How to use Google SafeSearch to filter out explicit web search results

Whether you’re a parent trying to filter explicit content from the limitless Google searches your child could be searching on the web, or you’re simply trying to figure out why it seems like certain images or web results are being filtered from your Google search queries, chances are Google SafeSearch is the answer.

In this tutorial, we’ll show you how you can toggle Google SafeSearch on or off, depending on whether you need to start filtering explicit search results from your queries or stop doing so when the feature is already enabled.

Google SafeSearch enabled on iPhone

What does Google SafeSearch actually do?

According to Google, the feature is mostly intended for immature audiences, like children, and helps to keep known explicit sources from showing up in Google search results. This includes images, videos, websites, and more.

Most explicit content falls under the category of pornography, but there are other forms of “adult content” that may be filtered out as well, despite not being spelled out by Google in their examples.

Obviously, this feature can’t filter out every single thing on the face of the web because the internet is constantly changing from day to day. That said, some things will inadvertently make it through the filter now and then, so don’t be surprised if it only works 99% of the time.

You can use the feature on any of your computers, smartphones, tablets, or any other internet communication devices you have that can access Google.

How to turn Google SafeSearch on or off

There are two ways to turn Google SafeSearch on or off, and it depends on how you’re accessing Google: from a web browser or from the mobile app.

From a web browser

1) Load the Google website in your favorite web browser.

2) Click the Settings button at the bottom right of the page.

3) Click the Search settings button in the pop-up menu.

Google Search settings

4) Choose one of the steps below depending on your situation:

  • Put a checkmark in the Turn on SafeSearch box to enable SafeSearch if it’s turned off.
  • Uncheck the SafeSearch box to disable SafeSearch if it’s turned on.
Turn on Safe Search on Google

5) Scroll down and click the blue Save button.

Save safe search feature

Google should now alert you that your changes have been saved; click on the blue Close button.

Now your settings should be saved and will be effective immediately.

From the mobile app

1) Launch the Google app on your iPhone or iPad.

2) Tap your profile picture from the top.

3) Pick Settings.

Access settings in Google app on iPhone

4) Tap SafeSearch and choose one of the steps below depending on your situation:

  • Turn on the SafeSearch switch to enable it and filter explicit results.
  • Turn off the SafeSearch switch to disable it and show all relevant results, including explicit content.

5) You can now tap the arrow button (<) from the top left to return to the Google app.

Toggle SafeSearch in Google app on iPhone

How to lock your child’s Google SafeSearch settings

If you’re a parent and you’re seeking to enable Google SafeSearch for your child, then you’re probably well aware that your child can be far more crafty and tech-savvy than you. It’s just the day and age they were born into. In fact, they might even stumble upon this tutorial and try to disable it on you without you knowing.

Fortunately, Google includes a feature that lets you lock your Google SafeSearch settings for your account, which prevents these settings from being changed without your permission. To do that, you’ll have to use Google’s Family Link.

You can also easily limit all adult websites on your child’s iPhone, iPad, or Mac using Screen Time restrictions.

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