Where & Why Is Reddit Age-Restricted?
Reddit has always included mature communities. However, recently, major legislative changes forced Reddit to expand and enforce strict age gates. As a result, many users who previously browsed freely now encounter new pop-ups asking them to verify age with an ID, confirm age inside the app, or complete selfie verification.
Here are the main reasons:
1. Country-specific age-verification laws
Some regions legally require platforms like Reddit to confirm the ages of users accessing NSFW content:
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United Kingdom:
The UK’s Online Safety Act pushes platforms to block or age-verify access to adult content. Many UK Reddit users now see “Reddit age verification (UK)” prompts even for communities they’ve viewed for years. -
Texas (United States):
Texas HB 1181 requires strict adult-content verification, forcing Reddit to implement ID and selfie checks for users browsing mature content, such as Pornhub in Texas and Spankbang in Texas. -
Other U.S. states such as Louisiana and Utah have similar emerging rules.
2. Mature community protection
Reddit flags thousands of subreddits as “18+NSFW,” and depending on your region, Reddit may require you to upload:
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an ID
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a selfie
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an age declaration
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or a combination of all three
3. Platform-wide safety initiative
Since 2024, Reddit has taken a stricter approach to minors accessing explicit content—especially on mobile apps (iPhone or Android). In short, if you see the pop-up, it’s usually due to location laws, not your account personally.
If you want to block these age-check pop-ups, try a free proxy VPN in UFO VPN: switch to countries without mandatory age-verification laws.
Types of Reddit Age Verification
Reddit uses several verification methods depending on your region, device, and the content you’re trying to access. Understanding each type helps you know what to expect—and how to get past issues when Reddit age verification fails.
1. In-app Age Confirmation (Soft Age Gate)
This is the simplest version used mainly in regions without strict laws.
You might see:
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“Confirm your age”
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“I am over 18”
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“Proceed to NSFW content”
Tapping the button normally unlocks the community—but many users report “Confirm Age” button not working, which we cover later.
2. ID Upload Verification (Hard Age Gate)
In stricter regions (UK, Texas, Utah), Reddit may require uploading:
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a driver’s license
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passport
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national ID card
This step is usually handled through a third-party partner. Reddit claims IDs are “not stored permanently,” but this part is why users search how to trick Reddit age verification or how to get past Reddit age verification.
3. Face / Selfie Verification
Searches like reddit verify age with selfie show how common this step has become. Selfie checks are usually required when:
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your ID needs biometric confirmation
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Reddit wants to confirm you’re not using someone else’s ID
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your region mandates stronger age checks
This is also the step most likely to fail due to lighting or camera issues.
4. Browser-Based Age Gates (Desktop)
When accessing Reddit on a computer, you may get a browser pop-up instead of an in-app window. Sometimes this version is easier to complete. You can verify your age on Reddit online by clicking on the "I'm Over 18" button. Then, you can access what you want.
Each verification type can trigger different errors and requires different troubleshooting steps, which we’ll cover next.
How to Verify Your Age on Reddit (Web/App/iPhone)
Below are clear, updated steps for each device on desktop and mobile to verify your age on Reddit.
On Reddit Web (Desktop Browser)
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Go to Reddit.com and log into your account.
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Navigate to any 18+ subreddit or NSFW post.
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A pop-up should appear:
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“Are you 18 or older?”
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“Confirm your age”
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Click Yes or Confirm.
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If a hard age gate appears, follow the steps:
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Upload ID
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Take a webcam selfie
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Complete the live check
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Wait for confirmation (usually instant to 5 minutes).
Tips:
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Chrome or Firefox works better than Safari.
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Disable ad-blockers; they sometimes break the verification window.
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Desktop is the most stable platform for ID verification.
On Reddit App (Android)
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Open the Reddit app and sign in.
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Try accessing an 18+ subreddit.
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Tap Confirm Age when prompted.
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If redirected to verification:
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Grant camera access
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Scan ID
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Take a selfie
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Submit and return to Reddit.
