> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.powerfulform.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.powerfulform.com/integrations/hcaptcha.md).

# hCaptcha integration

Use hCaptcha instead of reCAPTCHA to block spam submissions on your forms.

**✅ What You Need**

Before enabling hCaptcha, you need two keys:

* **Site Key**
* **Secret Key**

You can get both keys from your hCaptcha account.

Create an account or log in here: <https://www.hcaptcha.com/>

## How to set it up

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Get Your hCaptcha Site key and Secret Key

1. Sign up or log in to the [hCaptcha Dashboard](https://dashboard.hcaptcha.com/)
2. Go to the **Sites** tab in the dashboard and create a new sitekey

<figure><img src="https://2907469752-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FehM2rz7MmKkWcJmgvJOe%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-e6e1af7051139600b31cd6beb457df949a2b3060%2Fscreenshot-integration-hcaptcha-integration-1.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://2907469752-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FehM2rz7MmKkWcJmgvJOe%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-1658650403a936dceb21603d0283b93ad1de8a9d%2Fscreenshot-integration-hcaptcha-integration-2.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. Go to the **Settings** tab in the dashboard and generate your secret key by clicking **Generate New Secret**

<figure><img src="https://2907469752-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FehM2rz7MmKkWcJmgvJOe%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-4da9dab74dcb57debf68b834486d59c69dadc08f%2Fscreenshot-integration-hcaptcha-integration-3.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://2907469752-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FehM2rz7MmKkWcJmgvJOe%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-ba36e160f9d0327e6c0181023a95135865526c63%2Fscreenshot-integration-hcaptcha-integration-4.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

You now have:

* Site key
* Secret key
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Add the Keys to Powerful Contact Form Builder

1. Open the form app > go to app **Settings** > hover on hcaptcha option
2. Paste the site **Site key** and **Secret key** from step 1 into the fields
3. Click **Save** to store your settings

<figure><img src="https://2907469752-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FehM2rz7MmKkWcJmgvJOe%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-029520bb371de9f4399248dfe75a7772da591228%2Fscreenshot-integration-hcaptcha-integration-5.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Enable hcaptcha for the form

1. In the app > click **Forms** > open the form
2. Click **Integration**, toggle on the **Captcha** option > click on the **Captcha** option to view detail > choose **hCaptcha**.
3. Save the form
4. Note: Verify the hCaptcha widget in the **live store**, as it may not display in the app preview.

<figure><img src="https://2907469752-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FehM2rz7MmKkWcJmgvJOe%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-04b632d559db90f4991d8584410a6ad4c266aee5%2Fscreenshot-integration-hcaptcha-integration-6.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://2907469752-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FehM2rz7MmKkWcJmgvJOe%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-919e9e3cec386cc7c3c2ec46797c8e3f2a112a2f%2Fscreenshot-integration-hcaptcha-integration-7.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## How hCaptcha Works

hCaptcha protects your form by identifying humans vs bots.

#### Visible hCaptcha (checkbox or image challenge)

* Users must solve a simple verification (like selecting images).
* hCaptcha decides if the user is human before allowing submission.

#### Invisible hCaptcha (runs quietly in the background)

* No clicking, no challenge.
* hCaptcha analyzes user behavior silently.
* Only shows a challenge if activity looks suspicious.

Your form is protected in both cases.

## Troubleshooting

<details>

<summary>Issue: hCaptcha not showing</summary>

Try the following:

* Double-check your **Site Key** and **Secret Key**
* Make sure your **Shopify domain** is added in your hCaptcha dashboard
* Clear browser cache or test in Incognito mode
* Ensure the form is **published** and you’re on the correct page

</details>

<details>

<summary>Issue: Form cannot be submitted</summary>

Common causes:

* Incorrect Secret Key
* Incorrect domain
* Key fields accidentally left blank
* Theme scripts blocking the widget (rare)

</details>

<br>

## Next steps

* [Google reCAPTCHA](/integrations/google-recaptcha.md) — the other challenge option.
* [Prevent spam submissions](/troubleshooting/prevent-spam.md) — every anti-spam option in one place.
* [Contact support](/help/contact-support.md) — if the connection still does not work.