Bypass Age Restrictions on YouTube Videos: 8 Simple Methods

Written by Luigi Oppido | Edited by Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: July 23, 2023 Fact Checked

Do you want to watch age-restricted YouTube videos? The best way to do so is to create a new 18+ Google account to use for watching these videos, but there are also some tools you can use to bypass age restrictions without an account in a pinch. This article will show you the easiest ways to watch age-restricted videos, including how to do so without verifying your age when you can't (or don't want to) sign in to YouTube.

Things You Should Know

Sign in with an adult Google account. If you live in the USA or use a VPN server based there, you won't be asked to verify your age when you create a new account.
Download the video to your computer. You'll be able to watch it restriction-free once you've downloaded it.
Turn off content restrictions in the app. If you already have an 18+ YouTube account but you're running into issues, you may have restricted mode switched on.

1

Create a YouTube account with the right age.

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The easiest method is to sign in with an adult Google account. Whether your YouTube account is under 18 or you just want to watch the video anonymously without using your main account, creating a new Google/YouTube account is the simplest way to get past age restrictions. There's no limit to the number of YouTube accounts you can create, and if you live in the US, you can sign up with any name and age you'd like.
- If you're in the United States, you won't be asked to supply an ID to verify your age. However, many countries have stricter age requirements for creating Google accounts.^{[1]
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  Research source}
- If you're creating a new account in Europe or another region with age restrictions on Google accounts, you'll be asked to prove your age with a credit card or government-issued ID.^{[2]
  X
  Research source} You can avoid this by signing up from a US-based IP address, such as through a VPN (a free trial will do the trick) or the Tor web browser.
- If you're using a computer, phone, or tablet with parental restrictions and can't create a new Google account, you can do so from any other computer, phone, or tablet.

2

Use a proxy service.

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Proxy websites reroute the video through a server with no restrictions. However, use caution when trying out these services. If you’re concerned about privacy, look for a proxy service that encrypts your traffic so nobody else can see what you’re watching. This way, you can privately watch age-restricted videos and other blocked content without having to sign in.
- Some services, such as NordVPN, ProxySite, and Stop Censoring Me offer encrypted proxies. Many of these services are free to use.
- In many cases, all you need to do is open the proxy website and copy and paste the URL of the YouTube video into the appropriate text box on the website.
- Keep in mind that VPNs might not always work for YouTube.

3

Install the TamperMonkey browser extension and a Greasyfork script.

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This method may let you bypass age restrictions without signing in. To watch restricted videos without a Google account, try installing the TamperMonkey extension in Chrome. Then, download and install the Simple YouTube Age Restriction Bypass script here: https://greasyfork.org/en/scripts/423851-simple-youtube-age-restriction-bypass.
- This will allow you to get around the restriction by automatically sending your traffic through a private proxy server.

4

Be cautious using the “NSFW YouTube” method.

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You can watch some YouTube videos by adding “NSFW” to the URL. To do this, simply insert the letters “NSFW” before “youtube” in the video’s address.^{[3]
X
Research source} The first part of the video’s address will now look like nsfwyoutube.com instead of just youtube.com. Hit ↵ Enter to navigate to the new address and watch the video there without restrictions. However, if you try this method, be aware:
- Websites like NSFWYouTube may display aggressive popup ads or try to install malware on your computer. Make sure you have a good adblocker and security software installed before trying this method.
- This technique might not work for every age-restricted video. If it doesn’t, try replacing the “youtube.com” part of the URL with “listenonrepeat.com” instead. Keep in mind that this method is also not completely reliable.

5

Download the video to your device.

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This is a good option if you want to watch age-restricted videos offline. However, many of the most popular downloaders can no longer get around YouTube’s age restrictions. A couple of options that may still work are AceThinker Video Keeper (a free desktop application) and 4K Video Downloader (a subscription-based app for desktop computers and Android devices).
- Some of these downloaders, such as 4K Video Downloader, bypass age restrictions by having you log in via the app rather than directly through the YouTube website. This means you will still need an 18+ Google account to download the content. However, once you have the video, you can watch it any time you like without limitations.

6

Turn off content restrictions in the YouTube app.

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This method only works if you’re signed in. If you have an 18+ Google account but you’re still not able to view age-restricted videos, it’s possible that you have Restricted Mode turned on. To disable restricted mode and view all content on YouTube:^{[4]
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- If you’re on an iPhone, iPad, or Android device, open the YouTube app and log in if you haven’t already. Tap your profile picture at the top right, tap Settings, then select General. Touch the toggle button next to Restricted Mode to turn it off or on.
- On a desktop computer, visit http://www.youtube.com and sign in if you haven’t already. Click your profile picture in the top right side of the window, then click Restricted Mode at the bottom of the screen. Click Activate Restricted Mode in the box that opens up to turn Restricted Mode off or on.

7

Be aware that many popular methods no longer work.

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YouTube’s content restrictions are becoming harder to bypass. There’s currently a lot of outdated information online about this topic. As of June 2022, the following methods for bypassing YouTube age restrictions have stopped working or become a lot less reliable:
- Replacing the “watch?v=” part of the video URL with “embed/”.
- Using a third-party client, such as NewPipe, FreeTube, VLC Media Player, or Invidious, to watch age-restricted YouTube videos.
- Downloading age-restricted videos onto your device (although there may still be a few downloaders that can bypass the restrictions).

8

Use safety precautions when trying these methods.

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For example, many free proxy servers can put your personal data at risk. If possible, use a reputable paid VPN that offers an encrypted proxy service.^{[5]
X
Research source} Similarly, be careful watching YouTube videos through third-party websites or downloadable clients. Install good security software and do your research on the website or app before using it.

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If I have Fortiguard and I'm on a school iPad and most of this is blocked, is there anything else that will work? I can't download anything.

Community Answer

Use a proxy website. Just google "proxy sites," go into one, and you can do whatever you want there.

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How do I bypass age restrictions on the YouTube app or third party YouTube apps?

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You can only use these methods in a browser, so you can't do it without leaving the app.

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How do I bypass age restrictions on YouTube videos if there is no URL on mobile?

Community Answer

Usually there is a "copy URL" or "Share" option in the mobile apps without URL. Copy it and do the steps above on a phone browser.

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Warnings

Don't try to get past age restrictions at school or work. You wouldn't want your teacher or boss to see the video you're watching. You could face disciplinary action if you are caught.

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Make sure to clear your browser history or browse in incognito mode if you don't want anyone to see that you watched the video.

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Don't try doing this if you are under legal age or it is illegal to view NSFW (not safe for work) content in your area or region.

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Check your local laws before scanning/photographing or uploading government documents as this may be unlawful.

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