Xbox Rolls Out 18+ Age Verification In Australia 1

The next time you're looking to buy a game on the Xbox Store, you may be prompted to confirm your age.

Xbox is now asking users in Australia (and even some in New Zealand) to verify their age before purchasing 18+ rated games, both on console and through the Microsoft Store on PC.

Users are now being sent the below message as verification beings to roll out down under:

"As part of our compliance program in Australia, beginning late August 2026, adult XBOX accounts must verify their age to be able to access apps and games rated 18+ on the Microsoft and XBOX Store. Access to such content may be restricted unless you verify your age. Apps and games you already own won't be affected. Select below to verify now. Please ignore if you've already verified."

Australia now joins the UK and several US states in implementing age verification requirements for accessing certain features. Microsoft told us last year to expect "more regions in the future", so it's likely we'll see more countries follow suit.

If you'd rather verify your age ahead of being prompted, or you've just been asked to do so, you'll likely need to sign in to your Microsoft account and provide one of the following:

  • Government-issued ID (Driver's license, passport, national ID)
  • Email-based age verification
  • Credit card
  • Facial age estimation using a secure selfie

Personally, I was rebelling against the (UK) verification until it was eventually forced upon me sometime later this year, but after researching this article, I've accidentally verified my age anyway. Drat.

Does this actually protect anyone? Talk to us about it down in the comments.