Can you prove you’re an adult on your iPhone without handing over a credit card or ID? With iOS 27.2 and iPadOS 27.2, you can take a selfie instead.
Apple’s age-estimation model checks the selfie for you. There’s a limit, though. Apple’s support page lists the selfie option only for Australia, Brazil, Singapore and the UK.
Why iOS 27.2 Asks You to Confirm Your Age
Apple asks for adult confirmation where the law requires it. Its region rules currently cover six places:
- Australia
- Brazil
- Singapore
- South Korea
- The UK
- The United States (Texas only)
As of Apple’s October 26 documentation, South Korea and Texas aren’t listed for the selfie option.
You might be asked when you create a new Apple Account or update your device’s software. Changing certain safety settings can trigger it too. So can downloading or buying apps rated 18+.
You only need to confirm once. If you skip it, you can keep using your device. Some services, features or account actions may stay blocked until you confirm.
How to Confirm Your Age With a Selfie
You need iOS or iPadOS 27.2 or later, and the option must be available in your region. The update also brings bigger Siri AI changes. When the age prompt appears, follow these steps:
- Choose the option to take a selfie, then tap Get Started.
- Hold your device in front of you and center your face in the frame.
- Move your head slowly right, left, up and down to capture all four angles. Follow the onscreen guidance as you go.
Tips if the scan doesn’t work
- Use even lighting. Indoors works best.
- Move closer to the camera.
- Remove masks, hats and sunglasses.
- Keep only your face in the frame.
- Tap Accessibility Options for spoken instructions or reduced directions.
If it still fails, check your internet connection and try again. You can also switch to a credit card or government ID.
Other Ways to Prove You’re an Adult
- Credit card: it must belong to you
- Passport scan: available in Australia, Brazil, Singapore, the UK and Texas
- Driver’s license or government-issued ID
Debit cards and gift cards aren’t supported. That hurts people who don’t hold a credit card. Their only options are a face scan or an ID.
Under-18s may need to join a Family Sharing group with a confirmed adult, depending on their region. Some actions may stay unavailable until they turn 18.
What Happens to Your Selfie
Apple says its age-estimation models run on your device and on Private Cloud Compute, its own cloud servers. The results are then combined on the device. Apple says nobody can access the selfie, Apple included.
Once your age is confirmed, Apple says the selfie is deleted and “isn’t retained in any form.” Those are Apple’s assurances, and we can’t independently verify them.
The selfie is the least-data option Apple offers in these four markets. Still, part of the scan is processed in Apple’s cloud. The requirement itself comes from age-check laws, which are spreading from California to Greece.
Sources: Apple Support, Apple Support (region rules)
