The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →YouTube Kids is available as a mobile app, through a web browser at YouTubeKids.com, and inside the regular YouTube app on many televisions. The safest setup is to create a child profile under a parent’s Google Account, choose the age-appropriate content experience, turn Search off or use Approve content yourself, set a timer on mobile, and review videos regularly. YouTube Kids adds parental controls, but Google does not guarantee that every video is safe or manually reviewed.
Before you begin
A child does not need a separate Google Account. A parent can create one or more YouTube Kids profiles under the parent’s account. You can also use YouTube Kids without signing in, although signing in provides more controls and lets you use the same child profile on other supported devices.
- Signed-in setup: provides profile portability and the broadest parental-control options, including manually approved content.
- Signed-out setup: is quicker and does not require a Google Account, but it has fewer management features.
- Parent verification: Google may require the parent’s birthday to be verified so it can confirm that the account holder is at least 18.
You can create up to eight child profiles per Google Account. An unfinished profile is deleted after three days, according to Google’s setup guidance.
Where YouTube Kids works
| Device | How to use it | Requirement or limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Android phone or tablet | Install YouTube Kids from Google Play | Confirm that the publisher is Google LLC |
| iPhone or iPad | Install it from the Apple App Store | Requires iOS 16 or later on iPhone and iPadOS 16 or later on iPad |
| Apple TV | Install the App Store version | Requires tvOS 12 or later |
| Computer | Visit YouTubeKids.com | No offline mode, Voice Search, or timer |
| Smart TV, streaming device, or game console | Use YouTube Kids through the regular YouTube app | Availability and menus vary by device |
Check the Google Play listing or Apple App Store listing for the current requirements in your region.
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- SAVE UP TO $70 — Bundle includes a full-featured tablet (not a toy) for kids ages 3-7, a 1-year Amazon Kids+ subscription, and a kid-proof case, versus items purchased separately.
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- AMAZON KIDS+ INCLUDED - Includes 1 year of Amazon Kids+, an award-winning digital subscription offering thousands of ad-free books, interactive games, videos, and apps. Kids can explore content from trusted brands like Disney, Nickelodeon, and PBS Kids including educational STEM activities, language learning, and entertainment they love - all in one place. After 1 year, your subscription will automatically renew every month starting at $7.99/month plus applicable tax. You may cancel any time by visiting the Amazon Kids Parent Dashboard or contacting Customer Service.
- NO-HASSLE PARENT CONTROLS — Easy-to-use Parent Dashboard allows you to filter content based on child's age, set educational goals and time limits, and grant access to additional content like Netflix and Disney+.
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Install the mobile app
Android
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Search for YouTube Kids.
- Check that the developer is Google LLC.
- Tap Install, then open the app.
iPhone or iPad
- Open the App Store.
- Search for YouTube Kids.
- Confirm that the developer is Google.
- Tap Get.
- Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple Account password if requested.
Set up a child profile in the app
Option 1: Set up while signed in
- Open YouTube Kids and select the parent’s Google Account.
- Tap Sign in.
- Read the parental-consent information. If you agree, tap Done.
- Enter the parent account’s password when prompted.
- Enter the child’s first name or nickname, age, and optionally birth month. The name or nickname and birth month are intended to be visible only to the parent and child.
- Choose a content experience: Preschool, Younger, Older, or Approve content yourself.
- Select the child’s profile to start watching.
If Google will not let you sign in, check whether the parent account’s birthday has been verified. This is an account-age requirement, not a requirement for the child to have their own Google Account.
Option 2: Continue without signing in
- Open YouTube Kids.
- Complete the multiplication problem used to verify that an adult is setting up the app.
- Choose Preschool, Younger, Older, or Approve content yourself.
- Read the Notice to Parents and select I agree if you accept it.
Important: Approve content yourself requires a signed-in account. The multiplication problem is only an adult-verification step; it is not a secure parent password. Set a custom passcode or use account authentication for parental settings where available.
Create another child profile later
- Open YouTube Kids.
- Tap the profile picker in the upper-left corner.
- Tap Get Started.
- Choose the parent’s Google Account and confirm the parent’s identity.
- Enter the child’s name or nickname, age, and optional birth month.
- Choose the content setting.
Choose the right content setting
| Setting | Intended age | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool | 4 and under | Limits search results to content recommended for that age group. Videos are not all manually reviewed. |
| Younger | 5–8 | Offers material such as songs, cartoons, crafts, and similar activities; search is limited to content intended for children 8 and under. |
| Older | 9–12 | Provides a broader range of music, gaming, science, and related content; search is limited to content recommended for children 12 and under. |
| Approve content yourself | Parent-selected | The parent chooses individual videos, channels, and collections. The child cannot search. |
The age labels are not a guarantee that every video is suitable for a particular child. A child’s maturity, sensitivities, and viewing context matter too. For the tightest control, use Approve content yourself rather than assuming that Search being off creates a complete whitelist.
