Safari on MacBook Air gets CAPTCHA when using Google search

When Google shows repeated CAPTCHAs only in Safari on your MacBook Air, it usually means Google is seeing something in that setup that looks “automated” or unusual.

Common causes include Safari privacy features (like cross-site tracking prevention), iCloud Private Relay, VPNs, certain extensions, or cached cookies that make your traffic look inconsistent. Since it doesn’t happen on your iPad or in other browsers, this points more to a Safari-specific setting rather than your network.

Here are some options to try on the MacBook Air:

• Stop using Google Search. I suggest trying DuckDuckGo instead.
• Turn off iCloud Private Relay temporarily (System Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → Private Relay).
• Disable any VPN or network filter and test again.
• In Safari, go to Settings → Privacy and temporarily turn off Prevent cross-site tracking, then restart Safari.
• Clear Safari data: Settings → Privacy → Manage Website Data → Remove All.
• Try Safari in "Safe Mode" (hold Shift while opening Safari) to rule out extensions.

That’s Google playing games for sure. Nothing wrong with your Mac or Safari. It’s Google ‘encouraging’ you to use Chrome instead of Safari.