Guides / Why a website blocks paste, and what to do about it
Why a website blocks paste, and what to do about it
Why some sites block or break paste
A site can block paste for a few ordinary reasons: a JavaScript handler on the field intercepts the paste event, the editor is a rich-text component that strips or reformats pasted content, or a form deliberately disables paste on fields like password or confirmation inputs. None of these are faults on your machine, and knowing which one you are hitting points you to the right fix.
Safe things to try first
Try pasting as plain text with your keyboard shortcut for paste-without-formatting. Try a different browser or an incognito window to rule out an extension. Click directly into the field before pasting so focus is correct. If the field reformats your text, pasting into a plain text editor first and copying again often removes the hidden formatting the site rejects.
When controlled typed input helps
If a field accepts typing but rejects paste, entering the text as individual keystrokes sidesteps the paste handler without changing anything about the site's rules. PasteFlow is a Chrome extension that does exactly this: it types your prepared text into a field you select, character by character, with visible controls to start, pause, and stop. It does not submit forms or bypass security controls, and your text stays in your browser.
Common questions
Is it against the rules to type instead of paste?
Typing text yourself is ordinary use of a field. PasteFlow enters text you authored into a field you choose and never submits it for you; always follow each site's own terms.
Will this work on every site?
No. Compatibility depends on the field. PasteFlow supports standard inputs, textareas, most contenteditable fields, and specific editors; some sites and native apps are not supported.