CAPTCHA inputs are perhaps the most common of all frustrating experiences on the web. They’re painful enough for the bulk of users. However, sadly, CAPTCHAs are absolutely very important within the fight against spam.
A couple weeks ago I was developing a JS Contact Form module with reCaptcha support. During this tutorial, I'll explain how to set up Google reCAPTCHA in Joomla!
Step #1 Registering new website
First, we'd like to create an API key, so head on over to https://www.google.com/recaptcha/admin. To gain access to this page you must be logged into a Google account. You’ll be asked to register your website, so give it an appropriate name, then list domains (for example jsns.eu) wherever this specific reCAPTCHA are going to be used. Subdomains (such as demo.jsns.eu) are automatically taken into account.
Step #2 Keys
With that done you’ll be given a site key and its partner secret key:
Step #3. Enable reCaptcha plugin
- Go to Extensions > Plugin Manager.
- Look for the "Captcha - reCAPTCHA" or " Captcha - Invisible reCAPTCHA" if you would like to hide the reCaptcha badge.
In the parameters:
- Version. Choose 2.0
- Site key and Secret key. Use those you generated in step one.
- Theme. Choose any.
Don't forget to change the plugin status to Published and click Save once you’re done.
Step #4. Enable reCaptcha globally
- Go to System > Global configuration > Default captcha.
- Choose ReCaptcha and Save.
