How to Bypass YouTube Age-Restriction in 2024

YouTube’s age restriction prevents users under the age of 18 from accessing videos that contain vulgar language, violence, nudity, or dangerous activities. Furthermore, to reduce inappropriate exposure to younger audiences, YouTube requires users from Australia and certain European countries to upload government documentation as proof. 

However, many users consider this a privacy violation. Besides that, it can be very annoying to open a video only to discover that it is age-restricted. The best way to bypass YouTube's age restriction is by connecting to a VPN server in a country where age verification is not strict. That way, you can watch age-restricted YouTube videos without having to provide proof of age.

This article will teach you how to bypass the YouTube age restriction with and without a VPN, why the platform forces age verification, and which VPNs are the best to watch age-restricted YouTube videos.

How to Bypass YouTube Age-Restriction with a VPN

You can bypass age restrictions on YouTube by connecting to a VPN server. The process is simple - select a capable VPN, connect to a server where age verification is not stringent, and access YouTube. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Subscribe to a VPN that works with YouTube (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN on your device.
3. Open and log in to the VPN application using your credentials.
4. Select a server where YouTube doesn’t enforce strict age verification (the US).
5. Open YouTube and access the age-restricted content without any verification.

Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch Age-Restricted YouTube Videos?

You need a VPN to watch age-restricted YouTube videos because it enables you to get rid of age restrictions on YouTube effectively. A VPN masks your IP address, making it appear like you're accessing the Internet from a different location. 

Here are the key reasons why you need a VPN to bypass age restrictions on YouTube:

• Access to Age-Restricted Content: A VPN allows you to bypass regional blocks and access age-restricted videos in your country. This way, you can watch age-restricted content on YouTube without limitations.
• Circumventing Age Verification: In some regions, YouTube requires users to verify their age through a government-issued ID. A VPN helps you avoid these verifications by connecting to a server where such requirements are not enforced.
• Privacy and Anonymity: When you use a VPN, your online activity, including the videos you watch, is encrypted and hidden from ISPs and other third parties. This ensures your viewing habits remain private.
• Avoiding Tracking: A VPN prevents YouTube from tracking your online behavior based on your location. This means you can watch age-restricted videos on YouTube without worrying about being profiled or targeted with specific ads.
• Enhanced Security: Besides providing access to restricted content, a VPN secures your Internet connection against potential cyber threats, making your online experience safer and more pleasurable overall.

Best VPNs for Bypassing YouTube Age-Restriction

To watch age-restricted YouTube videos, it is essential to select the right VPN. The best VPNs for YouTube usually have a set of crucial features that make them the right fit.

Most importantly, a capable VPN should unblock YouTube in countries where it is banned. It should also have many servers in regions where YouTube doesn't enforce strict age checks. That said, security and privacy should also be top-notch to keep yourself safe from prying eyes. Based on these criteria, let’s look at our top picks.

• NordVPN: NordVPN stands out for its ability to easily bypass YouTube age restrictions. It boasts a network of over 6,000 servers in 60+ countries, ensuring you can always find a server where YouTube's age restrictions are more lenient. NordVPN also prioritizes your security with AES 256-bit encryption and a strict no-logs policy, making it a top choice for privacy-conscious users. Get NordVPN.
• Surfshark: Surfshark is an excellent choice to remove the age restriction on YouTube. It offers over 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, providing ample options for bypassing regional blocks. Surfshark's CleanWeb feature blocks ads and malware, enhancing your viewing experience. Plus, its unlimited simultaneous connections mean you can enjoy unrestricted YouTube on all your devices. Get Surfshark.
• ExpressVPN: Known for its speed and reliability, ExpressVPN is an excellent option for streaming age-restricted content on YouTube. With 3,000+ servers spread across 105 countries, it offers a wide range of locations to choose from. ExpressVPN's strong encryption and proven track record in privacy ensure a secure and smooth streaming experience. Get ExpressVPN.

Other Ways to Bypass YouTube Age-Restriction

Apart from using a VPN, you can remove the age restriction on YouTube by creating an account with the right birth year and turning off the “Restricted Mode” in the YouTube app on your phone. Let's take a look at these methods in detail.

Create a YouTube Account With the Right Age

Creating a YouTube account with an age over 18 is a straightforward way to bypass age restrictions. This method involves setting up a new account and specifying an age based on which you’ll get to watch age-restricted content on YouTube, like so:

1. Open the YouTube website on your desktop or smartphone.
2. Click on the 'Sign In' button at the top right corner.
3. Select 'Create Account' and choose 'For myself.'
4. Fill in your details (name, email, and password).
5. Set the right birth year indicating that you are over 18.

Disable the “Restricted Mode”

Disabling the Restricted mode on YouTube is another method to access age-restricted content without verifying your age. This mode is designed to filter out potentially mature content, and it’s available on iPhones and Android devices.

Disable the “Restricted Mode” on iPhone

To disable Restricted Mode on an iPhone, you need to visit YouTube’s settings on your device. Just follow these instructions:

1. Open the YouTube app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on your profile icon in the top right corner.
3. Select 'Settings' from the menu.
4. Scroll down and navigate to “Restricted Mode.”
5. Toggle off the “Restricted Mode” by tapping on the switch button.

Disable the “Restricted Mode” on Android 

For Android users, the process is similar, as you’ll need to go into YouTube’s app settings. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Launch the YouTube app on your Android device.
2. Tap on the profile icon to access your account.
3. Open “Settings” from the account menu.
4. Tap on “General” and find the “Restricted Mode” option.
5. Disable the “Restricted Mode” to bypass YouTube age restriction on Android.

Final Thoughts

There are multiple ways to get past the YouTube age restriction. If the platform does not impose strict age verification in your country, you can set the right birth year in your account settings and watch age-restricted videos. If you’re from Australia or Europe, using a VPN is the best solution because it removes the need to upload age-related documents to prove your age. 

All you have to do is connect your VPN to a country where the age-related laws aren’t strict. We recommend NordVPN because it has a vast server network that covers 60+ countries, giving you endless options to choose a suitable location. It also provides advanced security features like AES 256-bit encryption to ensure nobody can track your YouTube activity.

We hope that this article helped you bypass the YouTube age restriction. Feel free to comment below to share your experience with us.