How to Verify & Change Age on Instagram — Practical & Legal Guide

What Is Instagram Age Limit — the Headline Rules

Instagram age verification, just like age verification on Facebook and Twitter(X), is a system to confirm that users meet the platform’s minimum age requirement. Introduced around 2019, it became stricter after global child protection laws like COPPA and the EU Digital Services Act pushed social platforms to verify ages.

Initially, Instagram relied on self-reported birthdates, but now it uses in-app prompts, ID checks, and parental consent to ensure compliance and protect minors. Here's a quick overview of the age requirements in Instagram:

• Minimum age: Instagram requires users to be at least 13 years old in most countries (local laws may require an older minimum in some places).

• Why it matters: Platforms enforce age limits to comply with child-protection laws (like COPPA in the U.S.) and to apply suitable safety settings to younger users.

• Consequences: If Instagram believes an account belongs to a user under the minimum age, it may restrict features, remove content, or disable the account until age is verified.

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Where Do I Have to Verify My Age on Instagram?

Instagram may prompt age verification in the following countries due to local laws and regulations:

• European Union (all EU countries) – Digital Services Act

• United States – COPPA & state-level laws

• United Kingdom – Online Safety Bill

• India – IT Rules for social media

• Brazil – Child protection and consumer laws

• Australia – Online Safety legislation

• South Korea & Japan – Minor protection regulations

• Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) – Strong social media controls

• Canada (e.g., Quebec) – Age verification requirements for adult content

Note: Even outside these countries, Instagram may request age verification if your birthdate appears inconsistent or suspicious. Users with free proxy VPNs like UFO VPN should still pay attention to in-app settings.

How to verify your age on Instagram — Legitimate Options

Note: Instagram’s exact prompts and flows may vary slightly by region and app version. Always follow the on-screen instructions first; the steps below reflect the common, supported options.

Option 1: Follow the in-app verification flow

1. When Instagram requests verification, tap the Verify or Get started button in the notification.

2. Read the options Instagram offers — typically a list such as “Submit ID,” “Take a selfie,” or “Ask a parent to verify.”

3. Choose the method you can legitimately use and follow the on-screen instructions. Instagram will explain what files or photos it accepts.

4. Submit the requested item and wait for Instagram to review (this can take hours to a few days). You’ll receive an in-app notification from Instagram or email about the result.

Option 2: Submit a government-issued ID 

1. When prompted, choose the Submit ID option.

2. Upload a clear, well-lit photo/scan of an accepted government ID (passport, driver’s license, national ID). Instagram accepts IDs only for age verification and says it deletes ID photos after verification — read the privacy notice before uploading.

3. Confirm and submit; wait for the review response.

Option 3: Selfie verification / third-party face match

Some countries/flows allow a selfie or short video submission where Instagram (or a privacy-focused vendor it uses) checks age via a face-matching or age-estimation algorithm. If offered:

1. Choose Selfie verification and follow the exact framing and lighting instructions.

2. Submit, and wait for an automated review. This is intended to verify age, not to identify you.

Option 4: Parental verification / supervised account options

If you’re a minor and need parental consent:

1. Instagram may offer parental verification (parent supplies ID or follows a confirmation flow).

2. Follow the app’s instructions to notify and include a parent/guardian.

How to Change Your Birthdate on Instagram

If you simply entered the wrong birthdate and are old enough for the platform, you can update it:

On mobile (Instagram app)

1. Open Instagram and go to your profile.

2. Tap Edit profile → Personal information settings (or Settings > Account > Personal Information).

3. Find Birthday (Date of birth) and edit it to the correct date.

4. Save and wait — if Instagram flags this change, they may ask for verification.

On desktop

1. Log into Instagram.com → click profile → Edit profile.

2. Click Personal information settings and update your birthday.

3. Save changes. If Instagram prompts you to verify, follow the in-app steps.

Important: Repeatedly changing your birthdate or making suspicious edits can trigger additional verification requests. If blocked by Instagram due to regional restrictions, try using a premium VPN.

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Why Instagram Asks You to Verify Your Age?

Instagram may request proof of age for several reasons:

• You entered a birthdate indicating you’re under the minimum age.

• You tried to view age-restricted content (e.g., certain alcohol or gambling ads, or sensitive reels).

• Automated systems flagged unusual activity or inconsistent birthdate information.

• You or someone else reported the account’s age as incorrect.

When that happens, Instagram will present an on-screen prompt explaining the steps to verify your age.

Is It Safe to Use Fake ID to Bypass Instagram Age Limits?

Using a fake ID to verify your age on Instagram is not only against the platform's rules but is also becoming increasingly difficult to do successfully. More importantly, it carries significant risks. Instead, there are safer and more reliable ways to manage your age information on the platform.

Why Fake IDs Are a Bad Idea for Instagram

Instagram's parent company, Meta, has implemented advanced systems to detect age misrepresentation, making the use of fake IDs risky.

Safer alternatives to Fake Instagram IDs 

• Submit legitimate ID if you have it.

• Use parental verification or supervised account features.

• Correct your birthdate and follow Instagram’s official verification flow.

• If you’re under the required age, wait until you meet the minimum or use age-appropriate supervised experiences.

Fix" I Can't Verify Age on Instagram" Issues

If Instagram denies your verification submission:

1. Check the rejection reason in the in-app message — it may say “blurry ID” or “selfie unusable.”

2. Resubmit with higher quality photos: well-lit, no glare, whole document visible, corners included.

3. Try another accepted ID (different government ID type) if the first was rejected.

4. Use the alternative method (selfie vs ID) if one option fails.

5. Appeal or contact support: use Instagram Help Center > “Something’s not working” or the support link in the app to request manual review. Include clear explanations and documents.

6. If you’re genuinely underage: follow Instagram’s instructions — you may need parental supervision or have the account disabled until you reach the allowed age.

Final thoughts

Verifying your age on Instagram is usually straightforward when you use legitimate methods: correct your birthdate, follow the in-app verification flow, or provide accepted ID or parental confirmation. Don’t attempt to bypass the system with fake documents — that’s illegal and puts you and your account at risk. If you hit a snag, follow the troubleshooting tips above and contact Instagram support through the Help Center.

If discovered, Instagram can restrict, remove, or disable accounts that violate age rules.