Restricted Mode blocks mature content on YouTube, and you can disable it in your account settings in under a minute
Restricted Mode is a YouTube feature that filters out videos marked as potentially mature. It hides content in search results, recommendations, and playlists. If you want to see all available videos, you can turn it off by scrolling to the bottom of any YouTube page, clicking "Restricted Mode: On," and switching it to "Off." The change takes effect immediately and applies to whichever device and browser you use.
The process differs slightly depending on whether you're signed into a YouTube account, using a shared device, or accessing YouTube through an app. Some video editing platforms have their own content filters too, which work differently. Here's how to disable restrictions on the platforms you're most likely to use.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube's Restricted Mode toggle is at the bottom of any page when you're signed in, and switching it off takes effect immediately on that device.
- If you're not signed in, Restricted Mode can only be turned off by signing into an account or by clearing your browser cookies.
- On YouTube's mobile app, the Restricted Mode setting lives in your account menu under "Settings," not at the bottom of the page.
- Some video editing software like Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve don't have content filters — they show all available stock footage and music by default.
- If Restricted Mode keeps turning back on, check whether a parent or administrator has locked the setting on a shared device.
Disabling Restricted Mode on YouTube's website
Open YouTube in your web browser and sign into your account. Scroll all the way to the bottom of the page. In the bottom right corner, you'll see "Restricted Mode: On" (or "Off" if it's already disabled). Click that toggle to switch it.
The setting applies only to the browser and device you're using right now. If you use YouTube on your phone, your laptop, and a work computer, you'll need to turn off Restricted Mode separately on each one. The change takes effect immediately — you don't need to refresh the page or sign out and back in.
Turning off Restricted Mode on the YouTube mobile app
Open the YouTube app and tap your profile picture in the top right corner. Select "Settings" from the menu. Tap "General." You'll see "Restricted Mode" listed there. Tap it and select "Off."
Like the website version, this setting applies only to the device you're using. If someone else uses the same phone or tablet, they'll see the same setting you just changed. On shared devices, this means anyone can turn Restricted Mode back on or off.
What to do if Restricted Mode won't stay off
If you turn off Restricted Mode and it turns back on by itself, a parent or account administrator has likely locked the setting. This is common on family accounts or devices managed by a school or workplace.
To unlock it, you'll need to contact whoever set up the restriction. On a personal account, check whether you have parental controls enabled in your Google Account settings. Go to myaccount.google.com, select "Security" in the left menu, scroll to "Your devices," and check whether any devices show parental controls active. If you're the account owner, you can disable them there. If you're not, you'll need the account owner's password or permission.
Restricted Mode on other video platforms
Vimeo has a similar feature called "Restricted Mode" in account settings under "Privacy." The toggle works the same way as YouTube's. Dailymotion calls theirs "Restricted Mode" as well and places it in your account preferences.
Most video editing software — including Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Final Cut Pro — don't have content filters built in. They show all available stock footage, music, and effects libraries without filtering. If you're looking for a way to hide mature content within editing software itself, that option generally doesn't exist; the filtering happens at the platform level where you download or stream the content.
Why Restricted Mode exists and who uses it
YouTube created Restricted Mode to help parents, teachers, and institutions filter out videos with profanity, violence, or sexual content. It's not a perfect filter — some videos slip through, and some appropriate videos get blocked by mistake. The system relies partly on video creators to mark their own content as mature, so the accuracy depends on how carefully creators label their uploads.
Schools and libraries often enable Restricted Mode on shared computers. Parents set it on family accounts. YouTube also enables it by default on accounts registered to users under 18. If you're an adult and Restricted Mode is on, you turned it on yourself, or someone with access to your account did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn off Restricted Mode just for certain videos?
No. Restricted Mode is an all-or-nothing setting for your account or device. You either have it on or off. You can't disable it for individual videos or channels. If a video is blocked by Restricted Mode, turning off the setting is the only way to watch it.
Does disabling Restricted Mode affect my watch history or recommendations?
No. Turning off Restricted Mode doesn't change your watch history or clear your recommendations. It only removes the filter that hides mature-marked videos. Your recommendations will still be based on what you've watched before.
If I turn off Restricted Mode, will YouTube recommend more mature content to me?
Not automatically. YouTube's recommendation system is based on your watch history and what videos you interact with, not on whether Restricted Mode is on or off. Disabling Restricted Mode just means mature videos can appear in search results and recommendations if they match your interests — it doesn't change the algorithm itself.
What if I'm signed out of YouTube — can I still turn off Restricted Mode?
When you're signed out, Restricted Mode is controlled by your browser's cookies, not your account. You can click the Restricted Mode toggle at the bottom of the page to turn it off, but the setting will only last until you clear your browser cookies or use private browsing mode. Signing into an account is the permanent way to control it.
Does Restricted Mode work the same way on all browsers?
Yes, the toggle works the same on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. However, the setting is specific to each browser. If you turn off Restricted Mode in Chrome, it stays off only in Chrome. If you open YouTube in Firefox, Restricted Mode might still be on there. You need to change it in each browser separately.