YouTube won't let you change your birth date once you've set it

YouTube stores your birth date in your Google Account and treats it as permanent information. Once you enter a birth date during account setup or in your account settings, you cannot edit it yourself through YouTube or Google's standard account management tools. The system is designed this way because age determines what content you can access and what features are available to you.

If your birth date is wrong, you have one option: contact Google support and request a manual correction. This is not automatic, and Google reviews these requests individually. The process takes time and requires you to verify your identity, but it is the only legitimate way to change the age associated with your YouTube account.

Key Takeaways

  • Your birth date in YouTube is stored in your Google Account and cannot be edited through the YouTube app or website.
  • Google support can manually change your birth date if you contact them and verify your identity, but this is not may provide.
  • You will need a government-issued ID or other official document to prove your identity during the request process.
  • The correction process typically takes several business days, and Google may deny the request if they cannot verify your information.
  • Creating a new YouTube account with the correct birth date is faster than waiting for a correction if you do not have content you need to keep.

How to request a birth date correction from Google

Start by going to myaccount.google.com in your web browser. Sign in with the Google Account connected to your YouTube channel. On the left side of the screen, click Personal info. You will see your birth date listed under the "Basic info" section.

Click on the birth date field. You will see a message saying you cannot edit this information yourself. Look for a link or button that says "Need help?" or "Contact us about this" — the exact wording changes, but it will direct you to Google support. Click that link to start a support request. You will be asked to explain why your birth date is incorrect and to provide proof of your identity.

Upload a clear photo of a government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or national ID card works. Make sure your face and the ID number are visible. Google uses this to verify that you are the account owner and that the birth date you are requesting is accurate. Submit your request and wait for a response, which usually arrives within three to five business days.

What happens if Google denies your request

Google may deny your correction request if the ID you submitted does not match the name on your account, if the photo is unclear, or if they cannot verify the information you provided. If this happens, you will receive an email explaining the reason. You can resubmit with clearer documentation or a different form of ID.

If Google repeatedly denies your request or does not respond, your other option is to create a new YouTube account with the correct birth date. This means starting fresh — your old channel, videos, subscriptions, and watch history will remain on the old account. You cannot transfer these to a new account, so this approach only makes sense if you do not have content you need to keep or if the incorrect age is blocking access to features you need right now.

Why YouTube requires a birth date

YouTube uses your birth date to enforce age restrictions on content. Videos marked as age-restricted require you to be at least 18 years old to watch them. If your account shows you are under 18, you cannot view this content, and certain features like creating custom thumbnails or livestreaming are blocked until you turn 18 on the platform.

YouTube also uses age information to comply with laws protecting children online, particularly the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the United States. Accounts for users under 13 have different rules and fewer features. If your account is flagged as belonging to someone under 13, YouTube may restrict it further or ask you to provide parental consent.

What to do if you are under 18 and need age-restricted features

If your account shows you are under 18 and you need to access age-restricted content or features, you have two paths. The first is to wait until your account's recorded age reaches 18. YouTube automatically updates your age each year on your birthday, so if you are close to turning 18, this may be the simplest option.

The second is to request a birth date correction if your actual birth date makes you 18 or older. Follow the process described above — contact Google support with your ID and explain that your birth date is incorrect. If Google verifies that you are actually 18 or older, they will update your account and unlock the restricted features within a few days.

How to check your current birth date on YouTube

Go to myaccount.google.com and sign in. Click Personal info on the left. Under "Basic info," you will see your birth date listed as Month, Day, and Year. This is the date YouTube uses to determine your age and what you can access.

If you see a birth date that is not yours, do not try to edit it directly — the field will not allow changes. Instead, use the contact support option on that same page to request a correction. Write down the birth date you see before you contact support, because you will need to tell Google what the current incorrect date is and what it should be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my birth date on YouTube without contacting Google?

No. YouTube does not provide a way to edit your birth date through the app or website. The field is locked and can only be changed by Google support after they verify your identity with a government-issued ID.

How long does it take Google to change my birth date?

Most requests are reviewed within three to five business days. Some take longer if Google needs additional information from you. You will receive an email when your request is approved or denied.

What if I do not have a government-issued ID to prove my identity?

Google may accept other forms of official identification, such as a school ID, passport, or national ID card. Contact Google support and explain what documents you have available. They will let you know if what you can provide is acceptable.

Will changing my birth date affect my YouTube videos or subscriptions?

No. Changing your birth date only affects what content you can access and what features are available to you. Your videos, channel, subscriptions, and watch history will remain unchanged.

Can I create a new YouTube account with a different birth date?

Yes. When you create a new Google Account, you enter a birth date, and you can set it to whatever you want at that time. However, you cannot transfer your old channel or videos to the new account, so this only works if you are starting fresh.