Seeing “This post is age-protected” or missing features like live streaming on TikTok? You’re likely facing age restrictions tied to the birth date on your account.
In 2025, TikTok enforces strict age limits to comply with laws like COPPA and protect younger users from mature content. If you’re over 18 but still restricted, it’s often due to an incorrect birth date or settings like Restricted Mode.
This guide shows you how to fix age restrictions on TikTok to access all features and content.
TikTok’s 1.5 billion users face age-based limits that block features like messaging or gifting for those under 18. Fixing these restrictions is critical if you entered the wrong birth date or if settings are blocking content.
Below, we outline three methods to resolve age restrictions, plus tips to avoid issues. Whether you’re a creator or casual user, these steps will help you regain full access to TikTok’s features.
Method 1: Turn Off Restricted Mode
Restricted Mode filters out mature content, often causing age restriction errors, even for users over 18. Here’s how to disable it:
- Open TikTok and tap Profile in the bottom right.
- Tap the three-line menu in the top right.
- Go to Settings and Privacy > Content Preferences.
- Tap Restricted Mode.
- Toggle Restricted Mode to Off.
- Enter the 4-digit passcode you set when enabling it. If you forgot it, tap Forgot Passcode? and follow the prompts.
- Tap Next to confirm.
This method works only if the age registered on your TikTok is over 18. If restrictions persist, your registered age may be incorrect, so try Method 2.
Method 2: Request a Birth Date Change
TikTok locks your birth date after signup, but you can request a change through support if it’s wrong. This unlocks features like live streaming or messaging.
Follow these steps:
- Open TikTok and tap Profile > three-line menu.
- Go to Settings and Privacy > Report a Problem.
- Select Account and Profile > Editing Profile > Other.
- Tap Need More Help?
- Write: “My birth date is incorrect. Please update it to [correct date]. I can provide ID.”
- Attach a clear photo of a government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport) showing your name and birth date. Use the camera icon to upload up to four images.
- Tap Submit and wait 3–7 days for a response via email.
TikTok may take longer due to high request volumes. If approved, your age updates, and restrictions lift for users 18+. Avoid lying about your age, as false information can lead to a permanent ban.
Method 3: Create a New Account
If support doesn’t respond or you can’t provide ID, create a new account with the correct birth date. This is a last resort, as you’ll lose followers, videos, and data.
Here’s how:
- Open TikTok and tap Profile > three-line menu > Settings and Privacy.
- Scroll to Log Out and confirm.
- Tap Sign Up and choose an option (e.g., email, phone).
- Enter a birth date making you 18+ (e.g., before June 24, 2007, for 2025).
- Complete signup with a username and password.
- Verify your email or phone number if prompted.
To minimize disruption:
- Use a similar username to your old account.
- Announce your new account to followers via other platforms.
- Download your old account’s data (Settings and Privacy > Download Your Data) before switching.
This method works but resets your For You page and connections.
TikTok’s Age-Based Restrictions
TikTok tailors features by age to ensure safety:
- Under 13: Accounts are banned. No public access or features.
- 13–15: Private accounts by default, no messaging, live streaming, or mature content.
- 16–17: Public accounts allowed, limited messaging, live streaming with 1,000+ followers, no gifting.
- 18+: Full access to messaging, live streaming, gifting, and all content.
If your account is flagged as underage, you’ll see errors like “Post unavailable: This post is age-protected.” Fixing your age or settings resolves these.
Why Age Restrictions Happen
Age restrictions kick in due to:
- Incorrect Birth Date: Entering a wrong date during signup locks you into underage limits.
- AI Flagging: TikTok’s algorithms may misjudge your age based on content or activity, triggering verification.
- User Reports: Others reporting your account as underage can prompt restrictions.
- Parental Controls: Family Pairing may enforce limits if linked to a parent’s account.
- Glitches: App bugs can apply restrictions incorrectly, especially after updates.
X posts in 2025 show users over 18 facing sudden restrictions, often fixed by updating age or disabling Restricted Mode.
Tips to Avoid Future Issues
- Use Correct Birth Date: Enter your real age during signup to avoid restrictions.
- Update App: Keep TikTok updated to fix bugs causing erroneous restrictions.
- Check Family Pairing: Ensure no parental controls are active (Settings and Privacy > Family Pairing).
- Monitor Account Status: Review Settings and Privacy > Account for bans or flags.
- Backup Data: Download your data regularly to preserve videos if you need a new account.
| Method | Speed | Effectiveness | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turn Off Restricted Mode | Immediate | High (if 18+) | Requires passcode, may not work if age is wrong |
| Request Birth Date Change | 3–7 days | High | Needs ID, slow response time |
| Create New Account | Immediate | High | Loses followers, videos, and data |
FAQ
Why am I seeing “This post is age-protected”?
Your account’s birth date is likely under 18, or Restricted Mode is on. Disable Restricted Mode or update your age via support.
Can I fix restrictions without ID?
Yes, try disabling Restricted Mode or creating a new account. ID is needed only for birth date changes.
What if I’m under 18?
You can’t disable age restrictions. Accounts for users under 13 are banned, and those 13–17 have limited features.
How long does TikTok take to update my age?
Expect 3–7 days for a response. Check your email, including spam, for updates.
Will a new account fix all restrictions?
Yes, if you enter a birth date making you 18+. But you’ll lose your old account’s data.
Conclusion
To fix age restrictions on TikTok in 2025, disable Restricted Mode if you’re over 18, request a birth date change through support with ID, or create a new account with the correct age.