Key Recycling

Key Recycling lets you convert leftover balance on CAPTCHA provider API keys into uCaptcha platform credits. Instead of letting unused provider balances go to waste, submit the keys to uCaptcha and earn credits as tasks are solved through them.

How It Works

1. Submit your provider API key in the Telegram Mini App under Settings. Specify which provider the key belongs to (e.g., 2Captcha, CapSolver, CapMonster).
2. Validation — uCaptcha immediately validates the key against the provider’s API and checks its remaining balance.
3. Routing pool — Your validated key enters the routing pool alongside uCaptcha’s platform keys. The Smart Routing algorithm can now select your key for incoming tasks.
4. Credit earning — Each time a task is solved using your recycled key, you receive a RECYCLE_CREDIT transaction equal to the actual cost charged by the provider.
5. Routing bias — The routing algorithm gives a small preference (up to 15% score boost) to providers where your recycled key has balance, maximizing utilization.
6. Depletion — When the key’s balance is exhausted, it is automatically marked as DEPLETED and removed from the routing pool.

Credits

• Credits are added to your uCaptcha balance instantly after each task is solved through your recycled key.
• Credits are dollar-for-dollar — you receive exactly what the provider charged for the solve.
• Credits can be used for any task type on any provider, just like deposited funds.
• Each credit appears as a RECYCLE_CREDIT transaction in your transaction history.

Tip

Key Recycling is an effective way to consolidate fragmented balances across multiple providers into a single uCaptcha balance that works everywhere.

Key Statuses

Status	Description
PENDING	Key has been submitted and is being validated
ACTIVE	Key is validated and actively participating in the routing pool
DEPLETED	Key balance has been exhausted
INVALID	Key was rejected by the provider (incorrect key, expired, or disabled)
REMOVED	Key was manually removed by the user

Managing Keys

All key management is done in the Telegram Mini App under the Settings tab.

Add a Key

Submit a new provider API key by selecting the provider and pasting the key. The key is validated immediately upon submission. If validation fails, the key is marked as INVALID with an error description.

Check Balance

The balance for each active key is automatically synced with the provider every 5 minutes. You can also trigger a manual balance check at any time to get the latest figure.

Remove a Key

Retire a key from the routing pool at any time. Removed keys stop participating in routing immediately. This action is reversible — you can re-add the same key later if it still has balance.

Supported Providers

You can submit keys from any provider supported by uCaptcha:

Provider	Key Format
2Captcha	32-character hex string
CapSolver	CAP- prefixed key
Anti-Captcha	32-character hex string
CapMonster Cloud	Standard API key
Multibot	Standard API key
uCaptcha Native	Standard API key

Security

All provider API keys are encrypted using AES-256-GCM before storage. Keys are:

• Encrypted at rest in the database
• Decrypted only in memory when needed for API calls to the provider
• Never exposed in plain text after submission (not visible in the UI or API responses)
• Never logged or included in error reports

Caution

Only submit API keys that you own and are authorized to use. uCaptcha will make API calls to the provider using your key to solve tasks. Ensure your provider account terms permit third-party usage if applicable.

How Credits Are Calculated

When a task is routed to your recycled key:

1. The task is submitted to the provider using your key.
2. The provider solves the task and deducts the cost from your key’s balance.
3. uCaptcha records the actual cost deducted by the provider.
4. A RECYCLE_CREDIT transaction for that exact amount is added to your uCaptcha balance.

There is no markup or fee on recycled key credits. You receive the full provider cost as platform credit.