What to know

  • As of September 4, users confirm the anonymous browsing bug remains unfixed: NSFW content is blocked and the “confirm age” button does nothing.
  • Some report odd workarounds, like tapping the button multiple times, or switching to the web version instead of the app.
  • Reddit’s Anonymous Browsing mode hides activity from your account, but age-verification policies now override it globally.
  • Under 18 users remain blocked from NSFW content, with stricter enforcement than before.

The latest updates from users (September 4)

Redditors on r/bugs and r/help continue to flag issues with anonymous browsing.

On r/bugs, one thread describes the bug as ongoing:

“NSFW content is unviewable in anonymous mode… confirm age does nothing.”

Others chimed in with frustration:

“Same issue here.”
“Hope they fix this soon.”

One user even found a strange workaround:

“Did you try pressing the button thrice? … I saw that nsfw pop-up come thrice. … it worked for me.”

On r/help, the same bug was reported again:

“I still can’t view NSFW subs in anonymous browsing… it wants me to verify my age. When I tap ‘confirm age’ nothing happens. … I am not from the UK, and I don’t have any VPN on.”

Another vented:

“It’s stupid imo cuz I use the anonymous thing for… NSFW stuff and don’t want to get it associated with my main account and now it doesn’t work. I’m not from the UK either. Hopefully they fix it.”

Some suggested switching to Reddit’s web interface as a workaround, which sometimes allows verification to complete when the app fails.

How anonymous browsing is supposed to work

Anonymous Browsing, available in Reddit’s mobile apps, is meant to let you browse communities without linking activity to your account. While it hides searches and recommendations, it doesn’t bypass age gates or content filters.

Reddit itself cautions in its Help Center:

“Anonymous Browsing may be impacted in the UK due to age verification requirements.”

Why Reddit asks for age confirmation

Reddit rolled out stricter age verification under the UK’s Online Safety Act. Mature content—including NSFW subs and sensitive themes—now often requires ID-based verification.

The steps:

  1. Enter your birthdate.
  2. Use third-party provider Persona to submit ID or selfie.
  3. Persona confirms your age, deletes documents within ~7 days.

Reddit itself stores only your “verified” status and birthdate. More details are explained in Reddit Help.

What happens if you’re under 18

  • Under 13 → Accounts deleted.
  • 13–17 → Can use Reddit but can’t access or moderate NSFW communities.
  • Anonymous Browsing → NSFW locked, since no ID can be tied to verification.

This bug is effectively treating all anonymous users like under-18s, regardless of age.

User reactions and privacy concerns

Redditors remain uneasy about ID checks:

On r/AskUK, one user clarified:

“It’s the third party Reddit uses for ID verification. Your ID isn’t going to Reddit, just them, and they tell Reddit your age.”

On r/privacy, another wrote:

“I gave Reddit my ID… how worried should I be?”

Others vented about anonymous mode being broken on r/help:

“I have the exact same problem… It's stupid imo cuz I use the anonymous thing… now it doesn't work. I'm not from the UK either.”

Privacy advocates highlight risks: data breaches, government access, or scope creep. Many instead recommend VPNs to mask location and avoid verification gates.

  • UK’s Online Safety Act forces robust age checks for adult content.
  • VPNs let users outside the UK model bypass restrictions.
  • Critics warn of surveillance creep and loss of anonymity online.

Summary table

Scenario What Happens / Action Needed
Anonymous Browsing (outside UK) NSFW blocked; confirm age button broken
Accessing mature content (UK only) Must verify ID via Persona
Under 18 users NSFW blocked; moderation rights restricted
Age verification provided Reddit saves only status + birthdate
Workarounds Multiple taps or using web sometimes works
VPN bypass Works for UK restrictions, not official

Deciding if it’s right for you

Right now, anonymous browsing is unreliable for NSFW access. UK users must verify ID, and everyone else is running into bugs that block content. If you’re outside the UK, a VPN may help, but ID verification is the only “official” path.

For under-18s, Reddit remains closed off to adult content no matter the mode. For adults, the trade-off is between privacy (keeping ID private) and access (submitting verification).