How to turn off TikTok age protection to access restricted content

The age protection features on TikTok exist to ensure the safety of users below the required age. However,  it can also cause unintended problems, as it may incorrectly prevent adult users from accessing desired content. If you’re over 18 and still running into age protected TikTok issues, there are ways to fix it. 

This detailed guide will demonstrate how to deactivate age protection features on TikTok and give instructions for parents who want to know more about TikTok age verification and content restrictions. So, let’s dive in!

What is age protection on TikTok?

Age restriction on TikTok prevents underage users from accessing inappropriate content. The warning message “This post is age-protected” tells you the platform detects your age as below its minimum viewing requirements.

The TikTok age policy exists within specialized guidelines for both users and administrators. People who are under 13 years old cannot own a TikTok account because of COPPA policies. The safety feature is necessary, but mature users often find it too annoying since errors often happen.

Users under 18 on TikTok will often see restricted content messages on videos and may be blocked from live streaming due to age limitations implemented by the platform to protect younger audiences. This works through features like “Restricted Mode” which filters out inappropriate content for younger users, and by requiring age verification for live streaming capabilities.

Why does this matter?

The platform implements this measure to stop young users from accessing videos with adult content. Parents who feel their teens need protection from mature content enjoy peace of mind. However, many people over 25 struggle to fix the age-protected TikTok error. 

The cause of improper age protection on TikTok could stem from a misentered birthdate on your account. Luckily, there are many easy-to-fix the “this post is age protected” error. However, before we get into that, let’s cover a few specifics around age restricted TikTok. 

Features restricted by age protection

Here are a couple of things that will get blocked out when TikTok age verification thinks you’re under 18. 

• Watching age-restricted content: Uncensored videos on the platform require users to be of a certain age because they display “This post is age-protected” messages.

• Go Live: Users younger than 18 cannot perform live-stream broadcasts on TikTok under its age protection rules. No exceptions.

• Sending or receiving gifts: Young users under 18 years old cannot access the gifting option in TikTok’s system either when sending or receiving gifts. No virtual diamonds for you!

• Messaging strangers: Young TikTok users cannot send messages to strangers through the Direct Messaging feature. TikTok Tok keeping those DMs clean.

• Getting full for your page access: Young users typically receive restricted For You Page access because TikTok uses content filtering to provide a limited viewing experience.

A failed age protection system may prevent your access to features that belong to your age bracket. Let’s fix that!

Why is an 18+ TikTok show age protected?

Even after disabling Restricted Mode and attaining the required age of 18, you encounter age protection messages from TikTok. What gives?! 

Here’s why:

• Incorrect birthday data — The platform will block mature content if your account uses an incorrect birth date, regardless of whether you entered the wrong information or if TikTok detects an issue.

• Overly cautious AI — TikTok runs its content protection algorithms excessively. Sometimes, its system improperly marks content that should be available to every user. Overprotection has gone wild.

• Flagged account — Your TikTok account gets restricted by the system after algorithmic suspicion of underage status or when others report you to the platform.

• Bugs — Bug or glitch is one of those instances where age protection TikTok not working is pretty common. Try logging out and back in.

• Parental controls — The use of Family Pairing mode may prevent you from viewing mature content. You need to approach your parents to discuss the matter.

Can you fix the “This post is age-protected” error?

Solutions for this issue depend on the source of the problem. But don’t worry, we’ve got a fix for every situation. Removing restricted mode might solve the age protection problem at times. In other situations, age verification is a must. The following guide explains the step-by-step process to eliminate age restrictions for accessing desired content on TikTok. 

How to turn off age protection on TikTok: 3 ways

Age protection on TikTok can be resolved through three distinct actions. 

1. The first solution for users who are 18 years and older is to prevent Restricted Mode from engaging because it serves as a content filter. 
2. Just check your birthdate as mentioned on your TikTok account. If it is not accurate and you’re unsure of how to confirm your age on TikTok, just send an appeal to the TikTok support team. 
3. Changing the account will also cause the restrictions to disappear. Having a new account with the proper birthdate remains your best choice when TikTok fails to accept your correct age. 

