Discord is a well-known free-to-use voice, text, and video chat app for communicating with friends and family. However, recently, Discord’s age-verification system became much stricter. That requires users to upload ID documents or complete facial verification before re-opening accounts, joining age-restricted servers, or accessing NSFW channels (channels that show inappropriate material for minors, such as explicit or adult material).
While this helps reduce underage use, it also causes headaches for legitimate users, especially those who entered the wrong birthdate, had their account misflagged, or simply don’t feel comfortable sharing personal documents online.
What’s the solution, we hear you ask. A VPN can’t fake your age, but it can help you get around regional blocks, skip verification steps, and access all of Discord’s features when you’re traveling or on a network that restricts it.
Discord’s age-verification prompt is primarily triggered by a combination of your account’s registered age and your IP address’s geographic location. If Discord detects your IP in a strict region (like the UK) and your account lacks age verification, it will enforce the block.
A VPN bypasses this by replacing your local IP address with one from a server in a country without such laws. The platform then sees a connection from, for example, Mexico or Japan, where no mandatory age gate exists for that content, and allows immediate access.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to use a VPN and why using it is one of the safest ways to bypass this restriction.
How to bypass Discord age verification in 3 steps
If you’re eager to get into an age-restricted channel now, follow this simple and easy guide:
- Get a trustworthy VPN to remedy privacy issues during age verification. We strongly recommend NordVPN (currently on over 70% off) because of its speed and broad server network that will reliably allow you to connect to a different location with no strict age verification regulations.
- Connect to a geographic server outside the UK/EU, such as Ireland, Italy, or Denmark, where Discord will not require strict age verification.
- Open Discord and re-join the server. You don’t need to verify age anymore; just hit the “Continue” button and enjoy your Discord experience.
Top VPNs for Discord – Quick list
We know that choosing the right VPN can be a real hassle. That’s why, after extensive research, we curated a list of the top age verification bypass VPN services to use with Discord.
- NordVPN: Our #1 recommended VPN for Discord with rapid speeds and an extensive server network based in a privacy-respecting country.
- Surfshark: Offers unlimited device connections at a very low entry price.
- ExpressVPN: The highest reliability in the industry and the simplest-to-use VPN with top-notch security.
Trying to access Discord without age verification
If you attempt to access a child-locked (18+) channel, or change your Sensitive Media Filter from the “Hide” state to the “Show” state, and you are not age verified, Discord will only do the following:
- Suspend you from the server/channel: You’ll see a “NO CONTENT” message in any 18+ channel, and Discord will immediately prompt you to verify your age.
- Child account suspension: If Discord flags your account, or an external report claims you’re under the minimum age of 13 (or the region-specific minimum, such as 14+ in some EU countries), Discord will suspend or lock your account and restrict access until you verify your age.
More often, if you were to be flagged for an adult in a restricted area, you would receive the mandatory ID/Face Scan prompting. So, you will either follow through or go to a new solution, such as a VPN.
Best VPNs for safer and private Discord access – Detailed list
To best circumvent the new restrictions and access age-restricted Discord channels, you will need a faster, more secure, and more extensive server network VPN. Below is a complete breakdown of the top three expansive options:
1. NordVPN
One of the most favorite VPN services with an extensive number of secure servers and super-reliable speed.
8,000+ secure-VPN servers present in 120+ countries
Owns P2P optimized servers
Offers a double encryption mode
Allows connections to 10 devices simultaneously
30 days of pay-back guarantee
Super-strong protection for web leaks
Has double VPN feature
Comes with customizable kill switch
SmartPlay feature
Has Tor compatibility
Pros
- Premium speed across all locations (almost)
- Beginner-friendly apps
- An effective Threat Protection
Cons
- Some features require technical configuration
NordVPN is arguably the best in the industry because it has the best combination of speed, security, and an extensive server network, all of which are ideal when trying to avoid Discord’s age check.
The VPN is based in Panama, which is a privacy-friendly jurisdiction that doesn’t have any laws about required data retention, and provides a server network with 8,400 servers in 120+ countries. With such a large server network, you will always be able to find a fresh, fast IP in a non-restricted location, such as Ireland or Italy.
It has a proprietary NordLynx protocol, which provides speeds to beat the competition. Some other features, including Threat Protection Pro (antivirus/malware blocker) and Meshnet, which allows secure private tunnels between devices, making it one of the convenient options to bypass Discord’s age verification.
2. Surfshark
A cost-effective VPN network that provides smooth access to almost all types of geo-restricted content or services.
