Google Blocked Access: Unusual Traffic Detected | Fix & Info

Google Search users globally experienced disruptions on February 12, 2026, encountering a message indicating “unusual traffic from your computer network.” The issue, which has recurred since April 23, 2021, manifests as either a reCAPTCHA challenge or a complete block preventing access to search results, impacting access to services like YouTube, as evidenced by the reported URL https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3D5EvopjmuYcU.

The problem stems from Google’s automated systems identifying search patterns that deviate from typical human behavior, often triggered by network activity, including that originating from Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). While Google offers completing a reCAPTCHA as an immediate solution to restore access, persistent issues suggest deeper underlying causes.

Google’s support documentation points to the possibility of malware compromising a user’s system. Malicious software can generate automated search queries without the user’s knowledge, triggering the “unusual traffic” detection. This activity mimics patterns associated with bots or malicious actors attempting to abuse Google’s search services. The proliferation of infostealers like Lumma Stealer, as reported by Microsoft, highlights the growing threat of malware capable of generating automated traffic. These programs can be difficult to detect without specialized security software and expertise.

Beyond malware, the use of VPNs is frequently implicated. Google’s systems may flag traffic originating from VPNs as suspicious, particularly if other users on the same VPN are engaged in automated searches. This can also occur with IPv6 tunnel services, with some VPNs and tunnel services causing all traffic to be blocked because they make it impossible for Google to differentiate between abusive and non-abusive traffic.

The issue isn’t new. Reports surfaced in April 2021 of similar disruptions, with users on platforms like Reddit reporting the issue and speculating about potential causes, including prior malicious activity from the same IP address. One user on Reddit noted the possibility that someone with previous access to their IP address may have been engaging in suspicious activity.

The recurring nature of these disruptions raises questions about the effectiveness of Google’s automated systems and the potential for false positives. While designed to protect the platform from abuse, the current system appears to be impacting legitimate users. The message displayed to users indicates the block will expire shortly after the suspicious requests stop, but this offers little comfort to those repeatedly encountering the issue.

The problem extends beyond individual users. Network administrators and IT professionals are being urged to investigate potential sources of automated traffic within their networks, as activity originating from a shared IP address can trigger the “unusual traffic” detection. What we have is particularly relevant for institutions like schools and businesses where multiple users share a common internet connection.

Users experiencing persistent issues are advised to scan their systems for malware, consult with IT professionals for thorough cleanup, and consider uninstalling their VPN or contacting their VPN provider. Contacting an internet service provider is also suggested, as the issue could stem from automated searches originating from other users sharing the same internet connection. However, the root cause often lies outside the control of individual users, highlighting the challenges of balancing security with accessibility in a complex digital landscape.

The incident underscores the increasing sophistication of online threats and the constant arms race between security providers and malicious actors. As malware becomes more adept at mimicking human behavior, and as VPN usage continues to rise, the challenge of accurately identifying and mitigating abusive traffic will only intensify. The incident on February 12th serves as a reminder of the fragility of online access and the importance of robust security measures.

The IP address associated with the reported instance is 2403:6b80:6:100::6773:882, and the time of the reported disruption was 21:33:32 UTC on February 16, 2026. These details, while specific to a single instance, highlight the ongoing and widespread nature of the problem.