Character.AI after the under-18 ban: what users say
Shared report · updated Oct 1, 2026
Character.AI isn't just another AI chat app—it's a playground for your imagination, creativity, and exploration.
Entertainment · Free · out since 2023 · from the App Store descriptionSample3,000 reviews1,500 Google Play · 1,500 App Store
Which reviewsNatural mixRelease check
DatesAug 1, 2025 to Oct 1, 2026Not every store reached back to the start
Where5 App Store countriesevery language; Google Play is global
Top praise: works reliably and content variety and depth. Top complaint: ads (in 25% of complaints), then bad update or redesign.
3,000Reviews analyzedposted over 14 months
92%Complain2,771 reviews
20%Praise609 reviews
6%Says they're quittingstopped or quitting now; <1% more cancelled a paid plan
What goes wrong
Ads24%
I get an ad EVERY SINGLE TIME I open a character and EVERY TIME I send a message.
Bad update or redesign12%
it sucks now it was better a couple years ago all the updates made it so unusable
Login and account10%
I just stopped being allowed on my account, they say I don't have access!?
What goes well
General praise64%
It is an amazing app
Fun and engaging18%
I like character.ai sm!! I replaced Talkie with it, and I’m having a great time!! I like to call Muzan and pretend to be Doma. It’s fun ngl. I hope other ppl like it too:D
Helps me learn or get things done8%
I really like this app, it helps me build my vocabulary better.
Their categories
Yes or no questions the person who shared it asked of every review
Age checks31%
I just stopped being allowed on my account, they say I don't have access!?
Custom category35%
I get ads every1-2 minutes, ads for gambling, ads that lie, some go for 3 minutes. Completely unusable
Filter and censorship8%
The ai doesn’t listen to the feedback I give, keeps repeating the same things I say, speaks for my character, has no original lines, no original plot, keeps censoring even the tiniest bit of action.
Memory and reply quality8%
Can’t do anything without an ad every 3 seconds. The bots have regressed so bad too. It’s genuinely unusable atp
Teen restrictions16%
I can’t get back into my account because now it’s saying I’m not allowed to?! I’m over 16 why tf are you kicking us out of our accounts and not letting us log back in when put in our ages
What they use it for
535 of 3,000 reviewers said; shares are of them; 3 more with a free account
Passing time8%
What they ask for
582 reviews ask for something; 5 more with a free account
Bring something back72%
New feature or option15%
Who is saying it
The biggest clear differences between audiences; 2 more with a free account
Star rating4 stars: say they're quitting less often than everyone (1% vs 6%).
Star rating4 stars: mention bad update or redesign less often than everyone (2% vs 15%).