Here is what AI states, as I have the same issue and cannot not find a happy medium. I have a top rated setup completely up to date.
The most common causes (in order of likelihood)
1. IP reputation issues
If your IP address is flagged as “higher risk,” eBay will force CAPTCHA.
This happens when:
Your ISP uses shared or rotating IPs (very common with cable internet)
You’ve been assigned an IP previously used by:
Your IP changes frequently
Even if you did nothing wrong, you inherit the reputation of that IP.
2. High-frequency seller behavior
You do things normal users don’t:
To eBay’s systems, that looks like automation, even though it’s you working.
3. Browser fingerprint mismatch
eBay tracks more than cookies:
Browser version
Extensions
Screen size
OS + GPU combo
Time zone
CAPTCHA triggers when:
You clear cookies frequently
Switch browsers
Use private/incognito mode
Have aggressive ad-blockers or privacy extensions
- This is not common on my setup.
4. VPNs or “privacy” features
Even if you’re not intentionally using one:
Some antivirus suites enable secure browsing / traffic tunneling
Some routers use dynamic routing or DNS filtering
iCloud Private Relay (Apple devices)
Google Secure DNS
- Again not on my setup.
Any of these = CAPTCHA magnet.
5. Login/session confusion
CAPTCHA often appears when:
You stay logged in too long
eBay detects multiple simultaneous sessions
Login cookies partially expire
- I'm login all day and half the night, welcome to Ebay!
Why YOU see it more than casual users
You’re:
eBay tunes their security for buyers, not sellers doing real work.
Just a tidbit of info for people going through the same. I only use Chrome, win 11 for Ebay. one computer at home and one in the warehouse. I do have an iPad that is used for inventory which the only thing I come across with the IPad is we want to make sure it is you and spins for days! But I to come across the captcha all the time. I use to get frustrated now it's just another process.