More than 4,500 servers scattered in 100 countries
Robust AES 256-bit encryption
MultiHop mode
No limit for simultaneous connections
Refund your money within 30 days
Boasts CleanWeb feature
Has effective Camouflage mode
Pros
- Special offers for students
- Minimum lags
- A reliable customer support
Cons
- Some features are a bit complicated for beginners
Surfshark is a budget-friendly option that has quickly added its own features and become competitive with more premium options. While its headquarters are located in the Netherlands (as part of the Nine-Eyes), it provides the privacy assurances of an audited no-logs policy, using 100% RAM-only servers that erase all data merely by rebooting.
With 3,200 servers in 100 countries, Surfshark offers great international reach. Its biggest selling point is its unlimited simultaneous connections everywhere, so it’s a fantastic option with multiple devices in households, or if you share it with friends.
It has some unique features, such as CleanWeb (ad/malware blocker) and Dynamic MultiHop, which allows you to create custom double-VPN connections for maximum anonymity. Surfshark’s WireGuard performance has great speed and reliability for all types of online activities, including unblocking Discord activities.
3. ExpressVPN
A privacy-friendly VPN network that offers a large number of advanced security and privacy features with effective unblocking capabilities.
More than 3,000 speedy-VPN servers in 100+ countries
Supports P2P connections
Has effective split tunneling
AES 256-bit solid encryption
Allows up to eight connections at once
TrustedServer technology
No leaks
30 days refund policy
Pros
- Reliable performance and responsiveness
- Stealth protection against DDoS attacks
- Good speeds for gaming and streaming
Cons
- Mobile app lacks some advanced features
ExpressVPN is super reliable, secure, and simple to use on any device. Plus, it is located in the British Virgin Islands, a place that really values privacy and isn’t part of those big US/UK/EU surveillance deals. They have their own proprietary system called the “Lightway” protocol, with over 3,000 servers across 105 countries.
ExpressVPN has an unbeatable commitment to security. They use “TrustedServer Technology” (servers that are RAM only) and have gone through third-party audits (KPMG and Cure53) to corroborate their claims.
If you are a beginner and just need a VPN that “just works” every time to get around the Discord restriction, ExpressVPN is the one. It costs $3.49/month on the 1-year plan, and is the gold standard for guaranteed access and having peace of mind.
Is bypassing age verification on Discord legal?
This is a very important concern for any user who is privacy aware:
| Consideration | Status | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Legality of VPN use | Legal in places | In terms of the legality of using VPNs, it is legal in many countries (such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada) to use a VPN to change your IP. |
| Discord’s terms of service | Potential violation | Because bypassing geo-restrictions could be a potential violation of Discord’s Terms of Service, this could lead to suspension or a permanent ban of your account if it is flagged for trying to circumvent the system. |
| Risk of privacy | Zero legal risk | From the perspective of the end user, the risk is not legal; it is the risk of privacy, by uploading a government ID. A VPN eliminates this risk. |
Important: You are not committing a crime at its own by using a VPN to get around a platform’s restriction. The only risk to you is your Discord account (which can often be remedied); however, for many people using a third-party service, it is a small risk compared to handing over sensitive documents. This begs the question of data breaches, identity theft, and how much data could now be collected when you log onto the platform.
Is Discord’s age verification safe?
The safety of Discord’s age verification process is the single biggest point of contention, and the short answer is no, it is not without critical risk.
The 2025 data breach crisis
The most compelling reason to avoid the official process is the 2025 data breach that exposed the personal IDs of Discord users.
- What happened: Hackers intercepted the third-party customer service vendor that Discord uses to handle manual age-verification appeals.
- The cost: Discord confirmed that around 70,000 users who uploaded government ID photos (passports, driver’s licenses) for manual review had their personal data compromised. Hackers were even reportedly posting user ID selfies online.
It’s apparent that even if the initial face-scan verification is relatively secure (since the data is processed on your device), the manual appeal process creates a major centralized target. When users upload IDs to a third-party verification vendor, that single database becomes a high-value prize for hackers.
This incident shows exactly why you should be cautious. Uploading sensitive documents to any online platform significantly increases your risk of identity theft. For a complete understanding of this threat and how to shield yourself, our guide on what identity theft is and how to avoid it is an essential read.
A strict, independently audited no-log VPN such as NordVPN gives you a safer alternative. Masking your location and preventing region-based verification triggers helps you avoid unnecessary age checks while keeping your identity private and completely out of reach of third-party verification companies.
Reasons Discord implements age verification now
Governments have passed new online safety laws that require platforms to verify user ages, aiming to protect young people on the internet. In response, Discord has actively consulted with different countries to understand their regulations and adjust its app accordingly.
The Online Safety Act
The UK’s 2023 Online Safety Act, now in its implementation phase, imposes strict new rules on platforms like Discord. Its core mandate is to shield users, particularly children, by forcing more rigorous age-verification and screening for violent or adult material.
The act requirements now directly impose age verification standards on online platforms with respect to their UK users, substantially restricting online platforms from relying on third-party age verification, rather than self-reported verification.