Now that you know all the ways, We will introduce you to the detailed instructions for each method. Here is how to fix the age restriction on TikTok. 

Turn off TikTok restricted mode for over 18

1. Open TikTok and tap your profile (bottom right).
2. Tap the three-line menu (top right) and go to “Privacy and Settings”.

3. Scroll to “Content Preferences” and tap “Restricted Mode.”
4. Enter your passcode (set when enabling Restricted Mode).
5. Tap Turn Off and confirm.

How to fix age verification on TikTok?

Here is how to verify age on TikTok. 

1. Open TikTok and tap your profile.
2. Go to “Settings and Privacy” > “Report a Problem.”

3. Tap “Account & Profile” > “Editing Profile” > Other.
4. Choose ”Need More Help“ and write a request to update your birthday data.
5. Or, from the appeal notification, and tap “Appeal” to begin the appeal process.
6. Attach a selfie with a valid ID (passport, driver’s license, or government-issued ID).
7. Submit and wait for TikTok’s response on this TikTok age verification appeal.

Steps of creating a new account

1. Open TikTok and tap Sign Up.
2. Choose phone, email, or social media to register.
3. Enter your correct birthdate (very important!).
4. Complete verification and set up your profile.
5. Start fresh, no more age protection errors! 

Why TikTok age protection may fail and how to prevent risks?

The age-filtering system on TikTok experiences operational problems because it mistakenly allows children to access age-restricted content. Similarly, it sometimes prevents adults from viewing appropriate content.  The reasons behind this issue include:

• TikTok will improperly restrict content when users supply incorrect information about their birth date during account creation.
• Technical errors within TikTok operation lead to the inaccurate labeling of content by its system.
• Some TikTok users evade restrictions by pretending to be older than they actually are to get through age filters.
• The AI algorithms on TikTok function with imperfect precision. The application system permits inappropriate videos to get through even though it blocks acceptable content.

Risks of failed age protection

• Being exposed to mature content: The viewing of inappropriate content becomes possible because children encounter violent and sexual or harmful videos created for adult audiences.

• Online predators: the absence of age limitations enables dangerous strangers to communicate with minors through private messages as well as live broadcasting.

• Scams: Young users face exposure to deception and exploitation through false giveaway offers and phishing code links, as well as financial deception attempts.

• Mental health issues: Without age restriction, children face exposure to adult content that has adverse effects on their psychological state along with their sense of self-worth.

The age protection system at TikTok has its shortcomings, which makes user vigilance essential.

Parental tips for kids’ safety on TikTok

Your duty to protect your children on TikTok requires more than setting guidelines. Kids are always curious about new things, and they don’t consider the drawbacks of being exposed to mature content. So, here are a couple of tips to help you along your parenting journey. 

• Settings age restrictions: Parents should sign up their children with correct birth dates and then activate Restricted Mode through Settings > Content Preferences > Restricted Mode.

• Using Family Pairing: The Family Pairing Mode allows you to monitor their content viewing as well as messages alongside screen time management capabilities through an account connection. Users can locate Family Pairing under Settings.

• Using parental control apps: Rely on parental control software applications that surpass TikTok parental features by giving you better tracking capabilities. You can use FlashGet Kids to monitor their usage time and set usage parameters while also blocking website access.

• Using DM restrictions: Their DM option must be deactivated and their account should have restricted interaction enabled by modifying the privacy settings

• Educating kids: Children need training about dangers that exist online, including schemas targeting them and the risks posed by predators. You should also make them aware of the complications that result from providing excessive personal details.

Takeaways

The age protection system on TikTok exists for one primary goal which is to safeguard vulnerable users. The system becomes annoying when it prevents adult users or allows inappropriate content to pass by. 

Users who are 18 or older with restricted access can deactivate the settings by disabling Restricted Mode and verifying their age. They also have the option to open a new account. Parents should consider establishing Family Pairings with their children while employing FlashGet Kids and modifying privacy options to guarantee that their kids remain protected.

Bottom line? Adjust your TikTok experience by using the platform settings in a way that respects its age requirement guidelines.