SafeSearch: How to Turn It On or Off

SafeSearch is a filter that hides explicit content from Google search results. You can turn it on or off in a few clicks on both desktop and mobile, and this article shows you exactly where those controls are and how to lock the setting down.

What SafeSearch Actually Does

Google’s SafeSearch screens search results for sexual, violent, and other explicit material, then filters out pages, images, and videos that match. It works across Google Search, Image Search, and video results, and it applies to most searches you run while signed in to your Google account. The filter is not perfect—it can miss some explicit content and occasionally blocks harmless pages—but it is a useful first line of defense for households, schools, and anyone who prefers a cleaner search experience.

SafeSearch has three states: On, Off, and Blur (for images). When set to On, explicit results are hidden entirely. When Off, no filtering happens. The Blur setting, available only for image search, replaces explicit images with a blurred placeholder that you can click to view if you choose.

How to Turn SafeSearch On or Off on Desktop

On a desktop browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari), the controls are the same whether you’re on google.com or a regional Google domain.

1. Go to google.com and perform any search.
2. Click Settings in the top-right corner (it looks like a gear icon).
3. From the dropdown, choose Search settings.
4. Scroll to the SafeSearch filters section.
5. Check the box for Turn on SafeSearch to enable it, or uncheck it to disable.
6. Click Save at the bottom of the page.

If you are not signed in to a Google account, the setting applies only to the browser you are using. If you are signed in, it syncs across all your devices.

How to Turn SafeSearch On or Off on Mobile (Android, iPhone, iPad)

On mobile, the steps differ slightly depending on whether you use the Google app or a mobile browser.

In the Google App (Android and iOS)

1. Open the Google app and tap your profile picture (top-right corner).
2. Tap Settings.
3. Tap SafeSearch.
4. Choose On, Off, or Blur (Blur is only for images).

In a Mobile Browser (Safari, Chrome, etc.)

1. Go to google.com in your browser.
2. Tap the hamburger menu (three lines) in the top-left corner.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Tap Search settings.
5. Adjust the SafeSearch filter and tap Save.

On iOS, the Google app uses the same profile-picture menu as Android. The mobile browser method works on both platforms as long as you are using the standard Google search page.

Locking SafeSearch So Others Can’t Change It

If you are a parent or an administrator, you can lock SafeSearch to On, which hides the toggle from regular users. The lock is tied to your Google account and applies to any device where that account is signed in.

• For personal accounts: Go to the SafeSearch settings page (google.com/preferences) and click Lock SafeSearch. You’ll be asked to sign in again to confirm. Once locked, the setting can only be changed by signing in with the account that locked it.
• For school or family accounts: If you use Google Family Link, you can manage SafeSearch from the Family Link app or website. Open Family Link, select your child’s account, go to Controls > Google Search, and toggle SafeSearch on. This locks the filter for that child’s signed-in sessions.
• For managed devices (Chromebooks, work accounts): Administrators can enforce SafeSearch through the Google Admin console. This is a per-organization setting that applies to all users in the domain.

Note that locking SafeSearch does not affect incognito or guest browsing unless you also restrict those modes in Family Link or device settings.

Why SafeSearch Might Turn Off by Itself

Users often report that SafeSearch turns off unexpectedly. Here are the most common causes:

• Signed out of Google: If you are not signed in, the setting is stored in your browser’s cookies. Clearing cookies or using a different browser resets it to the default (which is usually Off for logged-out users).
• Multiple Google accounts: SafeSearch is per-account. If you have a personal account and a work account, each has its own setting. Check which account is active.
• Browser extensions: Some privacy or ad-blocking extensions can interfere with Google’s settings page. Try disabling extensions temporarily.
• VPN or proxy: If your IP address appears to be in a country where Google defaults to SafeSearch off, the setting may not stick. Disconnect the VPN and try again.

To make the setting persistent, sign in to your Google account, turn SafeSearch on, and lock it if you want extra security.

SafeSearch vs. Parental Controls: What’s the Difference?

SafeSearch is a single filter for Google search results. It does not block websites, limit screen time, or monitor activity. Parental control apps (like Family Link, Screen Time, or third-party apps) offer broader protection: they can block specific sites, restrict app usage, and give you reports on your child’s online activity.

For a child’s device, you should use both: enable SafeSearch on the Google account and set up parental controls at the operating system level. SafeSearch alone is not enough to keep a child safe online, because they can still access explicit content through other search engines, social media, or direct URLs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does SafeSearch work on YouTube?

No. SafeSearch only filters Google Search results. YouTube has its own Restricted Mode, which you can turn on by scrolling to the bottom of any YouTube page and clicking the dropdown next to your profile picture, then selecting Restricted Mode. On mobile, you can enable it in the app’s settings.

Can I turn SafeSearch on for someone else’s device?

Only if you have access to that person’s Google account or device. If you are a parent, use Family Link to manage your child’s account. If you are an administrator, use the Google Admin console. Otherwise, you can’t change another person’s setting remotely.

Why is SafeSearch not available in my country?

Google may disable SafeSearch in certain countries where local laws require unfiltered search results, or where the feature is not supported. In such cases, the SafeSearch toggle may be missing from settings. You can still use third-party parental controls or a different search engine.

Does SafeSearch affect incognito mode?

Yes, if you are signed in to a Google account in incognito mode, SafeSearch applies. If you are not signed in, incognito mode uses the default setting, which is usually Off. To enforce SafeSearch in incognito, lock it on your account or use Family Link.

How do I turn off SafeSearch permanently?

Go to the SafeSearch settings page, uncheck the box, and save. If the setting keeps reverting, make sure you are signed in to the correct account and clear your browser cache. If you are using a managed device (school or work), the administrator may have locked it, and you’ll need to contact them.

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