YouTube requires your birthdate to set content restrictions and age-appropriate recommendations

You can change the birthdate on your YouTube account through your Google Account settings. YouTube uses this date to filter content — videos marked for viewers 18 and older won't appear if your account shows you're under 18, and some features like creating a channel or uploading videos have age requirements. If you entered the wrong birthdate when you created your account, or your actual age has changed, you can update it yourself in a few steps.

The process is the same whether you're updating from a younger age to your real age, or correcting a date you entered by mistake. YouTube doesn't restrict how often you change it, but Google does track the changes you make to your account for security reasons.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to myaccount.google.com, click "Personal info," and select "Date of birth" to change the birthdate linked to your YouTube account.
  • YouTube uses your birthdate to decide which videos appear in your recommendations and which features you can access.
  • You need to be at least 13 years old to have a YouTube account under your own name; younger users need a supervised Family Link account.
  • Changing your birthdate takes effect when ready across YouTube and other Google services that use that information.

Steps to change your birthdate in Google Account settings

Open a web browser and go to myaccount.google.com. Sign in with the Google account connected to your YouTube channel. On the left side of the page, click Personal info.

Find the line that says Date of birth. Click on it to open the edit box. Enter your correct birthdate using the month, day, and year fields. Click Save when you're done. The change takes effect when ready — YouTube will start using the new birthdate to filter your recommendations and determine which features you can access.

If you don't see a "Date of birth" field, your account may not have one set yet. Click Add date of birth instead and enter the information the same way.

What happens when you change your age on YouTube

YouTube's recommendation system adjusts based on your birthdate. If you change from a younger age to an older one, you may start seeing videos in your recommendations that were previously hidden. If you change to a younger age, some videos will disappear from your feed and search results.

Some YouTube features have age requirements. You must be at least 18 to use YouTube's monetization features (earning money from videos you upload), to access certain creator tools, and to view some restricted content. If you change your age below 18, you'll lose access to these features until you turn 18 or update your birthdate again.

Your YouTube history, subscriptions, and watch list don't change when you update your birthdate — only what YouTube shows you going forward.

If you're under 13 and need a YouTube account

YouTube's terms of service require you to be at least 13 years old to have your own account. If you're younger than 13, a parent or guardian can set up a Google Family Link account for you instead. Family Link lets a parent create a supervised Google account that can access YouTube with parental controls.

With Family Link, the parent sets the birthdate and manages which content is available. The young person can't change the birthdate themselves — only the parent who created the account can do that. If you're using a Family Link account and need to update your age, ask the parent or guardian who manages the account to make the change in their Family Link app or settings.

Troubleshooting if you can't change your birthdate

If the "Date of birth" field is grayed out or won't let you edit it, your account may have restrictions. Some accounts created through schools or organizations have limited settings that only an administrator can change. Try signing out completely and signing back in, then return to myaccount.google.com.

If you still can't edit it, check whether your account is managed by someone else — a parent with Family Link, a school, or an employer. You'll see a message at the top of your Personal info page if that's the case. Contact the person managing your account and ask them to update your birthdate.

If you forgot which Google account is connected to your YouTube channel, go to youtube.com, click your profile picture in the top right corner, and look for "Switch account" or "Sign out." The account you're currently signed into is the one connected to that YouTube channel.

Why YouTube asks for your birthdate

YouTube collects birthdate information to follow laws about protecting younger viewers. Different countries have different rules about what content children can see and what data companies can collect from them. By knowing your age, YouTube can explore the right restrictions in your region.

Your birthdate also helps YouTube prevent unauthorized access to your account. If someone tries to sign in from an unusual location or device, Google may ask you to confirm your birthdate as part of the security check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my YouTube age multiple times?

Yes, you can change your birthdate as many times as you need to. There's no limit on how often you update it. However, Google keeps a record of changes to your account for security purposes, so making frequent changes may trigger a security review if the system thinks your account might be compromised.

Will changing my age affect my YouTube videos or channel?

No. Your uploaded videos, channel name, subscribers, and all your content stay exactly the same. Only what YouTube recommends to you and which features you can access will change based on your new age.

What if I don't remember my exact birthdate?

Enter your best estimate of the month and year. YouTube doesn't verify your birthdate against government records — it relies on what you enter. If you're close to a birthday and want to make sure the date is right, you can always update it again later.

Does changing my age on YouTube affect other Google services?

Yes. Your birthdate is stored in your Google Account, so changing it affects Gmail, Google Drive, Google Play, and any other Google service connected to that account. They all use the same birthdate information.

Can I hide my birthdate from other YouTube users?

Your birthdate is private and only visible to you and Google. Other YouTube users cannot see it on your channel or profile, even if they visit your channel page.