If an age restriction is applied to a YouTube video, you will be asked to sign in to your account and verify your age. Previously, there were many steps to circumvent this limitation, including the use of websites like NSFWYouTube and Listen on Repeat that allow you to watch videos without logging into your account. However, since early 2021 YouTube made changes that would not allow such websites to display age-restricted videos. Fortunately, there are several apps that can be downloaded and used to bypass these limitations. This wikiHow teaches you how to bypass YouTube's age limit on your computer, phone, or tablet.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using FreeTube on a Computer
Step 1. Install FreeTube on your PC or Mac computer
FreeTube is a free app that allows you to watch any content on YouTube, without having to sign in to your account or verify your age. To get this app:
- Visit https://freetubeapp.io/#download via a web browser.
- Click the link " .zip ” if you are using a Windows computer, or “ .dmg ” if you are using a Mac computer. Save the file to your computer when prompted.
- If you are using a Windows computer, right-click the downloaded ZIP file, select “ Extract all, and click " Extract " After that, double-click the file with the name starting with " freetube " and ending with the ".exe" extension, then follow the on-screen instructions to install the app.
- On a Mac, double-click the DMG file and follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 2. Open FreeTube
You can find this red and blue "F" icon in your Windows "Start" menu or Mac's "Applications" folder.
Step 3. Find the video you want to watch
You can search for it by typing a search keyword in the column at the top of the screen. If you have a video URL, paste the URL into the search field. When the video loads, you won't be asked to verify your age or sign in to your YouTube account.
FreeTube also allows you to subscribe to the desired channels. Subscribed channels will be saved to the profile
Method 2 of 3: Using NewPipe on Android Device
Step 1. Install NewPipe on Android device
NewPipe is a free app for Android devices that allows you to watch age-restricted videos on your phone or tablet. Since NewPipe is not available on the Play Store, you need to install it in a different procedure than the installation procedure of other apps:
- If you are using a device with Android 7 (Nougat) or an earlier version, go to the settings menu or “ Settings ", touch " Security " or " Lock screen & security ”, and toggle the “Unknown sources” switch to the on or “On” position.
- Open your device's web browser and visit
- In the latest release (at the top of the page), tap the link that starts with “ NewPipe_v " and ends with the extension " .apk" The link is in the " Assets " section. If the download does not take place automatically, follow the on-screen instructions to download the app.
- Open the folder " Downloads " If you select the app Files or My Files, touch the application icon and select the folder “ Downloads " If not, you may have an app called Downloads. Touch the application to access the folder.
- Touch the downloaded APK file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the app. Once the app is installed, its icon will be added to the device's app list.
Step 2. Open NewPipe
The app is marked by a red circle icon with a sideways white triangle and a small missing piece.
Step 3. Touch the magnifying glass icon
It's in the upper-right corner of the screen. A search bar will be displayed.
Step 4. Search for videos
Now, you can search for any video you want, including videos that you know are age-restricted.
Step 5. Touch the video to watch it
NewPipe will not ask you to log into your account or verify your age.
Method 3 of 3: Using VLC Media Player on a Phone or Tablet
Step 1. Install VLC on your Android, iPhone, or iPad device
If you have an Android device, search for the “VLC for Android” app in the Play Store and tap the “ Install ” to install it. If you're using an iPhone or iPad, search for "VLC for Mobile" and tap " GET ” to attach it to the device.
Many Reddit users report that you can watch age-restricted videos without logging into your account if you stream the video via VLC. However, this procedure does not always apply to all age-restricted YouTube videos
Step 2. Copy the URL of the video you want to watch
Open a web browser, visit https://www.youtube.com, and search for the video you want. Even if the video won't play when you're not signed in to your account, you can still copy the URL:
- Touch the URL in the address bar above the browser to bookmark it.
- Touch and hold the marked URL, then select “ Copy ” when the option is displayed.
Step 3. Open VLC on your phone or tablet
The app is marked by an orange square icon with a white traffic funnel.
When you first open the app, follow the on-screen instructions to set it up and grant permissions for the app to run
Step 4. Open a new network stream
The steps you need to follow may differ depending on the phone or tablet you're using:
-
Android:
Touch More ” in the lower right corner of the screen and select “ + New streams ” in the upper-left corner of the screen.
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iPhone/iPad:
Touch the tab Network ” at the bottom of the screen, then select “ Open Network Stream ”.
Step 5. Paste the copied URL into the address bar
This bar is at the top of the screen. To paste it, just touch and hold the bar, and select “ Paste ”.
Step 6. Touch the “Send” button (Android) or Open Network Stream (iPhone/iPad)
The video will start playing.
It's possible that some age-restricted videos won't open in VLC, but others will still play
Warning
- Don't try to access age-restricted videos at school or work because, of course, you don't want your teacher or boss to see the video you're watching. You can get disciplinary action if you get caught.
- Make sure you clear your history or browse the internet using incognito mode if you don't want anyone to see the video you're watching.
- Do not do this if you are a minor or viewing adult content is illegal in the area or country where you live.
