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Hotjar Not Recording Sessions

Workaround available Web Updated October 21, 2026

Quick answer

Hotjar usually stops recording because the tracking code is missing or blocked, targeting rules exclude the visit, or short and inactive sessions are discarded. Check the tracking code first, then targeting and the 30-second filter.

Most likely fix: Confirm the tracking code loads.

Symptoms

The Recordings list is empty or shows far fewer sessions than your analytics tool, or new recordings stopped appearing.

Why it happens

  • Tracking code not installed on the page, or blocked
  • Session targeting limited to specific URLs or events (e.g. strict 'Exact match' rules)
  • Sessions shorter than 30 seconds are ignored by default
  • Sessions with no clicks, scrolls or key presses are discarded
  • Visitors using ad blockers, Do Not Track or some private windows
  • Session allowance used up for the period
  • Content Security Policy blocking Hotjar

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

  1. 1. Confirm the tracking code loads

    1. Open the live page, open browser developer tools > Network
    2. Filter by 'hotjar' and reload
    3. Look for a script whose name contains your Site ID; if it is missing, reinstall the code in the <head>

  2. 2. Loosen session targeting

    1. Open Site settings > Session targeting & tracking
    2. Switch strict 'Exact match' URL rules to 'Contains' or track all pages
    3. Remove event triggers you no longer need

  3. 3. Include short sessions

    1. In Site settings, turn off the option that ignores sessions shorter than 30 seconds

  4. 4. Check your session allowance

    1. Open the traffic coverage widget in the top-right of Hotjar
    2. If the allowance is used up, wait for the reset or upgrade the session tier

  5. 5. Rule out CSP and service incidents

    1. Check the browser console for 'Refused to load' or 'Refused to connect' errors mentioning hotjar
    2. Check status.hotjar.com for recording incidents

This guide also covers

  • hotjar not recording
  • hotjar not recording sessions
  • hotjar recordings not showing
  • hotjar no recordings

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