Taking Control of Your Search Results
Google handles billions of search queries every day, and naturally, a significant portion of those queries lead to websites containing explicit content, violence, or sensitive imagery. To ensure the internet remains family-friendly by default, Google automatically implements a filtering system called SafeSearch.
When SafeSearch is turned on, Google’s algorithms actively scan your search queries and silently hide any text, images, or video links that it deems inappropriate. For children’s devices or school networks, this is an essential safety feature.
However, if you are a responsible adult conducting legitimate research (for example, looking up medical conditions, researching historical conflicts, or even just looking for specific artistic imagery), SafeSearch can be incredibly frustrating. The algorithm frequently overreacts, blocking entirely harmless websites simply because they contain certain flagged keywords. To see the unfiltered, complete internet, you must manually turn SafeSearch off.
How to Turn Off SafeSearch on a Computer
If you are using a desktop or laptop computer (whether it is a Mac or a Windows PC), the process takes only a few clicks directly from the main search page.
- Open your preferred web browser and go to Google.com.
- Perform any random search (for example, search for “test”). You must be on a search results page to see the correct settings menu.
- Look in the top right corner of the search results page, just underneath the search bar. You will see a small gear icon labelled Quick Settings. Click it.
- A panel will slide out on the right side of your screen. Look for the section labelled SafeSearch.
- Click on the SafeSearch option. It will usually say “Filter” or “Blur.”
- A new menu will appear with three distinct choices:
- Filter: Explicit text, images, and links are completely removed from the results.
- Blur: Explicit text and links are shown, but explicit images are heavily blurred until you click on them.
- Off: All explicit content is fully visible.
- Select Off.
The page will automatically refresh, and your future searches will no longer be restricted.
How to Turn Off SafeSearch on a Smartphone
If you are browsing on your mobile phone, the interface is slightly different depending on whether you are using a mobile browser (like Safari or Chrome) or the dedicated Google Search App.
Using a Mobile Browser (Safari/Chrome)
- Go to Google.com on your mobile browser and perform a random search.
- In the top left corner of the screen, tap the three horizontal lines (the hamburger menu).
- Tap on SafeSearch.
- Select the Off toggle button.
Using the Official Google App
If you use the dedicated Google App on your iPhone or Android device, the setting is located within your account profile.
- Open the Google App.
- Tap on your profile picture (or your initial) in the top right corner.
- Select Settings from the pop-up menu.
- Tap on SafeSearch.
- Select Off from the available options.
Why Is SafeSearch Locked On?
Occasionally, you may reach the SafeSearch menu only to find that the “Off” button is greyed out and unclickable. There will usually be a small lock icon next to it.
If this happens, it means you do not have the administrative authority to change the setting. This occurs for three common reasons:
- You are on a managed network: If you are using the Wi-Fi at a public school, a library, or a corporate office, the IT department has likely forced SafeSearch on at the router level. You cannot turn it off from your device.
- You are using a child account: If your Google Account is managed by a parent using Google Family Link, only the parent can disable the filter from their own device.
- Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) enforces it: In certain countries (like the UK), internet providers turn adult filters on by default at the account level. You must log into your broadband provider’s website (e.g., BT or Sky) to disable the broadband shield before Google will allow you to turn off SafeSearch.
