How to Enable YouTube Restricted Mode: Because Your Grandkids Shouldn’t Learn Words That Make You Blush

Ah, YouTube—the magical place where you can watch everything from cats playing piano to DIY videos on how to fix that leaky faucet.

It’s a wonderful world of entertainment, education, and occasionally, questionable content that might make you raise an eyebrow or two.

Especially if your grandkids are watching over your shoulder or, worse, using your device to dive into the endless pool of videos. That’s where YouTube’s Restricted Mode comes to the rescue.

What Is Restricted Mode?

Restricted Mode is a setting that helps filter out potentially mature or inappropriate content that you wouldn’t want your grandkids stumbling upon. Think of it as the digital version of covering their eyes during a movie’s spicy scene.

Why You Might Want to Use It

You love your grandkids, and you love spending time with them. But the last thing you want is for little Timmy or Susie to come across a video titled “Top 10 Ways to Use a Chainsaw” or “The History of Punk Rock Swearing.”

Restricted Mode helps ensure that when they’re watching Peppa Pig or learning how to bake cookiesCookies are like tiny reminder notes that a website sticks on your device through your browser. They... More, they won’t accidentally end up watching something that requires a lot of explaining.

How to Turn On Restricted Mode

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to enable this guardian angel feature on your various devices.

On a Computer:

1. Open YouTube: Start by heading to the YouTube websiteA website is a collection of interconnected web pages or digital content that are accessible via the... More.
2. Sign In: Make sure you’re signed into your account. You don’t want to accidentally restrict videos for the entire neighborhood.
3. Click on Your Profile Picture: It’s that little iconAn icon is a small graphical symbol used to represent an object, action, or concept in a digital int... More in the top right corner. If you don’t see your picture, it might be a silhouette of a person.
4. Go to ‘Restricted Mode’: ScrollScrolling is a fundamental action used to navigate through content on digital devices, such as compu... More down to find “Restricted Mode” towards the bottom of the drop-down menu.
5. Activate: Click the switch to turn it on. Voilà! Your computer is now a safer place for young eyes.

On a Smartphone or TabletA tablet is a portable computing device that offers a combination of features found in laptops and s... More:

1. Open the YouTube AppAn app, short for application, is a type of software designed to help users perform specific tasks o... More: Tap on that familiar red icon.
2. Sign In: Make sure you’re logged into your account. No freeloaders here.
3. Tap Your Profile Picture: Again, it’s in the top right corner.
4. Settings: Tap on “Settings.”
5. General: Find and tap on “General.”
6. Restricted Mode: Slide the switch to turn it on. Now you can hand your phone over to your grandkids with a bit more peace of mind.

On a Smart TV:

1. Open YouTube App: Navigate to the YouTube app on your TV.
2. Sign In: Make sure you’re logged into your account.
3. Settings: Usually, this is found on the left-hand menu.
4. Restricted Mode: Find “Restricted Mode” in the settings and turn it on.

Turning Off Restricted Mode

Maybe you’re feeling adventurous, or perhaps you want to watch a documentary that’s a bit more intense. Turning off Restricted Mode is just as easy as turning it on. Simply follow the same steps and toggle the switch off.

A Family-Friendly Environment

Enabling Restricted Mode on YouTube is a small step that can make a big difference in creating a safe and family-friendly environment on your devices.

Plus, it’s a great way to ensure that your YouTube recommendations stay wholesome and age-appropriate, even when you’re just watching videos by yourself.

So next time your grandkids want to watch their favorite show on your tablet, you can relax knowing that YouTube’s Restricted Mode has got your back.

And remember, even in the vast universe of online videos, a little extra caution goes a long way. Happy watching!