Age verification is a process that confirms that your account meets the minimum age requirement using approved verification methods. It's required in certain regions when users sign in to a Microsoft account where local laws mandate it. This helps provide customers with age-appropriate experiences.
We use the process to:
- Keep our communities safe and welcoming.
- Follow the laws and regulations in each country/region.
- Make sure you can access features and content available in your region by verifying your age.
When do you need to verify your age?
You're using a Microsoft account in Australia, Brazil, Singapore, the United Kingdom, or other countries/regions where local regulations require age verification.
What happens if you don't verify your age?
If you don't complete the age verification process, your Microsoft and Xbox account will be treated as unverified. As a result, you won't be able to make any new purchases or downloads of games and apps rated 18+.
Note
When signed in to Microsoft Teams for personal use (a non-work or non-school accounts) in Brazil, certain feature restrictions may also be applied per the local law.
What's restricted if your age isn't verified?
If you're an adult and choose not to complete age verification, you won't be able to view or make new purchases or downloads of games and apps rated 18+.
What's not affected?
Games and content you already own. Any mature-rated games or content already tied to your account will remain accessible and playable.
What age verification options are available?
Microsoft and Xbox use trusted age verification partners to process your age check securely. You can choose from one of the following options:
- A regionally available digital identity service.
- Facial age estimation (using a selfie).
- Uploading an accepted document, such as a driving licence, passport, national ID, or residence permit.
Note
Not all identity services are available in all countries or regions.
How is your age verification information used and protected?
Microsoft and Xbox are committed to protecting your privacy. Microsoft and Xbox don't receive or have access to the information you used to complete verification, such as a selfie or uploaded document. Any documents or images are securely processed by our trusted verification partners. The age assurance partners tell Microsoft that a verification is completed, and Microsoft stores that status with your account. Your verification data is:
- Used only for age verification purposes.
- Always encrypted during the verification process.
- Deleted by the age assurance partner after processing.
- Never shared with Microsoft or with others.
- Never used for marketing purposes.
What is Yoti?
Yoti is one of our trusted age assurance partners. They provide privacy-first verification services used across gaming, social media, and e-commerce experiences.
Learn more at www.provemyage.com.
What is VerifyMy?
VerifyMy is one of our trusted age assurance partners. They provide privacy-first verification services used across gaming, social media, and e-commerce experiences.
Go to verifymy.io to learn more about VerifyMy.
How long does the verification process take?
Most verifications finish in seconds, but some may take a few minutes depending on the method you choose.
Do you need to verify your age more than once?
Usually, age verification is only required once per account. However, there are some rare cases where you may be asked to verify your age again, such as changing your personal account details or moving to a different country/region.
Where do you check your age verification status?
You only need to verify your age if prompted during sign in, but some countries/regions are offering a proactive approach. See the list below.
- Follow the links provided or scan a QR code if shown.
- Different countries/regions have different age verification partners. Choose one of the available verification options. Choose one of the available verification options, such as:
- Age estimation (selfie)
- Government ID upload
- Approved digital identity service
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete verification.
- When finished, return to the original screen and select I am done verifying to continue.
Note
Once completed, age verification applies to both your Microsoft account and Xbox account. If verification isn’t completed successfully, you’ll be prompted to try again.
Countries/regions where you can verify your age
If you are in Australia, Brazil or Singapore you can verify your age now by selecting the Verify now button below.
If you are in the United Kingdom, you can verify your age now by selecting the Verify now button below.
See also
Need more help?
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Contact Support
For technical support, go to Contact Microsoft Support, enter your problem and select Get Help. If you still need help, select Contact Support to be routed to the best support option.
Important
To protect your account and its contents, our support agents are not allowed to send password reset links, or access and change account details.