With Australia’s recent ban on social media for teens under 16, you may be wondering how to bypass age verification on Instagram to avoid giving out your ID or video selfie to Meta. You’d be right to worry, as some companies have already managed to leak such data.
This guide explains why Instagram asks for age verification, plus what data and tools it uses to confirm your age. You’ll also learn how to bypass those checks with a VPN, whether free VPNs work, and how to view sensitive content without running into constant restrictions.
Why is Instagram asking for age verification in Australia?
Instagram asks for age checks because social media has been banned for anyone under 16 in Australia. By December 10th, 2025, Instagram and other platforms need to remove accounts they suspect belong to younger teens and block new sign-ups unless users prove their age.
These new rules are meant to cut down on teen social media usage, especially over growing concerns about mental health and addictive behavior. Instagram already uses age verification in other countries, too, especially for pages with age-restricted content like alcohol. Note that these age limits are set by the page owners themselves, not Instagram.
However, many feel uncomfortable handing over biometric data or personal documents just to keep using Instagram. Understandably so, considering companies like Discord leaked government IDs submitted for age verification.
Fortunately, you can always use a VPN for Instagram to change your virtual location to a region with no age restrictions. It’s the safest way to bypass age verification on Instagram without uploading your ID or taking a video selfie, and potentially having it leaked later on.
How does Instagram verify a user’s age?
Meta partners with Yoti, an ACCS-accredited age verification service, to confirm your age. You have two options to verify your age on Instagram:
- Taking a video selfie: Instagram sends a still frame from your video to Yoti, which then uses AI technology to estimate your age. Once the companies confirm your age, they delete the selfie within 30 days.
- Uploading a photo of your ID: You can submit a clear photo or scan of your ID that shows your face and birthdate. After Yoti checks the document’s authenticity, both companies delete the file within 30 days.
Instagram recommends physically covering sensitive details like your ID number or social security number before taking the picture. The company rejects digitally altered images, so no MSPaint black bars or Photoshop blur—a piece of paper will do.
Depending on local laws, you may also need to get parental consent to keep using Instagram if its systems place you under a certain age threshold.
How to bypass Instagram age verification with a VPN
Here’s how to use a VPN to change your Instagram location and bypass age verification:
- Sign up for a VPN that works with Instagram: We recommend NordVPN, though Surfshark and Total VPN are great alternatives.
- Download the VPN to your device: Our picks work on Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, and other major systems. This lets you change your IP to bypass Instagram’s age verification on any of your gadgets.
- Install and launch the VPN: If you plan on using Instagram at home and on the go, we recommend installing a VPN on all your devices.
- Connect to a VPN server: Choose a country where Instagram hasn’t implemented strict age verification. Of course, new age check rules keep rolling out in more places, so the list grows shorter by the day.
Note that Instagram might use more than just your IP to check your location. Things like your phone carrier, GPS data, or Wi-Fi network can also give you away. If you can’t get it to work, try using a wired connection on a PC instead of your phone or tablet.
You might also have to clear your browser cookies or log in to Instagram through a private window or Incognito mode. That’s because old cookie files can give away your true location even while using a VPN.
Finally, you may not be able to bypass age checks set by individual Instagram pages. These are added manually by the account owner and don’t rely on your location. Even with a VPN, you’ll still need to meet the page’s set age requirement to view the content.
TRY THE TOP VPN FOR INSTAGRAM RISK-FREE
NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for bypassing Instagram's age verification with no restrictions for a month.
There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
Can I bypass Instagram’s age verification with a free VPN?
You can try using a free VPN to bypass Instagram’s age checks, but keep in mind that Australia and other governments may force Meta to block VPNs and other proxy tools. Free services are usually the first to get blocked, especially as they only have a handful of servers.
Even if they don’t, you may have to deal with slow speeds, monthly data caps, or having your data sold to shady third parties. If a VPN is not in the budget, we recommend going with a reliable free provider like Proton VPN.
How to see sensitive content on Instagram
By default, Instagram is set to deliver less sensitive content in Explore, Reels, hashtag pages, and your feed. There’s no traditional option to “disable” such filtering, but here’s how you can see more sensitive content on Instagram:
- Log in to your Instagram account if you haven’t already.
- Click More, then Settings.
- Scroll down and click on Content preferences, then press Sensitive content.
- Under “Choose how much sensitive content to see,” select More.
While you’re here, you might as well improve your Instagram privacy settings as well. Follow the link to learn more.
Instagram age verification FAQs
What is Instagram's minimum age requirement?
Instagram requires users to be at least 13 years old in most countries, though some regions (like Australia) may set the minimum to 16. You’ll need to enter a birthdate when signing up, and the platform may ask for extra proof later if it suspects you’re under the required age.
Will I get banned if I bypass age verification on Instagram?
You won’t always get banned for trying to bypass Instagram’s age checks, but your account could be disabled if you get caught. Instagram may ask for your ID or use facial analysis to confirm your age, and things can get messy fast if your details don’t match.
Is it legal to use a VPN with Instagram?
Using a VPN with Instagram is legal in most countries, including the US, UK, and Australia. You won’t get in trouble just for changing your IP. However, bypassing age checks might break Instagram’s rules, so your account could still be flagged or disabled.
Does using a VPN to bypass Instagram age checks put teens at risk?
Using a VPN to bypass Instagram’s age verification doesn’t directly harm children if you keep the account secure and don’t share access. It’s understandable to want to shield kids from addictive platforms. However, that shouldn’t come at the cost of handing over your private data to companies that might leak it.
Of course, tech-savvy teens might bypass restrictions using free VPNs or shared devices. Parents should be aware of these tools and talk to their kids about safe internet habits. It helps to keep an eye on app installs, browser history, and how kids use their devices overall.
Related:
