How to Troubleshoot BotRefund Bot Detection Issues: Step-by-Step Guide

If you are troubleshooting BotRefund bot detection issues, start by reviewing detection logs in the BotRefund console to see which specific signals flagged a session as automated, then verify your console configuration matches your site’s expected user behavior. For false positives, cross-check flagged sessions against your own user data to rule out legitimate traffic from privacy tools, corporate networks, or unusual devices. If the issue persists, contact BotRefund support with your log details for targeted assistance.

Step 1: Review BotRefund Detection Logs First

BotRefund’s console logs every flagged session and the specific signals that triggered the detection. Each signal is one of 106 independent checks the system runs to build a full picture of a visit, including browser API mismatches, mouse movement patterns, input speed, and session behavior. Start by filtering logs for the time period where you noticed issues, and note which specific checks were triggered for each flagged session. For example, if you see repeated flags for "superhuman input speed" but your site has a form with autofill enabled, that may be a configuration mismatch rather than actual bot traffic.

Do not treat a single triggered signal as a definitive bot verdict. BotRefund’s system is designed to weigh all signals together via its prediction AI, so a lone flag may be a false positive from a legitimate user with an unusual setup.

Step 2: Verify Your Console Configuration Settings

Next, check that your BotRefund console settings match your site’s actual user flows. Common misconfigurations include overly strict thresholds for input speed, session duration, or mouse movement that do not account for your specific audience. For example, if your site serves a lot of enterprise users on corporate networks with strict privacy tools, you may need to adjust your tolerance for certain browser API mismatches that are common in that environment.

Review your suppression rules as well. If you have set BotRefund to automatically block sessions that trigger certain signals, you may be blocking legitimate users without realizing it. For initial troubleshooting, switch to "log only" mode for 24-48 hours to collect data on how many flagged sessions are actually legitimate, then adjust your rules based on that data.

Step 3: Rule Out Legitimate False Positive Traffic

Some user behavior will naturally trigger BotRefund signals even though the user is human. Common sources of false positives include:

• Users with privacy extensions or VPNs that modify browser APIs or hide tracking data
• Corporate networks that route traffic through shared proxies or modify browser properties for security
• Users on older devices or unusual browsers that do not run standard APIs as expected
• Users who fill out forms extremely quickly using autofill or saved data

To rule these out, cross-reference flagged sessions with your own analytics data. Check if the flagged users completed a desired action (like a purchase or form submission), had a reasonable session duration, or came from a known IP range like your office network. If you find a pattern of false positives from a specific user group, you can add exceptions for those IP ranges or adjust the relevant signal thresholds in the console.

Step 4: Test Edge Cases and Custom User Flows

If you have custom site functionality, like single-page applications, embedded forms, or unique checkout flows, test these flows yourself while BotRefund is in log-only mode. Navigate through the flow as a normal user would, then check the console to see if any of your actions triggered detection signals. For example, if your checkout flow uses a script that automates form field population, that may trigger the "superhuman input speed" signal even for real users.

You can also use BotRefund’s Console Debug Evaluator tool to test how your site’s browser behavior appears to the detection system. This tool will show you which signals your site triggers in a normal browsing session, so you can adjust your configuration before false positives impact real users.

Step 5: Escalate to BotRefund Support With Context

If you have reviewed logs, adjusted your configuration, and ruled out common false positives but still see issues, contact BotRefund support for help. When you reach out, include the following context to speed up resolution:

• The specific time periods where you noticed detection issues
• Sample session IDs from the logs that you believe are false positives
• A description of your site’s user base and any custom functionality that may impact detection
• Details of the configuration changes you have already tested

BotRefund’s support team can review your log data, adjust detection thresholds for your specific use case, and help you configure suppression rules to reduce false positives without weakening your bot protection.

Key Facts About BotRefund's Detection System

Common Troubleshooting Mistakes to Avoid

When troubleshooting BotRefund detection issues, avoid these common errors:

• Treating a single triggered signal as a bot verdict: BotRefund’s system is designed to weigh all signals together, so a lone flag is rarely a definitive indication of bot traffic.
• Disabling detection entirely to fix false positives: This leaves your site vulnerable to actual bot traffic. Instead, adjust thresholds or add exceptions for specific user groups.
• Ignoring log data when adjusting settings: Make configuration changes based on actual flagged session data rather than guesswork, to avoid weakening your protection or creating new false positives.
• Failing to test custom user flows: Custom site functionality often triggers unexpected detection signals, so test all key user journeys in log-only mode before rolling out changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is BotRefund flagging my legitimate users as bots?

Legitimate users may be flagged if they use privacy extensions, VPNs, corporate networks, or autofill tools that trigger detection signals like modified browser APIs, superhuman input speed, or unusual session behavior. Cross-check flagged sessions with your analytics data to identify patterns, then adjust your console thresholds or add exceptions for those user groups.

How do I adjust BotRefund's detection thresholds?

You can adjust thresholds for individual signals in the BotRefund console. Start by reviewing which signals are most commonly triggering false positives for your site, then increase the sensitivity threshold for those specific checks. BotRefund support can also help you configure thresholds for your specific use case if you are unsure how to adjust them.

Can BotRefund block actual bots without affecting legitimate users?

Yes, BotRefund’s 99% accuracy rate is based on cross-referencing 106 independent signals via its prediction AI, which reduces false positives from legitimate users. You can configure the system to log only, send alerts, or automatically block sessions based on your risk tolerance.

What should I do if BotRefund is missing actual bot traffic?

If you notice bot traffic that BotRefund is not flagging, first check that your detection is set to "active" mode rather than "log only." Then review your console settings to ensure you have not disabled any relevant detection checks. You can also contact support with sample bot session data to help adjust the system’s thresholds for your site.

Does BotRefund offer support for custom site configurations?

Yes, BotRefund’s support team can assist with configuring the system for custom user flows, single-page applications, and unique site functionality. When reaching out for help, include details of your custom setup and any specific issues you are experiencing to get targeted assistance.