Use “Approve content yourself” for a hand-picked library
This setting must be enabled in the YouTube Kids app; the regular YouTube app and Family Link do not currently provide the option to change an existing profile to this setting.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors- Open YouTube Kids on the child’s device.
- Tap Settings.
- Complete the multiplication problem or enter the custom passcode.
- Select the child’s profile and enter the parent account password.
- Tap EDIT SETTINGS.
- Select Approve content yourself.
- Read the Getting started information and tap Select.
- Select the collections, channels, or individual videos the child may watch.
- Tap DONE in the red box at the bottom.
Use PREVIEW while selecting material to see what the child will be able to access. To revise the list, return to the same setting and tap Manage.
Open parental settings
In the mobile app
- Tap Settings.
- Complete the multiplication problem or enter the custom passcode.
- Select the child’s profile.
- Enter the parent account password.
On a computer
Select the Lock icon at YouTubeKids.com, complete the multiplication problem or enter the custom passcode, select the child’s profile, and enter the parent account password. See Google’s computer instructions.
Through Family Center
In the regular YouTube app, sign in with the linked parent account, tap You in the bottom-right corner, select Settings, then Family Center, and choose the child’s profile or account. Some settings are available there, but changing an existing profile to Approve content yourself still requires the YouTube Kids app.
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- 2 YEAR WORRY-FREE GUARANTEE INCLUDED: If it breaks, return it and we’ll replace it for free for 2 years.
- AMAZON KIDS+ INCLUDED - Includes 1-year of Amazon Kids+, a digital subscription that provides unlimited access to ad-free, age-appropriate books, videos, apps and games that kids love to play, create and learn. After 1 year, your subscription will automatically renew every month starting at just $7.99/month plus applicable tax. You may cancel any time by visiting the Amazon Kids Parent Dashboard or contacting Customer Service.
- EASY-TO-USE PARENTAL CONTROLS - Remotely review child activity to learn more about what your child is enjoying, approve (or deny) purchase and download requests, manage content, and more.
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Turn Search on or off
- Open parental settings.
- Select the child’s profile.
- Enter the parent password if requested.
- Switch Search on or off.
You can do this in YouTube Kids or through YouTube app → You → Settings → Family Center → child’s profile.
When Search is off, the child cannot search and is limited to YouTube Kids-verified videos and channels, plus material the parent shares from YouTube. Turning it off also clears the child’s watch and search history and resets Recommended and Watch it again.
A blocked query may produce “Try searching for something else!” Google says some terms are blocked because they could produce mature results; occasionally, harmless searches may also be blocked. Search off is a useful reduction in discovery, but it is not the same as a parent-approved list.
Pause or clear viewing and search history
Pause history
Open parental settings, select the child’s profile, and switch on Pause watch history. New views will then stop influencing recommendations and Watch it again. To pause searches, open the child’s profile settings and switch on Pause search history.
Clear history
- Open parental settings.
- Select the child’s profile.
- Tap CLEAR HISTORY.
- Tap OK to confirm.
Clearing history resets recommendations and Watch it again. Pause history when you want to stop new viewing from shaping recommendations; clear history when you want to remove the existing recommendation signal.
Set a screen-time timer
The timer is available in the mobile app, but not in the YouTube Kids web version.
- Tap Settings.
- Complete the multiplication problem or enter the custom passcode.
- Tap Set Timer.
- Use the slider or the plus and minus controls to choose the time limit.
- Tap START TIMER.
When time expires, the app displays “Time’s up!” and locks. The timer is an app-level limit, so do not expect it to control unrelated apps or general device use.
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- SAVE UP TO $100 — Bundle includes a full-featured tablet (not a toy) for kids ages 3-7, a 1-year Amazon Kids+ subscription, and a kid-proof case, versus items purchased separately.
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- AMAZON KIDS+ INCLUDED - Includes 1 year of Amazon Kids+, an award-winning digital subscription offering thousands of ad-free books, interactive games, videos, and apps. Kids can explore content from trusted brands like Disney, Nickelodeon, and PBS Kids including educational STEM activities, language learning, and entertainment they love - all in one place. After 1 year, your subscription will automatically renew every month starting at $7.99/month plus applicable tax. You may cancel any time by visiting the Amazon Kids Parent Dashboard or contacting Customer Service.
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Block a video or channel
From the home screen
- Sign in to YouTube Kids.
- Tap More next to the video.
- Tap Block this video.
- Enter the displayed numbers or the custom passcode.
From the watch page
- Tap More at the top of the video.
- Tap BLOCK.
- Choose Block this video only or Block entire channel.
- Tap BLOCK again and complete the verification.
