What is reading mode?
Reading mode is the experience for users who are verified as under 18 on Character.AI. In reading mode, you can browse characters and view content on the platform, but chat features are not available. This change was made to help keep younger users safe as the AI landscape continues to evolve.
What can I still do in reading mode?
Even in reading mode, Under-18 users retain access to a wide range of features:
- All past chats remain saved and viewable
- Creating Characters, scenes, and videos
- Imagine Chat and AvatarFX features
- Feed activity: sending stickers, reacting, and supporting creators
Why does Character.AI require age assurance?
All users are required to complete an age assurance check. Age assurance determines which experience is appropriate for your account:
- Users verified as 18 or older continue to have full access to chat with characters and all standard platform features.
- Users verified as under 18 are placed in the Under-18 experience, which includes reading mode. Chat with characters is not available in this experience.
This process helps ensure every user is in the right environment for their age.
Who handles age assurance?
Character.AI has partnered with Persona, a trusted identity assurance provider, to handle all age assurance attempts. Persona is a reputable third-party company that securely processes age assurance submissions — Character.AI does not directly handle or store the documents you submit during this process.
How do I complete age assurance?
The app will typically prompt you to verify your age when required. If you don't see a prompt, you can start the process manually:
On mobile:
Settings → Advanced → Verify Age
(Make sure you're running the latest version of the app.)
On web (character.ai):
Settings → Advanced → Verify Age
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process through Persona.
What happens after I verify?
Completing age assurance process does not automatically grant access to the 18+ experience — the outcome is based on the age information you provide.
- If you are verified as 18 or older: You will have full access to chat with characters.
- If you are verified as under 18: You will be placed in the Under-18 experience. Chat features will not be available, and your account will be in reading mode.
Note: If you are currently under 18 and turn 18 in the future, please contact our support team and we can reset your verification attempts so you can re-verify and become eligible for the 18+ experience.