Minecraft: age checks in the UK

For some content or features. As of 18 October 2026, Minecraft asks UK users to complete an age check for messaging and chat, applying to all UK users. First recorded February 2026. Minecraft’s page names Java Edition chat; it does not say whether Bedrock Edition chat or other multiplayer features are restricted. Microsoft: “If you are in the United Kingdom, you can verify your age now by selecting the Verify your age button”; the options “vary by country and region”. Microsoft: “Different countries/regions have different age verification partners.” The UK is listed as a country where you can verify now.

A face scan (facial age estimation) is one of 2 recorded methods: Facial age estimation (face scan) (availability varies by jurisdiction) and Photo ID (availability varies by jurisdiction). Provider named: Yoti or Verifymy (Microsoft names both as partners). Which methods a service offers can change; the date each was checked is shown on the page. Minecraft’s page names Java Edition chat; it does not say whether Bedrock Edition chat or other multiplayer features are restricted. Microsoft: “If you are in the United Kingdom, you can verify your age now by selecting the Verify your age button”; the options “vary by country and region”. Microsoft: “Different countries/regions have different age verification partners.” The UK is listed as a country where you can verify now.

Facial age estimation (face scan) (availability varies by jurisdiction) via Yoti or Verifymy (Microsoft names both as partners): "It is securely processed by our trusted age assurance partner and deleted after the process is complete." (support.microsoft.com, dated 24 August 2026; checked 18 October 2026). Photo ID (availability varies by jurisdiction) via Yoti or Verifymy (Microsoft names both as partners): "It is securely processed by our trusted age assurance partner and deleted after the process is complete." (support.microsoft.com, dated 24 August 2026; checked 18 October 2026). Minecraft’s page names Java Edition chat; it does not say whether Bedrock Edition chat or other multiplayer features are restricted. Microsoft: “If you are in the United Kingdom, you can verify your age now by selecting the Verify your age button”; the options “vary by country and region”. Microsoft: “Different countries/regions have different age verification partners.” The UK is listed as a country where you can verify now.

This site records what the service publishes; it does not troubleshoot or offer workarounds. Minecraft's own help page is https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/43413776295437-Troubleshoot-Minecraft-Java-Edition-Chat-Access. The record lists 2 methods; availability depends on the service and account: Facial age estimation (face scan) (availability varies by jurisdiction) and Photo ID (availability varies by jurisdiction). If you do not complete the check, the service states: Microsoft: the account “will be treated as unverified”; Minecraft: Java Edition chat “may be restricted for unverified accounts”. Xbox Support: “Games and content you already own are not affected.” Minecraft’s page names Java Edition chat; it does not say whether Bedrock Edition chat or other multiplayer features are restricted. Microsoft: “If you are in the United Kingdom, you can verify your age now by selecting the Verify your age button”; the options “vary by country and region”. Microsoft: “Different countries/regions have different age verification partners.” The UK is listed as a country where you can verify now.