A channel block covers videos uploaded to that specific channel. It does not automatically block reuploads on other channels or similar channels. Also note that content blocked while signed in may become available again if the child later uses YouTube Kids signed out. If the same Google Account is used for YouTube and YouTube Kids, channels blocked on YouTube are also blocked in YouTube Kids.
To remove every block for a profile, go to Settings → child’s profile → UNBLOCK VIDEOS → YES, UNBLOCK. This removes all video blocks at once, not just one selected block.
Report inappropriate content
- Open the video’s watch page.
- Tap More in the upper corner of the player.
- Tap Report.
- Choose Inappropriate visuals, Inappropriate audio, or Other.
If the parent is signed in when reporting, YouTube automatically blocks that video in YouTube Kids. Repeatedly reporting the same video does not make removal more likely. Google says reported videos are continuously reviewed and may be removed from YouTube Kids when necessary; report the problem, then block the video as an immediate local precaution.
Share a video or channel with a child
Sharing starts in the regular YouTube mobile app, not the YouTube Kids app.
- Open YouTube with the Google Account linked to the child’s YouTube Kids profile.
- Open the video or channel.
- Tap More, or tap SHARE below the video.
- Tap With kids.
- Tap SHARE next to the child’s profile, then tap Done.
The child finds it under the Shared tab on the YouTube Kids home screen. You cannot share age-restricted videos, videos with paid product placement, live videos while they are live, purchased content, content already blocked for that child, or Shorts.
Remove shared content
In YouTube Kids, go to Your stuff → SHARED, tap More beside the item, and select Remove from shared. To remove everything, open Settings, authenticate, select the child’s profile, and choose CLEAR SHARED.
Offline viewing: a regional limitation
YouTube Kids downloads are not generally available in the United States. Google currently lists downloads in Ghana, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Availability can change by country and account.
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- SAVE UP TO $70: Get a full-feature tablet (not a toy) made for big kids ages 6–12, 6-month subscription Amazon Kids+ and a slim Kid-Friendly Case, versus items purchased separately.
- 2 YEAR WORRY-FREE GUARANTEE INCLUDED: If it breaks, return it and we’ll replace it for free for 2 years.
- AMAZON KIDS+ INCLUDED - Includes 6-months of Amazon Kids+, a digital subscription that provides unlimited access to ad-free, age-appropriate books, videos, apps and games that kids love to play, create and learn. After 6-months, your subscription will automatically renew every month starting at just $7.99/month plus applicable tax. You may cancel any time by visiting the Amazon Kids Parent Dashboard or contacting Customer Service.
- EASY-TO-USE PARENTAL CONTROLS - Remotely review child activity to learn more about what your child is enjoying, approve (or deny) purchase and download requests, manage content, and more.
- FAST WITH LONG LASTING BATTERY - Features all-day up to 13-hour battery life, powerful hexa-core processor, with up to 4 GB RAM (2X more than 2022 release), 64 GB of internal storage for content, and up to 1 TB of expandable storage (sold separately) for even more. It’s great for downloading games, videos, books, and music for their on-the-go educational entertainment.
Where the feature is available:
- Sign in to YouTube Kids.
- Find a video and tap More.
- Select Download Video.
Downloads require an internet connection at least once every 30 days and are limited to 20 videos. Find them under Your stuff → DOWNLOADS. A YouTube Premium subscription should not be assumed to override these YouTube Kids regional restrictions.
Use YouTube Kids on the web
- Go to YouTubeKids.com.
- Enter the parent’s birth year.
- Choose whether to sign in.
- If signing in, review the privacy terms and select Next.
- Create or select the child’s profile.
- Choose a content experience and select SELECT.
- Turn Search on or off.
- Complete the feature tour and select DONE.
The web version does not offer offline mode, Voice Search, or a timer. For a younger child using a computer, consider combining YouTube Kids settings with the operating system’s own account, browser, and screen-time controls.
Use YouTube Kids on a television
On many TVs, streaming devices, and game consoles, YouTube Kids is accessed through the regular YouTube app rather than a separate TV application.
Signed-in setup
- Open the regular YouTube app on the TV or connected device.
- If Who’s Watching? appears, select the child’s profile.
- If already signed in, open the left-hand menu.
- Select the profile picture to open the accounts page.
- Select the child’s account to switch to YouTube Kids.
Signed-out setup
- Open YouTube and open the left-hand menu.
- Select the profile picture.
- Select Set up YouTube Kids.
- Select Set up Guest Account and follow the instructions.
There is an important account distinction: if an account is both a supervised YouTube account and a YouTube Kids profile, selecting it on the TV opens the supervised YouTube account, not the YouTube Kids profile.
Set the TV parent code
The TV parent code is separate from the YouTube Kids app’s custom passcode.
- Open YouTube on the TV.
- From the home page, open Settings.
- Select the Parent code tab.
- Follow the instructions to create or reset the four-digit code.
