WordPress is showing bot verification in every page load

If your WordPress site is showing a bot verification (like a CAPTCHA) on every page load, it could be due to a security plugin or a configuration in your hosting environment designed to prevent bot attacks. While such features are useful for security, they can negatively impact the user experience if they’re too intrusive. Here are some steps you can take to resolve this issue:

1. Check Security Plugins: If you have security plugins installed (like Wordfence, iThemes Security, or Sucuri), check their settings. These plugins might have features that trigger CAPTCHA challenges under certain conditions. Adjust the sensitivity or rules to reduce the frequency of these challenges.
2. Review Hosting Security Settings: Some hosting providers implement their own security measures to prevent bot traffic. Contact your hosting provider and inquire if they have any such security measures in place that might be causing this behavior.
3. Inspect .htaccess File: The .htaccess file in your WordPress installation can contain rules that trigger CAPTCHAs. Review this file for any unusual rules or configurations that might be related to security. Be cautious when editing .htaccess as incorrect configurations can make your site inaccessible.
4. Update WordPress and Plugins: Ensure that WordPress and all your plugins are updated to the latest version. Sometimes, compatibility issues or bugs can cause unexpected behavior.
5. Check for Custom Code: If you or a developer have added custom code to your WordPress site (like in functions.php or a site-specific plugin), ensure that it’s not unintentionally triggering the CAPTCHA.
6. Cache Settings: If you’re using a caching plugin or service (like WP Super Cache, W3 Total Cache, or Cloudflare), make sure it’s not caching pages with CAPTCHA. Caching dynamic elements can lead to them appearing more frequently or inappropriately.
7. Disable Plugins Temporarily: To identify if a specific plugin is causing the issue, you can temporarily disable all plugins and then reactivate them one by one. Check your site after each activation to pinpoint the problematic plugin.
8. Consult with a Developer: If you’re unable to identify the issue yourself, it might be worth consulting with a WordPress developer. They can help identify and fix the problem more efficiently.
9. Review Site Traffic Patterns: Sometimes, a spike in bot traffic can trigger these mechanisms. Use tools like Google Analytics to review your site’s traffic patterns for any unusual activity.
10. Check Server Logs: Your server logs can provide insights into why the bot verification is being triggered. Look for repeated access patterns or error messages that could indicate the cause.

Remember that while it’s important to keep your site secure, it’s equally important to ensure a smooth user experience for your legitimate visitors. Balancing security and usability is key.