Need to prove my age after updating ios on iphone

[wimlfs]

I updated the ios on my iphone 17 last week and ever since if I go to settings under my name its showing a banner saying i need to prove I am over 18, I'm 45 and didn't think much of it, just thought I would be able to use my passport but no, you can only use a full driving licence or a credit card.

I don't drive due to my disablility and have never had a credt card as never felt the need for one but it wouldn't let me go any further so I literally had to apply for a credit card which arrived this morning.

Just tried to use it to prove my age and it keeps saying 'failed' even if I try to add it to my actual apple account as a payent method.

Has this happened to anyone else with the age verification? would apple support be able to help with it?

I can't use my phone for much atm as safesearch has been activated on safari etc and has a padlock next to it until I prove I'm over 18.

This sounds like a nightmare. Theres a BBC article with lots of disgruntled people commenting.
It doesn’t give any solutions but you may be able to google a solution for settings. Someone with technical skills will no doubt be able to offer support.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c20qwz9xzr9o#comments

my iPhone is older (15) but that shouldn't matter. I'm on iOS 26.3.1 & not had this.

but I use face recognition & maybe that makes a difference? 😂😂

just ring Apple Support 0800 107 6285. They're brilliant.

According to that article it happens with update 26.4 so you have that delight to come @AnotherName2025 !

I haven't updated my (old) iPhone yet, thanks for mentioning this OP.