Are you trying to see the comment section of a YouTube video but there’s an error that says, “Restricted Mode has hidden comments for this video”?
If you did, you’re probably looking for a solution to remove the error.
A lot of people have faced this error on YouTube before, so you’re not the only one dealing with it.
There are many discussions about the “Restricted Mode has hidden comments for this video” error but most of them aren’t helpful.
This article compiles three solutions to fix the error that have worked for others.
By the end of the article, you should be able to view the comment section of any YouTube video again.
Why did I get the “Restricted Mode has hidden comments for this video” error?
You got the “Restricted Mode has hidden comments for this video” error on YouTube either because Restricted Mode is enabled on your device, or the system administrator has set it up in their network.
If you got the “Restricted Mode has hidden comments for this video” error on YouTube, it means that Restricted Mode has been enabled.
According to YouTube, when Restricted Mode is enabled for Google Workspace or G Suite, users won’t be able to see the comments on videos.
If you’ve enabled restricted mode for YouTube in the past, the comment section will be hidden on videos.
Similarly, if someone else enabled restricted mode, comments will be hidden on videos as well.
In the event that you’re accessing YouTube from a school, library, or work computer, the system administrator might have enabled restricted mode for it.
If that’s the case, you need to contact them for answers.
YouTube stated that users won’t be able to see the comments on videos when Restricted Mode is enabled for Google Workspace or G Suite.
Hence, if they’ve restricted YouTube access, the comment section under videos will be hidden.
Lastly, if you’re connected to an organization’s VPN, it might be restricting YouTube access.
How to remove “Restricted Mode has hidden comments for this video” on YouTube
To remove “Restricted Mode has hidden comments for this video” on YouTube, you need to either disable restricted mode on your device, turn off your VPN, or change your DNS to 8.8.8.8.
Try disabling restricted mode, turning off your VPN (if you’re connected to one), or changing your DNS to 8.8.8.8.
When restricted mode is enabled on your device, the comments will be hidden on videos.
If you’ve enabled restricted mode in the past, you won’t be able to view the comments on videos.
Next, if you’re connected to an organization’s VPN, they might have enabled restricted mode for YouTube.
Similarly, if you’re accessing YouTube from a school or library computer, the system administrator might have enabled restricted mode.
Here’s how you can use these solutions to remove the “Restricted Mode has hidden comments for this video” on YouTube (in detail).
1. Disable restricted mode
The first solution is to disable restricted mode on YouTube.
Go to YouTube, select your profile > settings > turn off restricted mode.
If you or someone else has enabled restricted mode on YouTube mode in the past, you need to disable it to see comments on videos again.
Even if you haven’t enabled restricted mode on YouTube in the past, you should double-check it.
In most devices, you can disable restricted mode by going to your profile settings and flipping the switch for it.
Here’s how you can disable restricted mode for each device.
How to disable restricted mode on a computer:
- Click on your profile picture on the top right of your screen.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the navigation menu.
- Select “Restricted Mode”.
- Turn off restricted mode.
How to disable restricted mode on an Android device:
- Open the YouTube app.
- On the top right of your screen, tap on “More” (triple-dots icon).
- Tap on Settings, then tap on General.
- Turn off restricted mode.
How to disable restricted mode on an iPhone:
- Open the YouTube app.
- On the top right of your screen, tap on your profile.
- Tap on Settings.
- Turn off restricted mode.
After you’ve disabled restricted mode, you should be able to see comments on videos again.
However, if Restricted Mode isn’t enabled in the first place, you can use the next couple of methods instead.
2. Turn off your VPN
Turning off your VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help to remove the “Restricted Mode has hidden comments for this video” error on YouTube.
If you’re connected to a VPN, Restricted Mode for YouTube might be enabled in it by the system administrator.
Disconnecting from your VPN can help to remove the “Restricted Mode has hidden comments for this video” error.
Many users have reported that their VPN connection is the cause of the error.
If you’re using a corporate VPN, the system administrator might have enabled restricted mode on YouTube for everyone that’s connected to it.
In order to remove the error, you need to disconnect from your VPN.
Once you’ve disconnected from your VPN, you should be able to view comments on videos again.
3. Change your DNS to 8.8.8.8
Lastly, you can try changing your DNS (Domain Name Server) to 8.8.8.8.
Changing your DNS to 8.8.8.8 will remove the “Restricted Mode has hidden comments for this video” error on YouTube.
8.8.8.8 is an IP address that is ran by Google.
Typically, when you have a problem with the DNS that you’re currently using, you can switch to a different one.
In this case, you can try switching your DNS to 8.8.8.8 which will help to remove the “Restricted Mode has hidden comments for this video” on YouTube.
Note: Before switching your DNS, make sure to note down or take a screenshot of your current server addresses.
In case anything goes wrong, you can switch back to your old DNS.
Here’s how you can change your DNS to 8.8.8.8 on a Windows 10 Computer:
- Go to the Control Panel.
- Open the Network and Sharing Center under Network and Internet.
- On the left panel, click on “Change Adapter Settings”.
- Find and select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
- Click on properties.
- Select “Use the following DNS server addresses”.
- Replace the preferred and alternate DNS servers to 8.8.8.8.
After you’ve switched your DNS, you should be able to see the comments on every YouTube video.
In addition, you’ll no longer be prompted to sign in to G Suite.
Conclusion
In this article, you’ve learned 3 different solutions to fix the “Restricted Mode has hidden comments for this video” error on YouTube.
The error is caused because restricted mode is enabled on YouTube.
In other cases, it might be due to a router or network setting.
Do note that Restricted Mode can also be enabled via the Family Link app.
If that’s the case, you need to contact the network administrator for assistance.
Another workaround for this is to use another device or switching your connection.
If you’re using a mobile device, you can try switching your connection from Wi-Fi to mobile data, and vice-versa.
Further Reading
What Does “Join” Mean on YouTube?
How to Fix “Comment failed to post” on YouTube
How to Fix GIF Not Working on Instagram
Author: Lim How Wei is the founder of Followchain. Feel free to follow him on Instagram.
