---
title: "303: How to setup ReCaptcha in Joomla 3.1"
description: "ReCaptcha is a very popular captcha plugin. It is in use all across the web, and is not just limited for use in Joomla 3.0. In addition to being a very high quality tool, there are several..."
url: https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/edu/joomla/joomla-3/recaptcha-setup/
date: 2012-08-07
modified: 2021-11-19
author: "Brad Markle"
categories: ["Joomla", "Joomla 3"]
tags: ["Joomla v3"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# 303: How to setup ReCaptcha in Joomla 3.1

ReCaptcha is a very popular [captcha plugin](/support/website/what-is-captcha/). It is in use all across the web, and is not just limited for use in Joomla 3.0. In addition to being a very high quality tool, there are several [interesting facts about ReCaptcha](https://www.google.com/recaptcha) that you may not be aware of.

In this Joomla 3.0 tutorial, we’ll show you how to setup ReCaptcha.

## Configuring ReCaptcha for Joomla 3.0:

1. [Log into your Joomla 3.0 admin](/support/edu/joomla/joomla-3/how-to-log-in-to-administrative-dashboard/)
2. In your **Global Configuration** settings, [set ReCaptcha as your default captcha plugin](/support/edu/joomla/joomla-3/default-captcha/) (located in the *Global Configuration* settings under the *Site* tab).
3. While still in your Joomla 3.0 admin area, in the top menu go to **Extenstions** » **Plugin Manager**.
4. Using the filter feature at the top of the page, type in *recaptcha*. Click on the result **Captcha – ReCaptcha[![click-captcha-recaptcha](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/edu_joomla-3_global-configuration_click-captcha-recaptcha.gif)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/edu_joomla-3_global-configuration_click-captcha-recaptcha.gif) **
5. On the *Details* tab, ensure that **Status** is set to **Enabled**.
6. Click the *Basic Options* tab. Fill in the **Public Key** and **Private Key**, which you can get by [registering your site here](https://www.google.com/recaptcha). Another basic option you can set is the Theme. The following themes are available: Clean, White, BlackGlass, and Red. After setting all options, click the **Save** button in the top left.
7. Be sure to test ReCaptcha to ensure it is working! You can do this by visiting your *user registration* page. At the bottom of the page, you should see ReCaptcha, as it appears in this screenshot:[![recaptcha-in-action](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/edu_joomla-3_global-configuration_recaptcha-in-action.gif)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/edu_joomla-3_global-configuration_recaptcha-in-action.gif) If ReCaptcha is working correctly, you should see the following message after trying to register: **Message***Your account has been created and an activation link has been sent to the email address you entered. Note that you must activate the account by clicking on the activation link when you get the email before you can login.*