Like all UK mobile networks, we try to keep kids safe online by filtering access to adult websites. In line with Ofcom regulations, websites classified as 18+ by the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) are blocked by default. To access them, you’ll need to verify your age. Once it’s done, you won’t need to do it again.
What does this mean for you?
We’ll check you’re over 18 if you try to access adult content on the internet using our network. You might get a ‘Timed out’ or ‘No response’ message if you’re trying to visit a secure site (https).
On this page
Age verification and settings – Pay Monthly
Because you need to be over 18 to get a Pay Monthly contract, your number is already age-verified, but we add adult content filters by default.
Change your content settings
Changing your settings in My O2 is quick and easy. Sign in to My O2 and choose ‘Age-restricted content’ under the ‘My O2’ dropdown menu at the top-left of the page. Next, chose the level of content filtering that’s right for you.
If you’d prefer, you can change your content settings by popping into an O2 store with a valid photo ID, or by calling 61818 from the phone you want to verify, and following the instructions.
Age verification and settings – Pay As You Go
Before you can change your settings to enable access to 18+ websites, you’ll first need to verify your age.
If you’re happy with the default setting to block 18+ content, you can add parental controls to prevent their removal. Once you’ve verified your age, you can restrict access to adult sites at any time.
Verify your age
To verify your age using a credit card, call 61018 from your Pay As You Go phone and follow the instructions. Or, if you’d prefer, you can pop into an O2 store with a valid photo ID, like a driving licence or passport.
Change your content settings with parental controls
To set up and manage parental controls, call 61818 from your Pay As You Go phone. You can add or remove access to 18+ websites, and set up a 4-digit PIN to prevent changes from being made.
Or, if you’d prefer, you can pop into an O2 store, where our team can help with setting up a PIN and changing your settings.
Where can I find out more about online safety for kids?
Explore our online safety page
Pop into an O2 store and chat to one of the team
Internet Matters offers expert advice and practical tips to support your family online.
You can also set up parental controls or adjust your content settings – see the ‘Age verification and settings’ section for your account type above.
What should I do if age restrictions are not working?
The above protections won’t work if you’re using a VPN or handset encryption. In these cases, you can change the settings on the device or use a third-party app to apply parental controls.
Age restriction and age verification FAQs
Sometimes we might block a site by mistake. Or we might miss an adult site that should be blocked. If this happens, simply call customer services to let us know.
Some websites contain illegal content and these are automatically blocked to everyone. We can’t unblock those.
You’ll need to verify your age if age restriction shows as being locked on when you log into My O2. To do this, following the steps above will let you turn it off and see adult content.
Yes.
If you’re a Pay Monthly customer, you can remove age restriction by logging in to My O2. You’ll find the ‘Age restricted content’ option to the left of the page under My O2.
Alternatively, you can pop into one of our O2 stores and prove your age using Photo ID.
It won’t always be your O2 settings that stop you from accessing adult content online. If you’re using Wi-Fi, you’ll either need to check your router settings or talk to your ISP.
You might also need to check your settings with services such as Bing or Google, which offer a SafeSearch functionality to help filter out inappropriate content.
If you’re travelling abroad, you may find that certain website categories are blocked due to local rules and regulations e.g., social media or gambling sites.
Last updated: 20/11/2025
