How to bypass age verification on Instagram in Australia

Near the end of 2025, Australia banned social media for teenagers under 16, including Instagram. This has brought to light data privacy issues that could arise when providing ID for age verification.

If you’re worried about this, then you have every right to be, as some companies have already managed to leak data.

This article explains why Instagram asks for age verification and how these checks can be easily bypassed.

Why is age verification in place for Instagram in Australia?

Australia has banned social media use by users under 16. Since December 10th, 2025, Instagram and other platforms have been required to verify that users are 16 or older to use their services. These social media platforms must also remove the accounts of underage users.

The main reasoning behind this restriction was the growing concerns around mental health and addictive behavior surrounding social media use. That said, there are concerns about how well Instagram will handle user data.

This is somewhat justified, as companies have been known to leak user data. An example of this is a Discord leak of government ID photo data.

If you are concerned about data privacy, you can use a VPN to bypass the age verification step. This prevents you from having to upload a photo of yourself or your government ID.

How does Instagram’s age verification work?

Meta (the parent company of Instagram) partners with Yoti to facilitate age verification. There are two ways to verify your age on Instagram:

Video selfie: The video selfie option lets users take a picture of themselves, which they then submit to Yoti. Yoti then uses AI to estimate the user’s age.
Uploading an ID photo: This option lets you submit a photo of your ID that shows your face and birthdate.

In both instances, your photo will be deleted within 30 days.

Instagram advises users to block sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers and ID numbers. Digital alterations are not allowed, so you must physically block this information with a piece of paper.

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’s age verification with a VPN

Ready to bypass age checks? Follow these steps to bypass Instagram’s age verification measures:

Sign up for a VPN that works with Instagram. I recommend NordVPN because it offers a large server network, fast connection speeds, strong unblocking capabilities, and robust security. Plus, it comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Download the VPN app onto your device(s). Some of the providers listed below allow unlimited simultaneous connections. Once installed, launch the VPN app.
Connect to a VPN server in a country that does not require age verification. Age verification is being rolled out in more places across the world, so pick wisely.

Instagram might use more than just your IP address to determine your location, such as your phone carrier information, GPS data, or WiFi network. If you can’t get it to work, try using a wired connection on a PC instead of your phone or tablet.

You should also clear your browser cookies, as old cookie files can reveal your true location even while using a VPN.

What are the best VPNs for Instagram in Australia?

For detailed reviews of the best VPNs for Instagram, check out this article. If all you need is a quick summary to help you decide, take a look at the list below.

The best VPNs for bypassing Instagram’s age verification:

NordVPN: My number one choice for Instagram in Australia. It has a huge network of fast servers, offers strong security features, and unblocks geo-restricted services with ease. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark: The best budget option for Instagram. It doesn’t store any logs, unblocks all social media platforms, and offers unlimited simultaneous connections.
ExpressVPN: A great streaming VPN. It is very secure and can unblock services like Instagram without any issues.
CyberGhost VPN: Offers a large server network, with specialized servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming.
PrivateVPN: A privacy-conscious VPN with great unblocking ability. Comes with a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a no-logs policy.
IPVanish: Allows you to connect all of your devices at once, so you can access Instagram at home and on the go.
Private Internet Access: A lightweight option with the largest server network on this list. Capable of bypassing Instagram’s age restrictions.

Other related articles:

How to view sensitive content on Instagram

Instagram is set to hide sensitive content by default in Explore, Reels, hashtag pages, and your feed. Here’s how you can view sensitive content on Instagram:

If you haven’t already, log in to your Instagram account.
Click on More > Settings.
Now, head to Content preferences. Select Sensitive content.
Under “Choose how much sensitive content to see”, select More.

Here, you can also improve your Instagram privacy settings as well.

FAQs: How to bypass age verification on Instagram in Australia

Can I use a free VPN to bypass Instagram’s age restriction?

I don’t recommend using a free VPN. This is because if Australia chooses to force Meta to block VPNs and proxy tools, free VPNs will likely be the hardest hit. They have limited servers and IP addresses, which makes it easier for services to track them down and stop them in their tracks.

In addition, free VPNs tend to significantly slow down user connections and may even impose data caps. They may also lack security features such as encryption, and some free VPNs have even been known to sell user data for profit.

That said, if you must rely on a free VPN, I recommend Proton VPN’s free plan. This is a free plan with limited server locations backed by a solid paid provider.

What is Instagram’s minimum age requirement?

Instagram requires users to be at least 13 years old in most countries. Some nations, such as Australia, set the minimum age to 16.

Will I be banned for bypassing Instagram's age verification?

Not necessarily. However, your account could be disabled if caught doing so. Instagram may ask for your ID or conduct a facial analysis to confirm your age in such cases.