Character.AI / Age verification
Character.AI age verification: how it works and what to do
Character.AI checks every user's age. If it decides you're under 18, you lose character chat (the account goes into reading mode) unless you prove you're 18+ — usually with a quick selfie through a company called Persona, and only sometimes an ID.
Character.AI filed for Chapter 11 on Oct 12. It's still running while it's sold — what it means for you →Character.AI calls it "age assurance." In its own words:
- Step 1 — automatic: it looks at "a number of signals, including login info, activity on the platform, and some signals from third parties." If that says you're 18+, you don't have to do anything.
- Step 2 — only if flagged as under 18: you can stay in the under-18 experience, or verify. Verification is "snap a selfie" — Persona estimates your age from it.
- Step 3 — rare: "only if you take a selfie and Persona isn't sure you're 18+" will Persona ask you to upload an ID.
Character.AI says it does not directly handle or store the documents you submit — Persona processes them.
The app usually prompts you when it's needed. To start it yourself:
- App: Settings → Advanced → Verify Age (update the app first)
- Website: Settings → Advanced → Verify Age
Then follow Persona's on-screen steps.
Under-18 accounts are placed in the "Under-18 experience, which includes reading mode. Chat with characters is not available." Your past chats and characters are kept. If you're under 18 now, Character.AI says you can contact support after you turn 18 to reset your verification attempts.
Verifying doesn't automatically unlock the 18+ experience — it depends on the age result.
Do I have to show my ID?
Usually not. You're only asked to verify if Character.AI's automatic check thinks you're under 18; then it's a selfie, and an ID is only requested if Persona can't confirm you're 18+ from the selfie. Character.AI says it doesn't collect or have access to the ID.
Does everyone have to do it?
The automatic check runs on every account. You're only asked for a selfie if it thinks you're under 18 and you want the 18+ experience.
Is the birthday I entered enough?
No. Character.AI says the check uses its own signals rather than just the birthday you set.
Is Character.AI shutting down?
It filed for Chapter 11 on Oct 12, 2026 and is being sold; it's still running. What it means for you →
- Character.AI — Age Assurance FAQ
- Character.AI — What is Age Assurance?
- Character.AI — Important changes for teens
Checked 2026-10-22 · independent, not affiliated with Character.AI