Xbox age verification in the UK

For some content or features. As of 18 October 2026, Xbox asks UK users to complete an age check for messaging and chat, specific features and age-restricted purchases, applying to UK accounts declaring age 18 or over. First recorded 28 July 2025. The original UK programme covered accounts declaring age 18+. Current Xbox guidance is regional; it does not establish that every restriction or method applies to every UK account. Listed as “uploading a document” on Microsoft’s age-assurance FAQ (24 August 2026); the FAQ does not say which partner handles it for UK accounts. Listed as “facial age estimation” on Microsoft’s age-assurance FAQ (24 August 2026). Not listed on Microsoft’s current age-assurance FAQ (24 August 2026); the July 2025 announcement is the only source for this method.

A face scan (facial age estimation) is one of 4 recorded methods: Photo ID (availability varies by jurisdiction), Facial age estimation (face scan) (availability varies by jurisdiction), Mobile operator check (availability varies by jurisdiction) and Credit card (availability varies by jurisdiction). Providers named: Yoti or Verifymy (Microsoft names both as partners) and Yoti (attribution from the September 2026 record, not confirmed by Microsoft). Which methods a service offers can change; the date each was checked is shown on the page. The original UK programme covered accounts declaring age 18+. Current Xbox guidance is regional; it does not establish that every restriction or method applies to every UK account. Listed as “uploading a document” on Microsoft’s age-assurance FAQ (24 August 2026); the FAQ does not say which partner handles it for UK accounts. Listed as “facial age estimation” on Microsoft’s age-assurance FAQ (24 August 2026). Not listed on Microsoft’s current age-assurance FAQ (24 August 2026); the July 2025 announcement is the only source for this method.

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). 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). Mobile operator check (availability varies by jurisdiction) via Yoti (attribution from the September 2026 record, not confirmed by Microsoft): No published retention period found (checked 18 October 2026). Credit card (availability varies by jurisdiction) via Yoti (attribution from the September 2026 record, not confirmed by Microsoft): No published retention period found (checked 18 October 2026). The original UK programme covered accounts declaring age 18+. Current Xbox guidance is regional; it does not establish that every restriction or method applies to every UK account. Listed as “uploading a document” on Microsoft’s age-assurance FAQ (24 August 2026); the FAQ does not say which partner handles it for UK accounts. Listed as “facial age estimation” on Microsoft’s age-assurance FAQ (24 August 2026). Not listed on Microsoft’s current age-assurance FAQ (24 August 2026); the July 2025 announcement is the only source for this method.

This site records what the service publishes; it does not troubleshoot or offer workarounds. Xbox's own help page is https://support.xbox.com/en-GB/help/family-online-safety/online-safety/age-assurance. The record lists 4 methods; availability depends on the service and account: Photo ID (availability varies by jurisdiction), Facial age estimation (face scan) (availability varies by jurisdiction), Mobile operator check (availability varies by jurisdiction) and Credit card (availability varies by jurisdiction). If you do not complete the check, the service states: The account stays unverified and some content or features may be restricted by region. Games and content already owned remain accessible and playable. The original UK programme covered accounts declaring age 18+. Current Xbox guidance is regional; it does not establish that every restriction or method applies to every UK account. Listed as “uploading a document” on Microsoft’s age-assurance FAQ (24 August 2026); the FAQ does not say which partner handles it for UK accounts. Listed as “facial age estimation” on Microsoft’s age-assurance FAQ (24 August 2026). Not listed on Microsoft’s current age-assurance FAQ (24 August 2026); the July 2025 announcement is the only source for this method.