YouTube is the largest video-sharing platform, which is best for watching videos on just about any subject. The platform has billions of users across the world, and among them, a huge share is of kids. To make the platform secure and safe for kids, YouTube has given features like ‘Restricted mode’ to ensure that the content remains appropriate for all age groups. Through the use of this setting, you will be able to filter out potentially mature or adult content, ensuring that your kid enjoys the perks of YouTube in a safer place.
However, if you are an adult who does not want to be restricted by such features as it limits your access to certain videos, you can remove the age restriction on YouTube, too. Now, the question arises here: How to remove and apply age restrictions? To answer this question and address all concerns of yours, UnityFilms has brought a blog that tends to provide all the information you need. In this blog, we will, indeed, guide you in detail on how to use this feature on a desktop, mobile app, or web browser.
So, let’s start!
What is Restricted Mode?
Restricted mode is the YouTube feature that is aimed at keeping the videos of mature themes away from the eyes of users under 18 years of age. Such content is flagged and made inaccessible if it contains profanity, violence, nudity, or any other sensitive subject that is too much for individuals under 18 years of age.
This feature is good for parental controls and for public network environments such as schools or libraries. But at times, this feature blocks content that is perfectly acceptable for adults to view. The thing is YouTube automatically turns on this feature for users who are logged out of their account or who do not have their age verified. So, if you are over 18 and want unrestricted access to YouTube content, you will have to disable this feature.
How to Turn Off Age Restriction on YouTube?
From Desktop
Let me tell you how to turn off the age restriction on YouTube using a desktop or laptop. The process to disable the restriction from here is pretty straightforward. First, you have to sign into your account. Make sure you are in a YouTube account, with the age set to 18 or older. If yes, click on your profile picture. In the right-hand corner, scroll to ‘restricted mode.’ You will find this option at the bottom of the drop-down menu. Now, click the switch if it’s blue to turn it gray and disable the restriction.
From Mobile App
Now, we will learn how to remove age restrictions on YouTube from mobile apps. For mobile app users, disabling age restrictions is just as easy. You have to go to your YouTube app and log in to your account. Then, tap your profile icon on the top right part of the screen and go to settings. To change your account preferences, select ‘settings’ from the menu. After that, select the ‘General’ option. To turn off restrictions, toggle the switch off. This mechanism works for both Android and iOS users. So, no matter if you are an Android or iOS user, just follow this method to access unrestricted mode.
From Mobile Browser
If you are accessing YouTube on a mobile web browser, follow these steps to turn off the age restriction. First, open your browser and go to YouTube. Sign in to your account and go to settings. From there, tap your profile picture; at the bottom, you will find ‘restricted mode.’ Toggle the switch off.
Issues That Arise When You Turn Off Age Restrictions
Even when you have all that has been given above, you can still face problems. Ever wondered why you are facing it? Let me tell you the possible reasons:
Network Restrictions
If you are on a school, library, or workplace network, the administrator may have turned on restricted mode for everyone. In this case, it needs to be disabled by the network administrator.
Google Account with Incorrect Birthdate
YouTube automatically enables restricted mode if you have set your age under 18 on your Google account. To fix this, you have to go to ‘Personal Info’ from your Google account settings to update the date of birth.
Content Creators’ Age Restrictions
If you are a YouTuber, having age restrictions on your channel can be a direct result of it. Remember, videos flagged as age-restricted cannot be monetized through traditional ads, they won’t appear in search results or recommendations, and they cannot be embedded on external websites. If you think your videos are wrongly flagged, creators can appeal age restrictions. Yet this process can take several days and it’s YouTube’s review team who have the final say.
Final Thoughts
Do you want to take control of what you watch on YouTube? Playing with YouTube’s age restriction feature could be the key to it. Indeed, the feature is useful for the younger audiences as well as for the public networks. Adults could also use this feature to their advantage to view the content they want without limitations. By following the methods we have given above, you can control your YouTube feed by personalizing it the way you want, no matter what device or platform you use.
We, at UnityFilms, know all the optimization tips that can be done by adjusting YouTube account settings. As a trusted YouTube management agency, we are capable of optimizing your channel setting, promoting engagement, and creating a winning content strategy.
You must allow our specialists to handle all the technical elements so that you can focus on other important tasks. We are your ultimate partner in YouTube success. So, feel free to take some burden off your shoulders by delegating your channel comprehensive management to UnityFilms.
Contact us now to get the best quote!
