Google reCAPTCHA Migration Explained: What This Update Means for Your Website
TL;DR:
Google is moving all reCAPTCHA keys into Google Cloud projects.
Your website will keep working even if you do nothing.
You can choose to manually migrate now or let Google do it automatically after 45 days.
Most small websites will not see new charges.
No code changes are required.
Why You May Have Gotten a Google reCAPTCHA Email
If your website uses reCAPTCHA on a contact form, login page, or checkout flow, Google is making a structural update behind the scenes.
ReCAPTCHA is being moved into Google Cloud, where Google now manages most of its security tools.
- This does not mean your site is broken.
- It does not mean reCAPTCHA is being shut off.
- It does not mean you need to rush to make changes.
Google is simply letting you know that your existing reCAPTCHA keys are now eligible to be associated with a Google Cloud project.
Google outlines the full change here.
What the Google reCAPTCHA Migration Actually Means
Before this update, reCAPTCHA keys lived on their own inside Google’s older system.
Now, Google is grouping them into Google Cloud projects. This gives Google better visibility, security controls, and long-term support.
From a website owner’s perspective, almost nothing changes.
- Your forms still submit.
- Spam protection still works.
- Visitors see the same experience.
This migration is about how Google manages reCAPTCHA internally, not how your website functions day to day.
The Two Choices Google Gives Website Owners
Google outlines two paths forward in the email. Both are safe and keep your site running.
Option 1: Manually Migrate Your reCAPTCHA Keys
You can manually associate your reCAPTCHA keys with a Google Cloud project using Google’s migration tool.
Doing this gives you access to additional visibility inside the Google Cloud console, including:
- A dashboard showing reCAPTCHA activity
- Basic monitoring and reporting
- Security logging
- User access controls
This option makes sense if you manage multiple websites, work with a developer, or already use Google Cloud for other services.
Even if you choose this option, no changes are required on your website itself.
Option 2: Take No Action and Let Google Handle It
If you do nothing, Google will automatically associate your reCAPTCHA keys with a Cloud project after 45 days. You will receive a confirmation email from Google once the process is complete.
Your website will continue working normally the entire time, and for most small business websites, this is the simplest and safest option.
Google confirms that no code changes are required, and existing integrations will continue to work.
Do You Actually Need to Do Anything?
For most non-technical website owners, the honest answer is no.
- You do not need to update plugins.
- You do not need to edit forms.
- You do not need to contact your developer.
If your website uses reCAPTCHA in a typical way, such as a contact form or basic login protection, letting Google handle the automatic association is perfectly fine.
Manual migration is optional, not mandatory.
What About Pricing and Billing?
This is usually the biggest concern when people see the words “Google Cloud.”
Google included your average reCAPTCHA usage in the email to provide context.
The average was 23 assessments per month. (Very low.)
Google offers a pricing calculator to estimate potential charges, where they also explain billing in detail.
For most small business websites:
- Usage stays within free thresholds
- No invoice is generated
- No payment method is required
Billing is usually relevant only for high-traffic sites, ecommerce platforms, or applications experiencing heavy bot activity.
Explore the full breakdown of recent ReCaptcha changes and pricing models here.
Will Ignoring the Email Cause Problems?
No. Google is clear on this point.
- Your existing reCAPTCHA keys remain valid.
- Legacy verification APIs will continue working.
- Your site will not suddenly stop blocking spam.
This migration happens behind the scenes, without disrupting your website.
The “Create Assessment API” Mentioned in the Email
Google mentions a newer API that provides access to advanced features.
This is optional, as most websites do not need it.
This recommendation is aimed at larger platforms, custom applications, and enterprise environments that require deeper security analysis.
If your site runs on WordPress, Webflow, Squarespace, or a standard form plugin, you can safely ignore this portion of the message.
Who Might Want to Migrate Manually?
Manual migration may be worth considering if:
- You manage multiple sites under one account
- You want visibility into reCAPTCHA activity
- You already use Google Cloud services
- You work closely with a developer
Manual migration does not, on its own, improve spam protection. It simply adds management and reporting tools.
Who Can Safely Do Nothing?
You can confidently wait if:
- You own a small business website
- ReCAPTCHA is only used on a contact form
- Your site has low or moderate traffic
- You are not managing Google Cloud services
Google will complete the association automatically and notify you when it’s done.
Why Google Is Making This Change
Google is consolidating its security products under Google Cloud to improve long-term support, monitoring, and control.
As explained in more detail here. This is a modernization effort, not a shutdown or forced upgrade.
Our Take at Fresh Move Media
For most of our clients across the East Coast, we are recommending the same approach:
- If your site is simple and low traffic, let Google handle it automatically.
- If you manage multiple properties or want added visibility, manual migration is fine.
- If billing ever becomes relevant, it can be reviewed at that time.
(And if you are not sure whether your site even uses reCAPTCHA, we can easily check!)
Helpful Resources From Google
Final Thoughts
The Google reCAPTCHA migration sounds intimidating at first glance, especially if you do not work in Google Cloud every day.
For most website owners, it is simply a background change that requires little or no action.
Your website continues to work, spam protection remains in place, and you stay in control of whether you engage further.
If you want help reviewing your setup or deciding whether to take action, our team at FreshMove Media is happy to help. Set up a free exploratory meeting with our team today.
Will my website break if I do nothing?
No. Your existing reCAPTCHA key will keep working, and Google can automatically associate it with a Google Cloud project after the notice window.
Do I need to change any code on my site?
In most cases, no. Google states no code changes are required for the migration, and you can continue using the legacy SiteVerify endpoint.
What is the difference between manual migration and automatic association?
Manual migration lets you choose the Google Cloud project your key connects to. Automatic association happens if you take no action, and Google assigns the key for you.
Will I be charged after the Google reCAPTCHA migration?
Not always. Charges depend on your usage. Google provides billing details and a calculator to estimate costs based on your assessments.
How do I check my current reCAPTCHA usage?
Google includes your average monthly assessments in the email, and you can use that number in the pricing calculator to estimate cost.
Should I manually migrate my keys?
If you manage multiple sites, want clearer reporting, or need tighter access control, manual migration can help. If you run a typical small business site with a contact form, letting Google handle automatic association is usually fine.
What is the Create Assessment API, and do I need it?
It’s a newer API Google recommends for access to newer reCAPTCHA features. Most small business sites and common CMS setups do not need to change anything for the migration itself.
Where can I get help if I’m stuck?
Google points users to Google Cloud Support and the community for help, plus ongoing updates in their reCAPTCHA materials.