Roblox Chat 2026: The New Age-Based Chat System Explained

On January 7, 2026, Roblox introduced one of the biggest changes in its history: an age-based chat system that requires age verification for all users worldwide. Roblox is the first major gaming platform to take this step. But what does it actually mean for your child and your family? This guide explains everything you need to know.

What Changed?

Since January 7, 2026, all Roblox users must verify their age before they can use the chat function. Without verification, chat is locked. This applies to both new and existing accounts.

Key Facts

On February 6, 2026, Roblox also published an “Age Check to Chat Fast-Follow Roadmap” with new API methods for developers, showing that the platform is actively expanding the system.

The Six Age Groups

The new system divides all users into six age groups. Each group has different chat permissions:

What Are “Trusted Connections”?

Users can mark certain other players as “Trusted Connections” — similar to a close friends list. Within these trusted connections, players can communicate across age group boundaries. This allows, for example:

• Siblings of different ages to chat with each other
• Close real-life friends to stay connected
• Parents to communicate with their children on the platform

Parents should regularly check who their child has added as a Trusted Connection.

How Does Age Verification Work?

Roblox offers two methods for age verification:

Method 1: Photo Selfie

1. Roblox asks you to take a selfie
2. An AI compares the photo against typical age markers
3. Based on the analysis, an age group is assigned
4. The photo is deleted after processing

Method 2: Government ID

1. Upload a photo of a valid ID (driver’s license, passport)
2. The date of birth is automatically read
3. The exact age group is assigned
4. The ID photo is deleted after processing

Privacy and Data Protection

For parents of younger children: Age verification should ideally be done together, so you can guide the process and answer your child’s questions.

What This Means for Parents

Children Under 9

Your child has the highest level of protection. Free-text chat is completely locked — only preset, child-safe messages can be used. This significantly reduces the risk of inappropriate contact.

Children Ages 9 to 12

Your child can chat with other children in the same age group, but not with teenagers or adults. This means the main contact channel to potentially problematic users is closed.

Teens Ages 13 to 17

Your child has expanded chat options but still age-appropriate restrictions. 13–15-year-olds can only communicate with users up to 17, while 16–17-year-olds can chat with anyone 13 and up.

Checklist: What Parents Should Do Now

• Complete age verification together with your child
• Verify the assigned age group is correct
• Review your child’s Trusted Connections
• Talk to your child about the new chat rules
• Check safety settings in the account
• Enable PIN protection for settings changes

What This Means for Kids

Your Chat Still Works — Just Differently

If you play Roblox, you’ve probably noticed that chat works differently now. Don’t worry: you can still play and chat with your friends.

What You Need to Know

• You need to verify your age before you can chat. You can do this with a selfie or an ID
• You can chat with players in your age group — that means people who are roughly your age
• Trusted Connections are players you trust. You can chat with them even if they’re in a different age group
• Your friends are still your friends — you can keep playing together, even if chat between your age groups is limited

How to Verify Your Age

1. Open Roblox and go to Settings
2. Select “Age Verification”
3. Take a selfie or upload an ID photo
4. Done — your chat is unlocked

Tip: If you’re under 18, ask your parents to help you with the verification process.

Pros and Concerns

What Speaks for the New System

• Better protection for younger players — children under 9 can’t be messaged by strangers
• Age-appropriate communication — each group gets suitable chat options
• Reduced risk of cybergrooming and inappropriate contact
• Transparency — parents know which group their child is in
• Industry leadership — Roblox is setting the standard for the entire gaming industry

Valid Concerns

• Privacy — selfies and ID data, even if stored briefly, may concern some parents
• Wrong age group — AI-based age estimation isn’t perfect
• Workarounds — kids might try to use a parent’s ID for a higher age group
• Limited contact — friend groups with different ages get separated (except via Trusted Connections)
• Gaming experience — some players find the restrictions disruptive

What the Community Says

The Roblox community is divided. Many parents welcome the change as an overdue step for their children’s safety. Some players complain about the restrictions, especially when playing with friends of different ages. The Trusted Connections feature is designed to address this concern.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

The age-based chat system is an important step for safety on Roblox — and a signal to the entire gaming industry. For the first time, a major platform systematically ensures that children can only communicate with age-appropriate contacts.

For parents, this means: more control and fewer worries. For kids, it means: a safer gaming experience that’s still fun.

Key Takeaways

• Age verification is mandatory — no verification, no chat
• 6 age groups protect against inappropriate contact
• Trusted Connections allow exceptions for real friends and family
• Privacy is maintained according to Roblox
• Parents should complete verification together with their child

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This article is based on information available as of February 2026. Roblox is actively developing the system further.

Official source: Roblox Safety Center