Banned for being under 18? Here's what you can do

Chitchat is for adults only. If your account was flagged as possibly under 18, you'll see a screen saying so when you open Chitchat. Here's why it happened and how to get back in.

Why this happens

We look for signs that someone may be under 18, to keep Chitchat 18+. For example, a message that gives an age under 18, a username, or how someone looks on camera in video chat. Saying you're under 18 counts, even as a joke. If you're an adult, verifying your age lifts the ban.

If you're 18 or older: verify your age

1. Open Chitchat and select Verify my age on the ban screen. In video chat, the check opens when you select Start Video Chat.
2. Follow the steps. Most people only need a quick camera check. Face the camera somewhere well lit. You may be asked to turn your head. The check starts automatically.
3. If the camera check can't confirm your age, we'll offer another method. This can be a check with your photo ID, done through one of our verification partners.

Once you pass, your ban is lifted automatically and you can go straight back to chatting.

What you need

• A device with a working camera, and camera access enabled.
• Good lighting and a clear view of your face: no hats or sunglasses, and don't hold up a photo or another screen.
• If you're using a guest account, you'll need to claim it first.
• For an ID check: a passport, driver's license or national ID card.

How long it takes

Most checks are automatic and finish within seconds, and the page updates by itself. Occasionally your documents need a manual review, which may take a little longer. If you try several times in a row, checks pause for a few minutes. If an ID check doesn't confirm your age, you can try again later.

What happens to your data

We only use the photos from your check, and your ID if you use one, to confirm your age. For security reasons, we retain the images from your facial check for a short time before deleting them. Our verification partners handle your images under our instructions. More details in our Privacy Policy.

What your verification status means

• Verification in progress: your check is still running. You don't need to do anything, and please don't start another check meanwhile.
• Manual review required: someone needs to look at your documents. This may take a little longer.
• Verification rejected: the check couldn't confirm you're 18 or older and can't be retried. If you think this is a mistake, contact support.
• Verification already used: an ID verification can lift an underage ban only once per account, and yours has already been used. Contact support if you think this is wrong.

How long the ban lasts

An underage ban doesn't expire. It stays until you pass age verification. Waiting won't lift it, and new accounts will not bypass the restriction.

We don't allow pretending to be under 18. If you keep doing it after you've verified your age, your account will be banned permanently, and you won't be able to verify your age to get it back.

If you're under 18

Chitchat is only for adults, so we can't lift your ban. You can still meet people through Chitchat on Discord, where our talk to strangers feature pairs you one-on-one with someone new. Select Chat on Discord on the ban screen. Discord's own rules apply, including its age requirement.

Still stuck?

Email support@chitchat.gg and include your Ban ID. You'll find it at the bottom of the ban screen, with a button to copy it.