Upwork defines bots and automated tools as any scripts, programs, or browser extensions that perform actions faster than a human. Unauthorized use can lead to warnings or bans. Even non-malicious tools can trigger enforcement. No exceptions are made, but compliant automation is possible through an approved API key request.
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What counts as a bot or automated tool?
A bot, scraper, crawler, or similar tool is any script, program, browser extension, or third-party service that automatically sends requests to Upwork, collects data, or performs actions faster or more frequently than a human could. Even if the tool says it was created for Upwork, it doesn't mean it’s allowed, approved, or endorsed by us.
How do I request permission?
If you want to automate part of your workflow, request an Upwork API key. During the review process, we will look at both your account and your stated use case to make sure everything complies with our Terms of Service.
What happens if I use a bot without permission?
We’re always monitoring our platform for abuse. If we detect that you’re using unapproved automation it will result in a warning, a temporary account restriction, or a permanent block depending on the severity of the issue or whether we’ve sent you a warning in the past. You can learn more about the actions we may take on an account here.
Similarly, if we see that you’re using an API key outside its intended scope, we may suspend or terminate your access to Upwork’s API. For full terms of use, please refer to the API section in the Upwork Terms of Service.
I am not using automation. Why was my account flagged?
In some cases, enforcement is triggered by browser-based tools like extensions or add-ons that interact with Upwork. While often marketed as productivity or convenience enhancers, some of these tools generate activity that closely resembles data scraping patterns.If an extension reads or changes Upwork pages or automates actions, it could trigger a warning, restriction, or block.
Examples of extensions that can cause issues include:
- Job alert or watcher tools that scrape or run searches. Learn how to get instant job alerts on Upwork.
- Auto-refresh or tab reload tools that refresh pages on a timer
- Page monitors or change detectors that poll pages for updates
- Macro or RPA recorders that replay clicks and searches
- User-script managers that run custom scripts
- Auto-paging or infinite-scroll helpers that preload results
- Multi-site research tools that fire queries across many sites at once
- Any tool that sends requests to Upwork when the tab is idle or in the background
Be sure to disable these extensions or add-ons before using Upwork.
- Chrome: Install and manage extensions
- Safari: Use Safari extensions on your Mac
- Firefox: Disable or remove add-ons
Can I get an exception for my productivity tool?
We are not able to approve or make exceptions for tools that automate interactions with Upwork. Because our systems detect these behaviors automatically, using the tool again will result in another suspension.
If you want to integrate parts of your workflow in a compliant way, you can request an Upwork API key if you meet our eligibility criteria.
You can get instant job alerts with a Freelancer Plus membership. Alerts are based on jobs you’ve submitted proposals to before and are sent immediately after a similar job is posted.
I have an API key. Why did my account get flagged?
Having an API key doesn’t allow automation outside your approved use case. You may be flagged if your automation uses credentials or patterns that aren’t permitted.
Common reasons for being flagged:
- Using OAuth2 tokens or session cookies from a browser or an official client in a script or bot
- Calling website pages instead of approved API endpoints to collect data
- Mixing credentials, such as using an API key alongside exported browser/session tokens
- Exceeding rate limits or running background polling that resembles scraping
- Using an API key outside its approved scope or sharing keys across users without authorization