Android notes:
If the button is not responding, update the app or clear the cache (covered later).
On Reddit App (iPhone/iOS)
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Open Reddit on your iPhone.
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Attempt to open an NSFW community.
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Choose Verify or Confirm Age.
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iOS may open a system browser window—complete the ID or selfie steps.
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Return to Reddit once approved.
iPhone-specific issues:
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iOS privacy settings may block the camera.
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Safari’s anti-tracking features can break the verification widget.
If verification keeps failing on iPhone, try switching to desktop mode or using a different browser app (Chrome works well).
Reddit Age Verification in the UK or Texas
These regions get the toughest verification experience.
UK
Because of the Online Safety Act, UK users must often provide full ID + selfie to access 18+ content. Verification is stricter and may repeat after major account changes.
Texas
Texas HB 1181 forces sites to use “reasonable age verification,” which leads many Reddit users to face:
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repeated prompts
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selfie checks
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ID uploads
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stricter error handling
If the system detects a Texas IP, it may force verification, even if you verified before.
Reddit Age Verification with Selfie – Why Needed & How to Pass
Selfie verification frustrates many users. Here’s why Reddit requires selfies:
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To match your face with your ID
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To comply with biometric verification laws
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To prevent minors from uploading someone else’s ID
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To block identity fraud
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Because some regions legally require facial verification
How to Pass Reddit Selfie Verification Successfully
Follow these tips for the highest success rate:
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Use good lighting in front of your face.
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Avoid hats, glasses, filters, or background movement.
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Hold the phone steady—don’t move too fast.
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Ensure your camera lens is clean.
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Use the rear camera if allowed (higher quality).
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Try again on a different device (iPhone often works better).
Common Selfie Verification Errors
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“Face not detected”
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“Too dark”
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“Try again”
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App freezes at capture
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Verification does not upload
If this happens, switching to the desktop version or using a different browser can help. Some users also succeed by disabling low power mode, which restricts camera processing.
Confirm Age Button Not Working – Full Fixes
This happens when users tap the button, but nothing works.
Here are all reliable fixes.
1. Clear Reddit App Cache (Android)
Settings → Apps → Reddit → Storage → Clear Cache.
Relaunch Reddit and try again.
2. Force Close & Reopen Reddit (iPhone)
Swipe up → close Reddit → reopen.
iOS apps often freeze UI buttons due to background processes.
3. Update Your Reddit App
Old app versions break the JavaScript that runs the age gate.
4. Turn Off Ad-Blockers / VPN / Browser Extensions
Ad-block tools often break pop-ups.
Note: If you are in a region like Texas or UK where Reddit enforces age checks, a VPN may trigger stricter checks, depending on IP reputation. If so, switch to a clean IP or a different region (covered later).
5. Open Reddit in a Private/Incognito Window
This bypasses corrupted cookies and stuck session data.
6. Switch from App → Browser
Many users find the desktop browser completes verification instantly.
7. Try a Different Network
Public Wi-Fi or company networks often block third-party verification widgets.
8. Log Out and Back In
This resets the age-check session.
9. Use Desktop Mode on a Mobile Browser
Open Chrome → Menu → “Desktop site” → retry verification.
If none of these help, your issue is likely tied to location-based restrictions, which is where legal bypass methods come in.
How to Bypass Reddit Age Verification Legally (VPN, Web Version, Settings)
Reddit’s age verification can be bypassed in legal, safe, and policy-compliant ways—especially if the issue is caused by regional over-blocking or broken app behavior.
Below are legitimate methods.
1. Use a VPN to Access Reddit from a Non-Restricted Region
Certain regions (UK, Texas, Utah, Louisiana) force ID checks, but others only require a soft confirmation. By connecting to a country without strict age-verification laws, Reddit typically shows a simple “I’m over 18” button instead of ID upload.
A lightweight, privacy-focused VPN like UFO VPN can switch your virtual location and help you access Reddit’s normal version when traveling or stuck behind over-aggressive regional age blocks.
