Why Roblox Asks for an Age Check to Chat (and How It Works)
If you tried to chat on Roblox in 2026 and were asked to “complete an age check,” you are not alone. Since January 2026, Roblox requires users worldwide to verify their age before they can use chat. Here is how it works and what it means for you, based on Roblox’s official announcement.
Related: How to Get Robux in 2026: 6 Legit Ways (and the Scams to Avoid).
When did the age check start?
- November 2025: Roblox announced a phased rollout.
- December 2025: the requirement began in Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands.
- January 7, 2026: users in the U.S. had to complete an age check to chat, with the rollout reaching every region where chat is available over the following week.
How the age check works
- Facial Age Estimation: you use your device’s camera inside the Roblox app, and it takes only seconds. Roblox says the images and video are processed by its vendor, Persona, and deleted immediately afterward.
- ID verification: users aged 13 and older can verify with an ID instead.
- Appeals: if the estimate is wrong, you can verify with ID, or a parent can update a child’s age through parental controls.
The age check is optional, but chat is not available without it.
Who can chat with whom?
After the check, each user is placed in one of six age groups: under 9, 9–12, 13–15, 16–17, 18–20 and 21+. By default, you can chat with your own group and the groups directly above and below. For example, a 10-year-old (9–12 group) can chat with users under 9, 9–12 and 13–15, but not with adults.
Chat is off by default for children under 9, unless a parent gives consent after an age check.
Why Roblox made this change
Roblox’s audience includes millions of children and teens. Grouping chat by age reduces the chances of adults contacting young players, one of the biggest concerns parents have. Roblox also says it monitors behavior for signs that someone is much older or younger than their stated age, and may ask those users to repeat the check.
Safety tips that still matter
- Never share your password, address, school or phone number in chat.
- Do not move conversations to other apps with people you only know from games.
- Report and block anyone who makes you uncomfortable.
- Ignore anyone promising free Robux or items in exchange for your login.
Related on Annedehaas Games
FAQ
Is the age check mandatory?
It is optional, but you cannot use chat without it.
Does Roblox keep my face scan?
According to Roblox, Facial Age Estimation images and videos are deleted immediately after processing.
Can I chat with my older brother?
Only if your age groups are adjacent, or if you are connected as Trusted Friends where available.
Sources: Business Wire – Roblox Requires Users Worldwide to Age Check to Access Chat
Annedehaas Games is not affiliated with the game publishers mentioned. Features and events may change; check the official game channels for the latest information.
