Bypassing CAPTCHAs while scraping can be challenging but possible using the following methods:

Rotate IPs

Rotating IPs can help avoid triggering CAPTCHAs by simulating requests from different users. This method reduces the chances of being flagged as a bot by distributing requests across multiple IP addresses.

Use a CAPTCHA Resolver

Using a CAPTCHA resolver service like NextCaptcha can automate solving CAPTCHA challenges. These services typically provide an API that integrates with your scraping tool, allowing you to bypass reCAPTCHA v2, reCAPTCHA v3, and other CAPTCHA variants in real time.

When a CAPTCHA-solving service receives a request to solve a CAPTCHA, it transfers it to an AI worker who solves the puzzle and sends its solution to the solver service. The service then returns the CAPTCHA answer to a scraper, which uses it to solve the CAPTCHA challenge on a target web page.

While that appears to be an easy fix and it's cheaper and faster, it works with some reCAPTCHA types.

Here is a Python script demonstrating this process:

import requests
# Your NextCaptcha API key
api_key = 'YOUR_NEXTCAPTCHA_API_KEY'
site_key = '6LcAbwIqAAAAAJvVAhSSJ8qzYsujc7kn1knmSgQX'
page_url = 'https://nextcaptcha.com/'
# Step 1: Send a request to NextCaptcha to solve the reCAPTCHA
captcha_request_url = 'https://api.nextcaptcha.com/createTask'
payload = {
    'clientKey': api_key,
    'task': {
        'type': 'RecaptchaV3TaskProxyless',
        'websiteURL': page_url,
        'websiteKey': site_key,
        'pageAction': 'submit'
    }
}
response = requests.post(captcha_request_url, data=payload)
if response.status_code != 200:
    print('Failed to send request to NextCaptcha')
    exit()
response_data = response.json()
captcha_id = response_data.get('taskId')

# Step 2: Retrieve the solved token from NextCaptcha
retrieve_url = 'https://api.nextcaptcha.com/getTaskResult'
params = {
    'clientKey': api_key,
    'taskId': captcha_id
}
solution = None
while solution is None:
    time.sleep(1) # Wait a few seconds before checking again
    response = requests.post('https://api.nextcaptcha.com/getTaskResult', data={
        "clientKey": "api key",
        "taskId": request_id
    })
    if response.json().get('errorId') == 0:
        solution = response.json().get('solution')
# The reCAPTCHA token
recaptcha_token = solution["gRecaptchaResponse"]
print(f'Successfully retrieved token: {recaptcha_token}')
# Step 3: Use the token in the verify API endpoint
verify_url = 'https://next.nextcaptcha.com/api/captcha-demo/recaptcha_enterprise/verify'
verify_payload = {
    'siteKey': site_key,
    'gRecaptchaResponse': token,
    'action': 'submit'
}
verify_response = requests.post(verify_url, json=verify_payload)
if verify_response.status_code == 200:
    print('Verification response:', verify_response.json())
else:
    print('Failed to verify token')
    

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. The use of CAPTCHA bypassing techniques, including the use of CAPTCHA resolver services, may violate the terms of service of websites and could potentially result in legal consequences. We do not endorse or encourage the illegal or unethical use of web scraping methods to circumvent security measures like reCAPTCHA. Before implementing any of the techniques discussed, it is important to consult legal counsel to ensure compliance with applicable laws and website policies. Use these techniques responsibly and within the bounds of the law.