YouTube requires your birthdate to show your account age and control what content you can see

YouTube stores your birthdate in your Google Account settings, not in YouTube itself. To change it, you go into Google Account, find the Personal Info section, and update the birthdate there. The change takes effect when ready across YouTube and all other Google services tied to that account.

Your age on YouTube determines a few things: whether you can watch age-restricted videos, whether YouTube shows you certain ads, and whether you can access features like Super Chat or channel memberships. If your birthdate is wrong, you may be blocked from content you should see, or you may see content that does not match your actual age.

Key Takeaways

  • Your YouTube age comes from your Google Account birthdate, which you change in Google Account settings, not in the YouTube app or website.
  • You need to be signed into the Google Account you use for YouTube, then navigate to Personal Info and select Birthdate to edit it.
  • The change is when ready and affects your entire Google Account, including Gmail, Google Drive, and any other services using that account.
  • If you are under 18, you may not be able to change your birthdate yourself — the account owner or a parent may need to do it.

Steps to change your birthdate in Google Account

Open a web browser and go to myaccount.google.com. Sign in with the Google Account you use for YouTube. On the left side of the page, click Personal Info. You will see a section labeled Basic Info with your name, email, and birthdate.

Click on the birthdate field. A window will open showing your current date of birth. Edit the month, day, and year to the correct date. Click Save when you are done. Google will ask you to confirm your password — type it in and click Next. The change is now live.

If you are using the YouTube app on your phone or tablet, you cannot change your birthdate directly in the app. You must use a web browser and go through Google Account. Open any browser, go to myaccount.google.com, and follow the same steps above.

What happens if you are under 18

If your Google Account was created when you were under 13, or if Google has flagged your account as belonging to a minor, you may not have permission to change your birthdate yourself. In that case, the account owner — usually a parent or guardian — must make the change.

The account owner can change the birthdate by signing into their own Google Account, going to myaccount.google.com, clicking Family on the left side, and selecting the minor's account from the list. They can then edit the birthdate the same way an adult would.

Why YouTube uses your birthdate

YouTube uses your age to decide whether you can watch videos marked as age-restricted. These videos are not removed from YouTube, but they are hidden from viewers under 18 unless they are signed in with an account that shows they are 18 or older. If your birthdate says you are younger than you actually are, you will be blocked from these videos even when signed in.

Your age also affects which ads you see. YouTube and advertisers use age data to show you ads that are legal and appropriate for your age group. Incorrect birthdate information can result in seeing ads that do not match your actual age, or missing ads for products and services you might actually want.

What to do if you cannot find the birthdate field

If you are signed into Google Account but do not see a birthdate field in Personal Info, it may be because the account does not have one set yet. Click Add Birthdate or Add Birthday and enter your date of birth. The button location varies slightly depending on your browser and device, but it is always in the Basic Info section.

If you see the birthdate field but it is grayed out and you cannot click it, your account may be managed by a parent or organization. Contact the account owner or administrator to request a change. If you are the account owner and the field is still locked, try signing out completely, clearing your browser cache, and signing back in.

Changing your age if you have a YouTube Kids account

YouTube Kids is a separate app designed for children under 13. If you are using YouTube Kids and need to change the age associated with that account, you must go through the parent or guardian account. The parent signs into their own Google Account, opens YouTube Kids settings, and can adjust the child's profile age from there.

If a child has grown older and no longer needs YouTube Kids, the parent can graduate them to a regular YouTube account. This is done in the Family Link app or at families.google.com. Once moved to a regular account, the child's age is controlled by the birthdate in their Google Account, just like any other user.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my age change to show up on YouTube?

The change is when ready. Once you save your new birthdate in Google Account, it takes effect right away across YouTube and all Google services. You may need to refresh your YouTube page or sign out and back in to see the change reflected in your account settings.

Can I change my age on YouTube without changing it on Google Account?

No. YouTube does not have its own age or birthdate setting. Your age on YouTube always comes from your Google Account birthdate. If you want to change your age on YouTube, you must change it in Google Account.

What if I entered the wrong birthdate when I created my YouTube account?

Go to myaccount.google.com, click Personal Info, and update the birthdate field. This corrects it across your entire Google Account. There is no limit to how many times you can change it, though Google may flag repeated changes as suspicious if they happen very close together.

Will changing my age affect my YouTube history or subscriptions?

No. Changing your birthdate does not delete or alter your watch history, subscriptions, playlists, or any other YouTube data. It only changes what content you are allowed to see going forward and what ads you receive.

Can I hide my age on YouTube so other users cannot see it?

Your birthdate is private and not shown to other YouTube users. Only you and YouTube can see it. Your age does not appear on your public profile or channel, so other viewers have no way to know how old you are.