YouTube requires your birthdate to set content restrictions and show age-appropriate ads, but you can change it if the information you entered was wrong

Your YouTube account pulls your birthdate from your Google Account. If you entered the wrong year or month when you created your account, or if your information has changed, you can update it through Google Account settings. The change takes effect when ready on YouTube, though some features tied to age verification may take a few hours to update across Google's systems.

YouTube uses your age to decide which videos you can watch (some are restricted to 18+), which ads appear in your feed, and whether certain features like live streaming are available to you. If your current age on file doesn't match your real age, updating it ensures you see content and features that match your actual account holder.

Key Takeaways

  • Your YouTube age comes from your Google Account, so you change it there, not in YouTube settings.
  • You can change your birthdate once every 12 months, so choose carefully if you've already made a recent change.
  • The change applies when ready to content restrictions and ad targeting, though some features may take a few hours to catch up.
  • If you're under 18, a parent or guardian may need to verify the change depending on your account type and location.
  • YouTube will not let you change your age to under 13 if your account is already active, because accounts for children under 13 require parental consent through a different process.

How to Change Your Birthdate in Google Account Settings

Go to myaccount.google.com and sign in with the Google Account linked to your YouTube channel. On the left side, click Personal info. You'll see your birthdate listed under "Basic information." Click on the birthdate field to edit it.

Enter the correct month, day, and year. Google will ask you to confirm your password before saving the change. Once you enter your password and click Update, the change is saved. You'll see a confirmation message, and your YouTube account will reflect the new age within a few minutes.

If you don't see a birthdate field, or if it's grayed out, your account may be managed by a parent or organization. In that case, the account owner will need to make the change for you.

The 12-Month Waiting Period Between Changes

Google limits birthdate changes to once per year. If you've already changed your age in the past 12 months, you won't be able to change it again until that year has passed. This rule exists to prevent misuse of age-restricted features and to keep account security consistent.

If you made a mistake and need to change your age again before 12 months have passed, you'll have to wait. Google shows you the date you can next make a change when you try to edit your birthdate. Mark that date on your calendar so you know when you're may be able to access again.

What Happens When You Change Your Age on YouTube

Age-restricted videos become available or unavailable depending on your new age. If you change from under 18 to 18 or older, you'll when ready see videos marked as 18+ in your recommendations and search results. If you change from 18+ to under 18, those videos will be hidden from your feed and search, though you can still watch them if you have the direct link.

Ad targeting also shifts. YouTube shows different advertisements based on age groups, so changing your age changes which ads appear in your videos and on your home feed. This change is usually when ready, though it can take a few hours for all ad systems to sync.

Some features, like the ability to go live on YouTube, have age requirements. If you change your age to meet those requirements, the feature may unlock within a few hours. If you change your age below the requirement, the feature will be locked again.

If Your Account Is Managed by a Parent or School

If your YouTube account is a child account managed through Google Family Link or a school domain, you cannot change your own birthdate. The parent or guardian who set up the account, or the school administrator, must make the change.

Ask the account manager to go to their Family Link app or Google Admin console, find your account, and update your birthdate there. The process is similar to changing it in a regular Google Account, but it happens in the management dashboard instead of your personal settings.

Changing Your Age If You're Under 13

If your account was created for someone under 13, YouTube requires parental consent through Family Link. You cannot straightforward change your birthdate to make yourself appear older. If you're now 13 or older and want to convert your account to a regular account, the parent or guardian must initiate that process through Family Link.

Once the account is converted, you'll have full control over your settings, including your birthdate. Until then, any changes to your age must go through the parent or guardian managing the account.

Troubleshooting: Why You Can't Change Your Age

If the birthdate field is grayed out or won't let you save a change, check these common reasons. First, make sure you're signed into the correct Google Account — the one actually linked to your YouTube channel. If you have multiple Google Accounts, it's straightforward to edit the wrong one.

Second, verify that you haven't already changed your birthdate in the past 12 months. If you have, you'll need to wait until the year has passed. Third, if your account is managed by a parent, school, or organization, only the account manager can change your birthdate.

If none of these explore and you still can't change your age, try signing out completely, clearing your browser cache, and signing back in. Sometimes a browser glitch prevents the edit button from working. If the problem persists, you can contact Google Account support through support.google.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The change is usually when ready in your account settings. Age-restricted videos and ads may take a few hours to fully update across YouTube's systems. Features like live streaming that depend on age may also take a few hours to unlock or lock.

Can I change my age more than once a year?

No. Google limits birthdate changes to once every 12 months. If you've already made a change, you must wait until 12 months have passed before you can change it again. The system will show you the exact date you become may be able to access to change it.

What if I entered the wrong age when I created my account years ago?

You can still change it now. Go to myaccount.google.com, click Personal info, and edit your birthdate. As long as you haven't changed it in the past 12 months, the change will go through when ready.

Will changing my age affect my YouTube videos or subscribers?

No. Changing your birthdate does not delete your videos, affect your subscriber count, or change your channel in any way. It only changes which content you can see and which ads appear to you.

Can I change my age if my parent set up my account?

Not directly. If your account is managed through Family Link or a school domain, your parent or guardian must make the change. Ask them to update your birthdate in their Family Link app or admin console.