Hey there! If you’re reading this, you’re probably frustrated because YouTube isn’t showing you some videos, right? That’s because Restricted Mode is turned on. I’ve been there, and trust me—it’s annoying!
But don’t worry, I’ll show you step by step how to turn it off, whether you’re on a phone, computer, or even a smart TV. I’ll keep things super simple, so anyone (yes, even a 12-year-old) can do it.
What Is Restricted Mode (And Why Is It On?)
Restricted Mode is a setting on YouTube that hides certain videos that may have:
- Bad language
- Violence
- Adult themes
It’s usually turned on by parents, schools, or libraries to block content. If you didn’t turn it on yourself, it’s likely that someone else (or your Wi-Fi network) did.
Why Can’t I Turn It Off?
Before we jump into turning it off, let’s check why it might be stuck on:
- Your parents set it up with parental controls 👨👩👦
- Your school or work Wi-Fi forced it on 🏫
- Your Google Account is managed by someone else (like a teacher or parent)
- You’re using a public network (like a library or hotel Wi-Fi)
If your school, work, or parents locked it, you won’t be able to turn it off yourself. You’ll need their permission.
Turning Off Restricted Mode on Mobile (Android & iPhone)
If you’re using a phone or tablet, here’s how to do it:
- Open the YouTube app 📱
- Tap on your profile picture (top-right corner)
- Select Settings ⚙️
- Tap on General
- Scroll down to Restricted Mode
- Toggle it OFF (gray means it’s off, blue means it’s on)
✅ Boom! Now you should be able to see all videos.
Turning Off Restricted Mode on a Computer
If you’re using a laptop or desktop, follow these steps:
- Go to YouTube (www.youtube.com)
- Click on your profile picture (top-right corner)
- Scroll down and click Restricted Mode
- Toggle Restricted Mode to OFF
✅ That’s it! You should now see all videos.
Turning Off Restricted Mode on a Smart TV
If you watch YouTube on a Smart TV, do this:
- Open the YouTube app on your TV
- Go to Settings ⚙️
- Scroll down to Restricted Mode
- Select OFF
✅ Now you’re good to go!
How to Check If Restricted Mode Is Off
Want to make sure it worked? Try this:
- Search for a video that was blocked before
- If you can watch it now, Restricted Mode is off 🎉
- If it’s still blocked, check if your account is managed by someone else
Here’s a quick table showing where to find the setting:
| Device | Where to Find Restricted Mode |
|---|---|
| Phone (App) | YouTube App > Settings > General |
| Computer | Profile Picture > Restricted Mode |
| Smart TV | YouTube App > Settings |
FAQs (Questions I Get A Lot)
1. Why is Restricted Mode still on even after I turned it off?
- Your school, work, or parent may have locked it.
- Try signing out and back in.
2. How do I turn off Restricted Mode if I don’t have a Google Account?
- You must be signed in to turn it off.
3. Can I turn off Restricted Mode on a school Chromebook?
- Nope. Schools lock this setting, and only admins can change it.
4. Why does it say “Restricted Mode Enabled by Your Network Administrator”?
- This means your Wi-Fi (school, library, or work) forced Restricted Mode.
- Try using a different network.
Final Thoughts
I know how frustrating it is when YouTube blocks videos you want to watch, but now you know how to turn off Restricted Mode on any device.
If you still can’t turn it off, it’s likely controlled by a parent, school, or workplace. In that case, you’ll need to ask them for access.
Hope this guide helped! If it did, share it with your friends so they don’t get stuck too. 🚀 Happy watching! 🎬😎