Furthermore, for UK Discord’s users, age verification standards concerning membership of NSFW (Not Suitable for Work) Discord Groups will require considerably stricter verification related to identification and biometrics of third-party services tests.
The situation: Why is it necessary to have VPNs
The demand for the verification of age that you might see with services like Yoti (or k-ID) is only one part of the equation. If you care about your privacy, this presents a real challenge for you.
You have to give away (provide) personal information – like government-issued identification and a photo, taken in real-time, of yourself – to a third-party service that is verifying your identity, to enter a chatroom.
In such a case, a VPN is a must-have tool to keep yourself and your data safe from being exposed. It masks your online identity (IP address) and assigns you a new one, helping you hide your online activities.
How to verify your age on Discord without a VPN
Although a VPN is an ideal private option, you can follow the official age verification process for Discord if you are comfortable providing a form of identity information.
Discord currently offers two main official methods, often via third-party providers like k-ID:
Option 1: Face scan (age estimation)
- Select the Face Scan option on the verification screen.
- Allow access to your device’s camera.
- The software will use your facial geometry to estimate your age.
- Discord and the vendor claim they never send your video selfie off your device, and they permanently delete any biometric data once your age is confirmed.
Option 2: Scan ID (document submission)
- Select the Scan ID option. This method may involve scanning a QR code from a mobile device.
- Take a picture of your government-provided identification, whether that be a passport or driver’s license, and make sure that it’s well-lit and clear.
- Take a selfie that can be confirmed with the ID document.
- Discord and the vendor claim they delete the image of your ID immediately after confirming your age group.
Important: This official method is exactly what the VPN solution is designed to avoid, as it involves significant personal data sharing for the official appeal process.
Troubleshooting tips for Discord age verification bypass
If you are encountering persistent errors while trying to complete the process, whether officially or with a VPN, here are the targeted troubleshooting steps to fix the Discord age verification error:
VPN is on, but the prompt won’t go away
Discord might be using old location info saved as cookies, so try clearing your cookies or using a private window before you log in.
VPN IP address blocked
The specific IP address you are using may be blocked. Disconnect from that server and try to connect to a different server in a different city or country (such as switching from Ireland to Italy).
ID photo/Upload is failing multiple times
Make sure your ID is valid, in focus, has four corners, and has no glare. Also, make sure the file type is acceptable.
Face scan is failing (adults)
The Face scan estimation is inherently flawed. Please also check if there is enough light in your room and if your camera lens is clean. Should the legibility of your webcam be poor, use another device.
Official Verification Process Stalled
If the automated verification process did not work, Discord allows you to create a ticket to request a manual review of your age by the Trust & Safety team.
Other popular websites that require age verification in the UK
The UK age assurance is making its way beyond Discord because of the Online Safety Act. More and more online services and platforms are implementing mandatory age checks for users in the UK, so a VPN is proving to be a necessity for their online privacy.
| Service/category | Example | Requirement or restriction |
|---|---|---|
| Adult content platforms | All prominent platforms (for example, Pornhub) | Age verification is mandatory to access any content (typically through ID upload or a payment card). |
| Social media | TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) | There are now age verification compliance and standards in place to prevent children from accessing age-restricted content/ communities. |
| Gaming services | Xbox Live, PlayStation Network | To access some content and/or features (especially content rated 18+), additional assurance of age may be required. |
| Online gambling | All regulated UK betting sites | Mandatory identity and age checks are required upon sign-up and deposit. |
FAQs
This is mainly because of new laws from the governments, most notably the UK’s Online Safety Act and similar legislation in Australia. This legislation creates some form of age verification barrier, or requirement, for online platforms to stop minors from accessing content that has age restrictions. Discord is presumably performing these checks via your IP address, which is why a VPN is the best justifiable workaround.
Discord states that the Face Scan video selfie is processed entirely on your device and never leaves it, and that the ID Scan images are deleted as soon as your age is confirmed. However, the 2025 breach revealed that hackers accessed data submitted through the manual appeal process—specifically, photos of government-issued IDs. This breach reveals that Discord or its vendor held onto that sensitive data during the entire appeals period, exposing users to a risk they were never clearly told about.
No, the use of a VPN to access an age-restricted Discord server is legal. Everywhere around the world, people regularly use VPNs legally for the purposes of security and privacy. You are simply changing your virtual location to get around a geo-restriction to access Discord.
We would recommend avoiding a free VPN. Free services often have limited, easily blocked servers and, more critically, many log your data or sell your activity, completely defeating the purpose of protecting your privacy from verification checks.
If Discord detected a VPN while troubleshooting for an age check, the very first thing to do is just to change your VPN server to a different city/state or even country (for example, switch from Ireland to Italy). You also want to ensure using a premium VPN service with a strong Kill Switch, that provides additional obfuscation features (like NordVPN).