When enabled, the code is required to watch YouTube while signed out, access accounts for older household members, and remove accounts from the TV. It is not the Google Account password and cannot authenticate other Google services.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What YouTube Kids can—and cannot—guarantee
YouTube says YouTube Kids uses automated filtering, user reports, and some human review. Home-screen videos receive additional quality control involving human review, but Search and Recommended videos are selected algorithmically and are not necessarily human-reviewed. Google explicitly says that no automated system is perfect and that inappropriate material may still appear even with Search turned off. See Google’s explanation of ads and content safety.
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- SAVE UP TO $70 — Bundle includes a full-featured tablet (not a toy) for kids ages 3-7, includes 6 months of Amazon Kids+ subscription, and a kid-proof case, versus items purchased separately.
- 2 YEAR WORRY-FREE GUARANTEE INCLUDED - If the tablet breaks, return it and we’ll replace it for free. Screen made with strengthened aluminosilicate glass and every Fire Kids tablet comes with a sturdy Kid-Proof Case designed to protect against drops and bumps.
- AMAZON KIDS+ INCLUDED - Includes 1 year of Amazon Kids+, an award-winning digital subscription offering thousands of ad-free books, interactive games, videos, and apps. Kids can explore content from trusted brands like Disney, Nickelodeon, and PBS Kids including educational STEM activities, language learning, and entertainment they love - all in one place. After 1 year, your subscription will automatically renew every month starting at $7.99/month plus applicable tax. You may cancel any time by visiting the Amazon Kids Parent Dashboard or contacting Customer Service.
- EASY-TO-USE PARENTAL CONTROLS - Remotely review child activity to learn more about what your child is enjoying, set time limits, or prioritize books and learning apps before entertainment.
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That makes YouTube Kids a filtering and supervision tool, not a substitute for parental involvement. For the most controlled setup:
- Use a signed-in parent account.
- Create a separate profile for each child.
- Choose Approve content yourself for children who need a hand-picked library.
- Otherwise, turn Search off for younger or less independent viewers.
- Use the timer on mobile and device-level controls elsewhere.
- Review recommendations, shared videos, and history periodically.
- Block and report questionable material rather than relying on a single filter.
- Prevent access to an unprotected signed-out session on shared TVs by enabling the TV parent code.
Ads and commercial content
YouTube Kids permits limited paid advertising. Paid ads are labeled “Ad” and preceded by an ad introduction. The app may also contain commercial material uploaded by creators that is not classified as a paid advertisement. Parents should therefore explain the difference between entertainment, sponsorship, product placement, and advertising—especially when children watch creator-led channels.
Quick troubleshooting checklist
- The child can still find unwanted material: Search off reduces discovery but is not a complete whitelist; use Approve content yourself.
- A blocked channel’s video appears again: it may be a reupload from another channel. Block the specific video or approve content manually.
- Blocks disappeared: check whether the child signed out. Signed-in blocks may not carry over to a signed-out session.
- The timer option is missing: the web version does not include a timer; use the mobile app or device-level screen-time controls.
- Downloads are unavailable: YouTube Kids offline downloads are region-limited and generally unavailable in the United States.
- The TV opens regular supervised YouTube: the selected account may be a supervised YouTube account rather than the linked YouTube Kids profile.
- The parent code is rejected: distinguish the TV’s four-digit parent code from the YouTube Kids custom passcode and the Google Account password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is YouTube Kids completely safe for children?
No. Google says its automated filtering is not perfect, not every video is manually reviewed, and inappropriate content may still appear even when Search is off. Parents should review content and use blocking, reporting, and—when appropriate—Approve content yourself.
Does my child need a Google Account to use YouTube Kids?
No. A parent can create a child profile under the parent’s Google Account, or continue without signing in. Signing in provides more parental controls and allows the profile to be used on other supported devices.
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What is the difference between Search off and Approve content yourself?
Search off prevents the child from searching and limits discovery to YouTube Kids-verified content and videos shared by the parent. Approve content yourself is a hand-picked library of parent-selected videos, channels, and collections; the child cannot search in that mode.
Can YouTube Kids download videos for offline viewing?
Only in regions where Google provides the feature. Google currently lists Ghana, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Downloads are generally unavailable in the United States, are limited to 20 videos, and require an internet connection at least once every 30 days.
Can I set a YouTube Kids timer on a computer or TV?
The YouTube Kids timer is available in the mobile app, not on the web. TV availability and controls differ, so use the television or device’s own parental and screen-time controls when necessary.
The Bottom Line
The best controlled setup is a signed-in parent account, a separate child profile, an appropriate content setting, Search turned off or manually approved content, and regular parental review. YouTube Kids can reduce exposure to unsuitable material, but it is not a guarantee of safety: filters, recommendations, blocks, and even Search-off mode have important limits.
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