How to Private Chat on Roblox (2026 Guide)

Roblox › Help Center › Voice & Chat

To private chat on Roblox, complete an age check, make sure your privacy and parental settings allow communication, then message a friend through the Chat panel, whisper in a game with the /w command, or start a party; younger users need a parent to approve direct chat.

Key facts at a glance

Roblox requires an age check before any chat feature works.
Under-9 accounts have chat off by default and need parental consent; ages 9 to 12 mostly use trusted-friend chat.
Who you can chat with depends on your age group, your friends list and your privacy settings.
Private chat is private from other players, but Roblox may review messages for safety.
Never move a private chat to another app with someone you do not know.

What counts as private chat on Roblox?

Roblox has several ways to talk beyond the public text in a game. Direct chat is one-to-one or small-group messaging through the chat panel. Whispers use the /w command in some experiences. Party chat lets a group coordinate across games. Trusted connections let verified users chat more freely in a closer circle. Each tool follows the same safety foundation: age check, age group and privacy settings.

How do I do the age check first?

Open Settings, then Account Info.
Find Age Group or the prompt to unlock chat.
Choose the age check option and allow the camera for facial age estimation.
Follow the instructions and finish the process.

Parents can review a child’s age-check status in the parental controls dashboard. Do not give your face scan or ID to anyone claiming to help outside the official flow.

How do I send a private message to a friend?

Open the Chat panel on the website or in the app.
Select the friend you want to talk to, or start a new chat.
Type your message and send.

If the option is missing, check that the person is your friend, that you both have chat enabled and that your privacy settings do not block messages.

How do I whisper in a game?

In experiences that use Roblox’s chat system, type /w followed by the player’s username and your message. Roblox help pages describe this as Direct chat, available to age-checked users who can chat with one another. Not every game supports it, since creators can customize or disable chat.

How do I set up party chat?

Party chat lets friends form a private group. Open the Parties feature, invite friends and join the group chat. The number of members is limited, and invitations follow privacy rules. Everyone must meet the communication requirements for their age group.

Why can’t I private chat?

You have not completed the age check.
Your age group cannot chat with the other person.
Your privacy settings restrict messages or party invites.
A parent has limited communication on the account.
The game disabled its own chat.

How can parents control private chat?

Parents with a linked account can use the family dashboard to enable or disable chat, set who can message the child and approve direct chat for younger users. In many cases a child must be age-checked as well. Review the settings regularly as the child grows older, and consider keeping chat limited to friends.

Are Roblox private messages really private?

They are hidden from other players, but they are not exempt from moderation. Roblox uses automated systems to filter content, and reported conversations can be reviewed. Treat anything you write as something that could be seen by moderators, and never share secrets or personal information.

Safety rules for private chat

Chat only with people you know in real life.
Do not share your address, school, phone number or passwords.
Never accept requests to switch to another app.
Block and report anyone who pressures you or makes you uncomfortable.
Tell a trusted adult about strange messages.

Key terms explained

Direct chat: Private messaging between players, subject to age and settings.
Whisper: A private message in a game using /w.
Party: A group of friends who can chat together.
Age group: The category that decides who you can talk to.

What is the difference between chat in games and chat outside games?

In-experience chat is visible to players in the same server and follows the game’s chat settings. Chat outside games, through the Chat panel or parties, is for friends and groups and follows the same age rules, but conversations are not tied to a specific server. Parents often allow in-game chat with friends only, while keeping private messages restricted until the child is older. Knowing which type is active helps you pick the right setting.

Can I use private chat on a console?

Console players can usually use the communication features that Roblox provides on that platform, but menus differ and some features may be limited. The console maker may also have its own party or voice settings. If chat is missing on a console, check the Roblox settings, the console’s privacy settings and the age check status.

How do trusted connections help?

Trusted connections let verified users form a close circle for freer communication, with mutual opt-in, often confirmed through methods such as a QR code. They are designed for people who truly know each other, such as classmates or family. Our guide on adding trusted connections explains the process and the rules for teens, adults and children.

Frequently asked questions

How do I private chat on Roblox?

Finish the age check, then use the Chat panel, whispers or parties.

Can kids private chat?

Under 9 is off by default. Ages 9 to 12 mainly use trusted-friend chat with parental involvement.

Can anyone read my private messages?

Other players cannot, but Roblox may review reported or filtered content.

Why do I see hashtags?

Roblox filters personal information and rule-breaking language.

Can I turn private chat off?

Yes, through privacy settings or parental controls.

Related Roblox guides

This guide is part of the Voice & Chat topic cluster in the Roblox Help Center. Keep going with these:

Sources and further reading

Information on this page was compiled from the Roblox Help Center, Roblox corporate announcements and recent coverage from gaming and technology publications. Roblox changes features, prices and policies often, so confirm important details in the official Roblox Help Center.

Last reviewed: November 5, 2026.

How to Private Chat on Roblox: Direct Chat, Whispers, Parties and Safety Rules (2026)