How to bypass Reddit age verification with UFO VPN:
With 3000+ server in over 100 countries, UFO VPN is open to download as a free iPhone VPN, free Android VPN(with VPN APK), free Windows VPN and free Mac VPN. Install the app and sign up or log in.
Open the app, choose a free server locationwhere your desired streaming/gaming/browsing platform is available.
We recommend free USA VPN, free UK VPN and free Australia VPN.
Pro Tip
UFO VPN is compatible with popular platforms in gaming and streaming as CODM VPN, PUBG VPN, Netflix VPN and more!
After connecting, visit What is My IP tool to see your current location and ensure your real IP is visible.
With all set, visit your favorite platform and start browsing without geo-blocks or buffering!
This method is useful for:
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travelers temporarily in restricted states
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users facing broken verification pop-ups
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accessing mature communities from regions with technical issues
Always ensure your usage complies with local laws.
2. Switch to the Web Version Instead of the App
The browser often gives a soft age-gate, not the strict ID upload version.
Steps:
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Open Chrome/Safari
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Visit reddit.com (not the app)
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Tap Request Desktop Site
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Confirm age via the simple pop-up
Many users unlock NSFW content this way without needing ID.
3. Change Your Reddit Account Settings: "Mark as mature"
Inside Reddit:
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Profile → Settings
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Enable “Mark as mature (18+)”
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Turn on
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Restart the app
This feature will make your profile NSFW, so it's not accessible to under-18s. This sometimes helps remove the age block and protect your account from being banned.
4. Log Out and Browse Reddit Unauthenticated (Desktop Only)
Reddit allows view-only NSFW browsing for non-logged-in users in many regions.
Simply:
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open a private window
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go to the subreddit URL
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browse without signing in
This doesn’t always work in the UK or Texas, but works globally for many.
5. Create a New Account Without Age Issues
If your existing account has a corrupted age record, a new account can reset the soft age-gate.
Attention: What NOT to Do (Unsafe / Illegal)
Avoid these:
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Fake IDs
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Editing images
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Using other people’s documents
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Third-party “age verification” services
These violate Reddit rules and may be illegal.
Is It Safe to Upload ID/Selfie to Reddit?
This is one of the most common concerns. Here’s how Reddit handles your data:
1. Reddit uses a third-party verification provider
Your ID and selfie are not stored directly on Reddit’s servers.
2. Data is typically deleted after verification
Most providers delete IDs once the check is finished, although retention periods vary.
3. Biometric comparison is automated
It checks that the person in the selfie matches the ID, then deletes the biometric data.
4. Reddit states it will not store your ID permanently
But users must rely on the provider’s security practices.
5. Risks still exist
Any upload of government documents carries privacy exposure—which is why many users choose to verify from a laptop, use a VPN to avoid geo-blocked pop-ups, or prefer web-based soft verification instead.
If you are uncomfortable sharing ID, consider using the earlier-mentioned legal bypass methods.
Conclusion
Reddit’s age verification system in 2026 varies widely by region, device, and law. Whether you’re trying to confirm your age on the app, pass selfie checks, fix a broken “Confirm Age” button, or safely bypass strict UK or Texas requirements, the solutions above cover every scenario. With the right steps, you can smoothly access mature Reddit communities again.
FAQs
How do I verify my age on Reddit?
Open Reddit → access an 18+ subreddit → follow the age-confirmation pop-up. Depending on your region, you may need to upload an ID or complete a selfie verification.
Why does Reddit ask for my ID?
Regions like the UK and Texas legally require age verification to access mature online content.
Why is the Confirm Age button not working?
Usually caused by app bugs, old versions, extensions, cookies, or blocked pop-ups. Try clearing cache, updating the app, switching browsers, or using desktop mode.
Can I bypass Reddit age verification?
Yes—legally—by using the web version, adjusting Reddit settings, browsing logged out, or connecting from a region without strict age-verification laws using a privacy-focused VPN.
Is Reddit selfie verification safe?
Reddit uses third-party age-verification providers that delete data after verification, but caution is still recommended with biometric uploads.
