YouTube places age restrictions on certain videos that may contain inappropriate content for users under 18. If you find your account unable to view age restricted material on the platform, there are a few different methods you can use to bypass these limitations.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk through five proven techniques to turn off age restriction on YouTube, allowing you to view all content.
Why YouTube Videos Get Age Restricted
YouTube utilizes an automated system and human reviewers to identify and age restrict videos considered unsuitable for children under 18. Reasons content may get age restricted include:
- Sexual content
- Violence
- Vulgar language
- Controversial or sensitive events and subjects
- Harmful or dangerous acts
Age restricted videos require users to login and prove they meet the minimum age criteria. They‘re also unavailable in Restricted Mode, which acts as a filter to block mature content.
While age restrictions aim to protect younger audiences, they can prove frustrating if you wish to view this content on your account. Fortunately, there are ways to bypass these limitations.
Method #1: Update Birthday in Google Account
YouTube ties age restrictions to the birthday listed in your Google account profile. To meet age requirements, you can update your date of birth in your account settings:
- Go to the Google Account homepage while signed into your account
- On the left sidebar, click Personal info
- Next to Birthday, click Edit
- Enter your real or fake birthday meeting age criteria
- Click Next and then Save
Updating your birthday in Google account settings
Once saved, this new birthday will apply across Google and YouTube properties you access while signed in. You‘ll now be able to view age restricted YouTube content.
Limitations:
- Your actual age remains the same even if you enter a fake birthday
- Other users may still tag or report your channel for appearing underage
- Content filters and recommendations will adjust based on the updated birthday
- Age restrictions will return if you log out or use another Google account
Method #2: Turn Off Restricted Mode
Restricted Mode is an opt-in setting that limits availability of mature YouTube content. Turning it off disables the filter allowing age restricted videos to play as normal.
To disable Restricted Mode:
- Click your profile icon in the top-right YouTube corner
- Select Restricted Mode from the dropdown menu
- Toggle the switch for Restricted Mode to disabled/grayed out state
Disabling Restricted Mode to remove content filters
With Restricted Mode now off, you‘ll regain access to view age restricted videos based on the age connected to your account.
Limitations:
- Only impacts the browser or device it was disabled on
- Other account restrictions like country and premium status remain
- Doesn‘t prevent other users from flagging your activity
Method #3: Clear Browser Cookies and Cache
Sometimes restrictions get enabled on your account during an update or browser issue. Clearing your cache and cookies can refresh these settings, potentially lifting age blocks.
To clear cache/cookies:
Chrome Desktop
- Click the 3-Dot Menu > Settings
- Select Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data
- Choose time range > check cookies and cache > Clear Data
Firefox Desktop
- Click the 3-Line Menu > Options
- Go to Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
- Click Clear Data
Chrome Mobile
- Tap the 3-Dot Menu > Settings
- Scroll down and tap Privacy > Clear Browsing Data
- Select time range > check cookies, cache > Clear Data
Safari Mobile
- Open the Settings app > Safari
- Scroll down to Clear History and Website Data > tap to clear
Refreshing your browser after clearing cookies/cache may lift restrictions from your YouTube account.
Method #4: Use a VPN or Proxy Service
VPN and proxy services mask your IP address and location which could bypass geographic age restrictions applied in certain countries.
To try a VPN:
- Install a trusted VPN app like CyberGhost or ExpressVPN
- Connect to a server in another country
- Access YouTube from that location to view if restrictions were lifted
To try a proxy service:
- Install a browser proxy extension like Browsec
- Enable the proxy and select a location
- Check YouTube to see if age restrictions were bypassed
Keep in mind these methods likely violate YouTube‘s Terms of Service. Proceed with caution to avoid penalty.
Method #5: Create a Brand Account
Brand accounts operated by companies don‘t have age restrictions since they‘re exempt from determinations intended for individual users.
To create one:
- Go to YouTube Studio and click Create a new channel
- Select Brand > check I agree > click Next
- Enter channel details like name, category, URL and description
- Upload channel avatar and featured video
- Toggle Primary channel to make it your default
With no age filters in place, brand accounts can freely view all YouTube content. Just note impersonating a company is prohibited, so this method poses risks.
Turning Off YouTube Age Restrictions: In Closing
I‘ve shown five different techniques you can leverage to bypass the age limitations YouTube puts on certain videos. While the platform aims to protect younger viewers, these filters understandably frustrate users of all ages looking to access this content.
The methods range from updating your personal details to employing workaround solutions both on and off the YouTube platform itself. Each carries its own set of advantages, risks and caveats as covered above.
No approach perfectly solves the problem without tradeoffs. Evaluate your options and proceed carefully, as bypassing age restrictions does technically violate YouTube policies in most cases.
For any questions on turning off YouTube age restrictions, don‘t hesitate to leave a comment below or email me. Let‘s figure out the best solution for your situation.
