That awkward moment when you turn 18, but YouTube still age-restricts you from viewing certain content. This is a common issue millions of users face on video-sharing media.
The problem can range from a simple log-in issue to content violating the YouTube terms and conditions. It may sound agitating, but the solutions are easy to follow.
In this article, we will find out how you can turn off the age restriction on YouTube.
Why Does Youtube Restrict Content
Although available for viewers below 18, the media has a separate section for adults. These sections are limited to viewers below 18 as they may contain images that upset younger viewers. Images that contain nudity or any type of sexually suggestive content, Substance abuse, Violent or graphic content, Vulgar language, or acts that may pose a threat to child safety are restricted by YouTube.
How to Disable Age Restriction on YouTube
If you’re above the age limit and still restricted from viewing certain videos, you can disable the age restriction. Here are a few ways to turn the age restriction off on YouTube.
Log in to Your Google ID
In most cases, you’re restricted from viewing certain content because YouTube doesn’t know your age. When you log in and connect your Google ID to YouTube, the media will gain access to the information you’ve entered, including your age. Using this information, they choose to permit or restrict access to the specific content.
To log in to your Google ID, follow these steps:
On Mobile
- Open the application for YouTube.
- Select the icon on the top-right corner of your screen.
- Select ‘Sign In’
- Add or select the google account you’d like to use for YouTube.
On PC
- Go to www.youtube.com
- On the top right corner of your screen, select ‘SIGN IN’
- Add or set the google account you’d like to use for YouTube.
Add/Update Your Date of Birth
To view restricted content on YouTube, you need to declare your age. To add or update your date of birth on your Google account, follow these steps:
On Mobile
- Open the application for YouTube,
- On the top right corner, select the icon with your display picture.
- Under your profile name, select ‘Manage your Google Account’
- Select ‘Personal info’
- Under Basic Info, select ‘Birthday’
- Add or update your Date of Birth and select ‘Save’
On PC
- Open your browser
- On the search bar, type in https://myaccount.google.com/
- On the left, select ‘Personal info’
- Under Basic Info, select ‘Birthday’
- Add or update your Date of Birth and click ‘Save’
Turn off Age Restriction on Your Videos (For Creators)
As a creator for YouTube, you have access to limit your content to certain viewers. This also means that you can turn on or off age restrictions on your videos. If your video does not contain violent, graphic, or content that might upset the younger viewers, you can turn off the limits.
To turn off age restrictions as a creator, follow these steps:
On Mobile
- Open the application for YouTube studios.
- On the bottom, select the second option, ‘Content’
- Select the three-dot menu on the left of the video you want to turn the restrictions off.
- On ‘Edit video,’ select ‘Select Audience’
- Scroll down to ‘Age restriction (advanced)’ and choose “No, don’t restrict my video to viewers over 18”
On PC
- Open your Browser
- On the search bar, type in https://studio.youtube.com/
- On the left of your screen, select ‘Content’
- Select the video where you want to turn the restrictions off
- Select ‘Edit’ then ‘Audience’
- Scroll down to ‘Age restriction (advanced)’ and select “No, don’t restrict my video to viewers over 18”
- Confirm the edit by selecting ‘Update Videos’
Disable Restricted Mode
YouTube offers the feature to restrict mature content available on YouTube. Most users enable this feature when they do not wish to view disturbing content. If you’re unable to access such content, you likely forgot to disable this feature.
To disable restricted mode, follow these steps:
On Mobile
- Open the application for YouTube.
- On the top right corner, select the icon with your display picture.
- Select ‘Settings’ then ‘General’
- Toggle off ‘Restricted Mode’ to disable this feature.
On PC
- Open your browser,
- On the search bar, type in www.youtube.com
- Click on the icon with your display picture in the top right corner.
- Scroll down to the bottom and select ‘Restricted Mode’
- Toggle off to deactivate this feature.
Appeal the Age Restriction to YouTube (For creators)
If you’re certain that your flagged content does not violate YouTube’s community guidelines, you can appeal for the restraint to be removed. You can carry this action out by following these simple steps:
- Open YouTube and go to your channel.
- Navigate ‘Videos’
- Click the ‘Appeals Link’ that is next to your age-restricted video.
Note: Videos can take up to 7 days to be reviewed by YouTube.
Contact the Administrator
If you’re signed in to your work email, your access to certain videos may be limited. Google gives the administrators the option to limit YouTube videos available to students or employees in their organization.
If you find certain restrictions impractical, you can sort this out with the administrator. You can also switch your personal device and personal network to look up restricted information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Age Does YouTube Limit Its Users With Restricted Mode?
YouTube limits users over the age of 18 with Restricted mode. If you’re under 18, YouTube will restrict access to NSFW (Not Safe For Work) content.
Is Creating a YouTube Channel Free?
Yes, creating a channel on YouTube is free. It will only cost you if you choose to promote your videos in the form of ads. However, to create a YouTube channel, you need to be above 13 years of age.
How Many Channels Can I Create on YouTube?
You can create up to 50 channels on YouTube. Using the in-app feature, you can switch between multiple accounts simultaneously.