If you're in Australia, New Zealand, or the Netherlands, Roblox chat feels dead. Every server is silent. Your friends in other countries can't see your messages. Voice chat only works with people in your region.
This isn't a bug. Roblox intentionally region-locked chat for these three countries in December 2025. The global rollout happens in January 2026, but right now, players in AU/NZ/NL are isolated.
I've tested every workaround people claim works. Here's what actually helps.
Why These Countries Got Locked First
Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands have strict online safety laws for minors. Roblox rolled out age-based chat restrictions in these regions first to comply with regulations.
What changed:
- Chat only works with players in the same age group AND same region
- Voice chat restricted to 16+ (was 13+)
- Messages from other countries are hidden
- Even verified adults can't chat with players outside AU/NZ/NL
The rest of the world gets these restrictions in January 2026. AU/NZ/NL players are just experiencing it early.
The VPN Question
Does VPN work? Partially, with major caveats.
For NEW accounts: Yes. If you create a fresh Roblox account while connected to a US VPN, that account registers as US-based. Chat works normally with US players.
For EXISTING accounts: No. Your account's region is already set. Connecting to a VPN doesn't change it. Roblox knows where you created the account.
The workaround some players use:
- Connect to a VPN (US server)
- Create a brand new Roblox account
- Use that account for chatting
- Keep your main account for progress/items
This works but means starting over. Your Robux, items, and game progress don't transfer.
VPN recommendations if you go this route:
- Proton VPN (free tier available)
- NordVPN
- ExpressVPN
Make sure the VPN is connected BEFORE creating the account. The region locks in at account creation.
Trusted Connections (Best Legit Option)
Roblox added Trusted Connections specifically for this situation. It lets you chat with specific friends regardless of region or age group.
How it works:
- Both players need the Roblox mobile app
- One player generates a QR code
- Other player scans it
- You become Trusted Connections
- Chat and voice work between you two
Full setup guide: Roblox Trusted Connections Guide
This is the official solution. It's annoying to set up for every friend, but it works without breaking ToS.
What Doesn't Work
Changing account region in settings. Roblox removed this option. Even if you find it, changing region doesn't affect chat restrictions.
Using mobile data vs WiFi. Your account region is locked, not your current IP.
Logging in from a different country. Traveling doesn't change your account's home region.
Contacting support to change region. They won't do it. I've seen dozens of players try.
Living With the Restrictions
If you're not willing to make a new account or set up Trusted Connections for everyone:
Find players in your region. AU/NZ/NL players can still chat with each other. Join region-specific Discord servers to find people to play with.
Use external voice chat. Discord, Xbox party chat, PlayStation party chat. Coordinate outside Roblox, play together in-game.
Focus on solo/co-op games. Games that don't require chat communication still work fine.
Wait for global rollout. Once everyone has these restrictions (January 2026), the player pool in each age group gets bigger. Servers won't feel as dead.
The January 2026 Global Rollout
Starting early January, all Roblox regions get age-based chat restrictions. This actually helps AU/NZ/NL players because:
- More players in each age group globally
- Cross-region chat might open up (within age groups)
- Servers won't be region-isolated anymore
Roblox hasn't confirmed exactly how cross-region chat will work post-rollout. The current AU/NZ/NL isolation might be temporary.
Age Group + Region Double Lock
Right now, AU/NZ/NL players deal with TWO restrictions:
- Age group lock - Can only chat with same age bracket
- Region lock - Can only chat with AU/NZ/NL players
A 15-year-old in Australia can only chat with other 13-15 year olds who are ALSO in Australia, New Zealand, or Netherlands. That's a tiny player pool.
After global rollout, the region lock should lift. You'd still have age restrictions but could chat with your age group worldwide.
For Parents
If your kid plays Roblox and you're in AU/NZ/NL:
They can't chat with international friends anymore. This isn't something they did wrong. It's a platform-wide change.
Trusted Connections helps. If they have real-life friends in other countries, set up Trusted Connections so they can still communicate.
External chat is the workaround. Discord (13+), or supervised messaging apps for younger kids.
The restrictions are for safety. Annoying, but the intent is protecting minors from adults in other regions.
Games Most Affected
Games that rely on chat/communication are hit hardest:
- Murder Mystery 2 - Can't coordinate with teammates
- Adopt Me - Trading communication broken
- Da Hood - Voice chat limited to region
- Mic Up - Literally unplayable without VC
- Any roleplay game - Communication is the point
Games that work fine without chat:
- Blox Fruits - Combat-focused
- Tower Defense Simulator - Gameplay over chat
- Pet Simulator 99 - Solo grinding
- Jailbreak - Action-based
Timeline of Changes
December 7, 2025: Age verification required for AU/NZ/NL chat
December 18, 2025: Full region + age restrictions active
Early January 2026: Global rollout begins
Unknown: Whether region locks lift after global rollout
Roblox hasn't given clear communication on the long-term plan. The community is frustrated, and Roblox forums are full of complaints. Whether they adjust the system depends on player feedback and regulatory requirements.
What Players Are Doing
Based on Reddit and Discord discussions:
~40% made new accounts with VPN to bypass restrictions
~30% set up Trusted Connections with close friends
~20% quit or reduced playtime until restrictions ease
~10% adapted to playing with regional players only
The new account route is most common but means losing progress. Trusted Connections is the "right" way but tedious for large friend groups.
My Take
The region lock is temporary pain. Once global rollout happens, the age-group restrictions remain but region isolation should end. AU/NZ/NL players are beta testing a system everyone will have soon.
If you have a few close friends you play with regularly, Trusted Connections is worth the setup time. If you're a casual player who chats with randoms, the next few weeks will be rough, but it should improve after January.
Making a new VPN account works but feels like cheating the system. Your call on whether the progress loss is worth it.
Related Help Articles
- Roblox Trusted Connections Guide - Chat with specific friends
- Roblox Age Verification Wrong Age Fix - Wrong age group after scan
- Roblox Voice Chat Disappeared Fix - VC missing after update
