Is ZEPETO: 3D Avatar World safe for kids?

Worth watching

A virtual avatar world that defaults to open DMs from any user — the privacy settings matter and the defaults are not safe.

How we rate →

How that verdict changes by age

Not recommended · Below the app's own minimum age (13+)
- Is ZEPETO safe for a 6–9-year-old?
Handle with care
· Below the app's own minimum age (13+)
- Is ZEPETO safe for a 10–12-year-old?
· Right at the app's minimum age (13+)
- Is ZEPETO safe for a 13–15-year-old?
· Strangers can reach them unless privacy is locked down
- Is ZEPETO safe for a 16+-year-old?

Quick facts
Minimum age	13
Strangers can contact	with settings
Location sharing	No
Disappearing messages	Not verified
Parental visibility	Limited

What to do

Ages 13+ with messaging locked to "Following" and profile settings restricted. Not appropriate under 13. Parents cannot see message content — regular conversations with your child matter here.

Check ZEPETO: 3D Avatar World against your kid’s other appsTakes about a minute →

What it actually is

ZEPETO is a 3D avatar creation and social platform where users design cartoon characters, build virtual worlds, and interact with others through in-app chat. The app lets users follow each other, send direct messages, and broadcast live — live streaming has been restricted to users above the local child-age threshold since March 31, 2025. By default, any ZEPETO user can send your child a direct message, but the privacy settings let you restrict this to followers only or disable messaging entirely.

Control who can message your child

Open ZEPETO and go to Profile (bottom right)
Tap the ⚙︎ (gear icon) in the top right
Tap Settings → Personal Information and Content
Under direct messages, change "Who can send you messages" from "All" to "Following" or "None"
Under group chat, set "Who can invite you to group chats" to "Following" or "None"

Control who can see your child's profile

In the same Personal Information and Content screen:

Set "Who can see your followers/following list" to "Following & Followers" or "None"
Set "Who can see your online status" to "Following & Followers" or "None"
Set "Who can tag you in posts or comments" to "Following & Followers"

Check regularly

Review the followers list for people your child doesn't recognize
ZEPETO does not give parents access to message content — check in with your child about who they're talking to
Use the block and report tools for any contact that feels off

Next: check ZEPETO: 3D Avatar World against your kid's other apps →