Restricted Mode filters out content YouTube flags as potentially mature, but you control whether it's on or off
YouTube's Restricted Mode is a filtering tool that hides videos, playlists, and comments the platform's systems mark as potentially unsuitable for younger viewers. It does not block adult content entirely — YouTube does not have the ability to do that — but it removes a layer of content from search results and recommendations. You can turn it off in your account settings in about 30 seconds, though the option to turn it on or off depends on whether you are signed in and what device you are using.
Restricted Mode is not a parental control that a parent can lock in place. If you want to prevent someone else from disabling it, you will need a different tool: YouTube's Family Link app for Android, or your device's built-in parental controls on other platforms. This guide covers how to disable Restricted Mode itself, not how to lock it.
Key Takeaways
- Restricted Mode is turned on or off in your YouTube account settings under "Filters" — you do not need to clear your history or restart your browser.
- The toggle appears only when you are signed into a Google account; if you are browsing without signing in, you cannot change the setting.
- Turning off Restricted Mode takes effect immediately across all devices where you are signed into that same Google account.
- If you want to prevent someone else from disabling Restricted Mode, use YouTube Family Link (Android) or your device's parental controls instead.
How to disable Restricted Mode on desktop or laptop
Open YouTube in your web browser and sign into your Google account if you are not already signed in. Look for your profile picture or initial in the top right corner of the page and click it to open the menu.
Click Settings from the dropdown menu. On the Settings page, click Filters in the left sidebar. You will see a toggle next to "Restricted Mode." If it is currently on (the toggle will be blue or colored), click it to turn it off. YouTube will ask you to confirm; click the confirmation button. The change takes effect immediately.
How to disable Restricted Mode on mobile (iPhone, iPad, or Android)
Open the YouTube app and sign in if needed. Tap your profile picture in the top right corner. Tap Settings. On some devices, you may need to tap General first, then Restricted Mode. Look for the toggle next to "Restricted Mode" and tap it to turn it off.
On Android devices using the YouTube app, the path is: Profile picture → Settings → General → Restricted Mode, then toggle off. On iPhone or iPad, the steps are the same. If you do not see a Restricted Mode option, make sure you are signed into your Google account — the setting only appears when you are logged in.
Why Restricted Mode might be on by default
YouTube does not turn Restricted Mode on for all new accounts. However, if you are using a shared device or a school or library computer, an administrator may have enabled it for all users on that device. In that case, you can still turn it off in your own account settings — the device-level setting and your account setting are separate.
If you turn off Restricted Mode in your settings but it keeps turning back on, someone with administrator access to your device may have locked it. On Windows, check Settings → Accounts → Family & other users to see if parental controls are active. On Mac, check System Preferences → Parental Controls. On Android, check if Family Link is set up for your account. On iPhone, check Screen Time in Settings.
The difference between Restricted Mode and other YouTube filters
Restricted Mode filters content based on YouTube's automated systems and user reports. It is not the same as YouTube's age-based content ratings (like "made for kids" videos), and it is not the same as parental controls. Restricted Mode is a preference you set on your own account. Parental controls — like Family Link on Android or Screen Time on iPhone — are tools a parent or guardian sets up to limit what another person can watch.
If you are trying to prevent someone else from watching certain content, Restricted Mode alone will not do that, because they can turn it off themselves if they know how. You would need to use Family Link (Android), Screen Time (iPhone/iPad), or your device's built-in parental controls.
What happens when you turn Restricted Mode off
Turning off Restricted Mode means YouTube will show you videos and channels that its systems flag as potentially mature. This includes music videos with explicit lyrics, videos about mature topics, and content with strong language. It does not mean YouTube will show you illegal content or content that violates its terms of service — YouTube removes that regardless of Restricted Mode status.
The change applies to your account across all devices where you are signed in with the same Google account. If you sign out and browse YouTube without logging in, Restricted Mode status does not apply — YouTube treats unsigned-in browsing separately. If you share a device with someone else and you both have your own Google accounts, each account has its own Restricted Mode setting.
If Restricted Mode is locked and you cannot turn it off
If the toggle is grayed out or does not respond when you click it, Restricted Mode is likely locked by a parent, guardian, or device administrator. On Android, check if Family Link is active by going to Settings → Google → Manage your Google Account → Family Link. If Family Link is set up, the parent who created it can unlock Restricted Mode, or you can ask them to do so.
On iPhone or iPad, check Settings → Screen Time. If Screen Time is on and Restricted Mode is locked, the person who set up Screen Time can change the restriction. On a school or library computer, contact the IT administrator or librarian — they control the device-level settings. On a home computer where you are not the administrator, ask the person who set up the computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does turning off Restricted Mode show me adult content?
Restricted Mode filters videos YouTube's systems mark as potentially mature, but it is not a filter for adult content in the legal sense. Turning it off means you will see music videos with explicit lyrics, videos about mature topics, and videos with strong language. YouTube still removes content that violates its terms of service, regardless of Restricted Mode status.
If I turn off Restricted Mode, will my watch history change?
No. Turning off Restricted Mode does not affect your existing watch history, recommendations, or subscriptions. It only changes what new content YouTube will show you going forward. Your previous viewing history remains the same.
Can I turn off Restricted Mode without signing in?
No. The Restricted Mode setting only appears when you are signed into a Google account. If you are browsing YouTube without signing in, you cannot change the setting. You must create or sign into a Google account to access the Restricted Mode toggle.
Will turning off Restricted Mode on my phone affect it on my computer?
Yes. Restricted Mode is tied to your Google account, not to individual devices. If you turn it off on your phone, it turns off on your computer, tablet, and any other device where you are signed into the same Google account. Each Google account has its own Restricted Mode setting.
What if I want to turn Restricted Mode back on later?
You can turn it back on anytime by going to Settings → Filters and toggling Restricted Mode on. The process is the same whether you are on desktop, mobile, or tablet. The change takes effect immediately across all your devices.