Why Can’t I Turn On Open Chat in Wizard101?
The inability to access Open Chat in Wizard101 is a common frustration for many players, particularly those eager to fully engage with the social aspects of the game. The direct answer is this: Open Chat in Wizard101 is not automatically enabled and requires specific criteria to be met. It’s a deliberate safety measure implemented by KingsIsle Entertainment to protect younger players. Simply put, you can’t turn on Open Chat if you don’t meet the age and purchase requirements, and haven’t configured your account properly. Let’s break down why and what you need to do.
Understanding the Chat System in Wizard101
Before diving into why you can’t enable Open Chat, it’s important to understand the different chat options available in Wizard101:
- Menu Chat: This is the most restrictive chat option, allowing players to communicate only using predefined phrases and commands.
- Filtered Text Chat: This allows players over 13 years of age to type messages, but with a robust filter in place to block potentially inappropriate language and personal information.
- Open Text Chat: This allows players to type freely without the filter, enabling more open and flexible communication.
The Prerequisites for Open Chat
Open Chat is not simply a toggle you can flip on. KingsIsle Entertainment has implemented a two-pronged approach to qualify for this feature:
- Age Verification: Your account must be registered with an age of 18 years old or older. This is a strict requirement and is primarily enforced to ensure the safety of younger players.
- Payment History: You must have made at least one purchase on the Wizard101 website using a valid credit card. This acts as an additional layer of verification and signifies that the account is likely being managed by an adult.
It’s important to note that if your account was set up with an age below 18, you will not be able to access Open Chat regardless of if you are now over 18. Even making a purchase will not grant you access to Open Chat in this case. The age associated with your account during initial setup is a key part of the equation.
Common Misconceptions and Troubleshooting Steps
Many players assume that enabling Filtered Chat and Open Chat in their account settings is all it takes. While these settings need to be enabled, they will not magically unlock Open Chat if the age and payment criteria are not met.
Here’s how to check if you have these settings correct:
- Log into the Wizard101 Website: Access your account through the official Wizard101 website.
- Navigate to ‘My Accounts’: Find the account management section, often labeled as ‘My Accounts’ or similar.
- Locate ‘Parental Controls’: Within your account settings, find the ‘Parental Controls’ section. You might need to enter your master password to access these.
- Check Chat Features: You should see a list of available chat features, including the ‘Chat – Open Text’ option. If the option to enable Open Chat is not present, it means you don’t meet the age and payment requirements.
- Confirm Filtered Chat is Enabled: Ensure that your account has ‘Filtered Chat’ enabled alongside ‘Open Chat’ to allow for text-based communication. Both must be selected for Open Chat to work.
If you have met the criteria, but Open Chat still isn’t working, here are some things to check:
- Chat Bubbles Off: You may have simply turned off chat bubbles in the game. The default key to toggle chat bubbles is the letter “O” on your keyboard.
- Technical Issues: Rarely, there might be a technical glitch with the game or account settings. If you’ve confirmed you meet the criteria and all in-game settings are correct, contact Wizard101 Support.
Wizard101 and Player Safety
The age and purchase restrictions for Open Chat are not random hurdles. They are carefully designed to prioritize the safety and well-being of younger players who make up a significant portion of the Wizard101 community. It’s a balance between allowing open communication and ensuring a safe environment.
KingsIsle Entertainment takes player safety seriously and has numerous other methods to ensure safety such as:
- No Number Typing: The game doesn’t allow numbers to be typed in chat to prevent the exchange of private numbers.
- Ignoring Players: You can “ignore” players, which prevents them from contacting you in any way.
- Crossed-Out Bubbles: A crossed-out bubble beside the avatar indicates a menu chat restriction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions about the Open Chat feature in Wizard101 to further clarify common concerns:
1. How old do you have to be to get Open Chat in Wizard101?
You must be 18 years old or older on the account registration to be eligible for Open Chat.
2. Can I get Open Chat if I am over 18 now, but my account was set up when I was younger?
No. The age registered when you created the account must be 18 or older. You would have to create a new account to achieve this if you had previously set the age at under 18.
3. What is the difference between Filtered Chat and Open Chat?
Filtered Chat allows typing but filters out inappropriate language and personal information. Open Chat allows free typing with no filter applied.
4. Why do I need to make a purchase to get Open Chat?
The purchase requirement is an added layer of verification to ensure that the account is likely being managed by an adult. It is needed for Open Chat.
5. How do I enable the chat bubbles in-game?
You can toggle chat bubbles on and off by pressing the “O” key on your keyboard.
6. I enabled all the chat settings on my account, but I still don’t have Open Chat. Why?
Enabling settings alone is not enough. You also need to have an account set up with an age of 18 or over and have made a purchase with a valid credit card.
7. I’ve made a purchase. How long until I receive Open Chat?
If you’ve also confirmed the age requirement is correct, Open Chat access is generally granted immediately after a successful purchase. Contact Wizard101 support if you do not gain access.
8. Why can’t I type numbers in chat?
Numbers are disabled in chat to protect younger players from exchanging personal phone numbers or private information.
9. How do I “ignore” someone in Wizard101?
Right-click on a player’s name and select the “ignore” option. This prevents any communication with that player.
10. What does a crossed-out chat bubble mean?
A crossed-out chat bubble next to a player’s avatar means that they have Menu Chat restrictions only.
11. What if I am 18 but don’t want to use Open Chat?
You can still enable Filtered Chat if you prefer not to have the restrictions removed completely.
12. Can I switch back to Filtered Chat if I enable Open Chat?
Yes, you can change your chat settings back to Filtered Text Chat in your account settings.
13. Is there any way to bypass the age and payment requirements?
No. These requirements are deliberately set up to maintain player safety, and there is no legitimate method to bypass them.
14. How can I report a player who is using Open Chat inappropriately?
Use the in-game reporting tool to report players who violate the terms of service. You can also contact Wizard101 Support directly.
15. What does it mean when I see no chat bubble next to someone?
It means they have an Open Chat account.
Conclusion
Gaining access to Open Chat in Wizard101 is not a given and it requires satisfying specific criteria. By understanding the requirements for age and payment verification, and by configuring your account properly, you can fully utilize the communication features in Wizard101 while contributing to a safer online environment for all players. Always prioritize online safety and continue to enjoy the magical world of Wizard101.