Google SafeSearch is useful for keeping unwanted content from your computer or smartphone. But what if you need to search for more controversial topics and Google SafeSearch is blocking the results?
Then, you’ll need to turn off the SafeSearch feature. Here’s how you’re able to do so.
Turning off Google SafeSearch means explicit and NSFW results could appear on your browser. Don’t forget to turn it on again after your search to avoid unwanted websites from appearing in future search results.
How to Turn Off Google SafeSearch on Your Desktop Browser
You don’t need to have a Google account to turn SafeSearch off. Furthermore, it’s relatively easy to turn off the feature on Google Search settings from your computer. These are the steps you need to follow:
Screenshot by Jowi Morales; no attribution is required.
With that, you can start searching Google with SafeSearch turned off on your browser. These steps will work using Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or any other browser.
How to Turn Off Google SafeSearch on Your Smartphone
It’s also easy to turn off Google SafeSearch if browsing from your phone. These steps will apply, no matter what browser you use, and work on both Android and iOS devices. Furthermore, you don’t need to log in to your Google account for the setting to take effect.
You can now start searching on Google without its SafeSearch filter. However, this will not affect the search results if you search directly using the Google search app or Google search widget from your home screen.
How to Turn Off Google SafeSearch on the Google App for Android and iOS
Like the other ways of turning off Google SafeSearch, you don’t need to log in to your account to turn off the feature. So, here’s to turn off SafeSearch from the Google app on Android and iOS.
These steps turn off SafeSearch on the Google app, allowing you to get unfiltered results whenever you use it for search. If you want to turn on SafeSearch again, just follow the above steps, but chooseBlurorFilteron the SafeSearch page.
Reasons You Can’t Turn Off Google SafeSearch
While turning off Google SafeSearch on your phone or device is usually easy, you’re able to’t always change this setting. If you see a lock icon at the top right of the SafeSearch settings, that means it’s locked, and you cannot change it.
So, here are a few reasons why you cannot change your Google SafeSearch settings.
1. SafeSearch Is Built Into the Network You’re Using
If you’re using public Wi-Fi or a network controlled by an organization, their systems might force Google to turn SafeSearch on. If that is the case, you won’t be able to turn this feature off unless you use another network that does not enforce it.
2. Your Antivirus or Security Suite Software Turned Google SafeSearch On
Some of thebest antivirus programs for Windowsforce Google SafeSearch to turn on for additional security. So, if you need to adjust this setting, turn it off first in your antivirus or security suite app.
3. You’re Using an Account Managed Through Google Family Link
You can set up anduse Google SafeSearch to protect your kids onlinewith Google Family link. So, if you’re trying to turn it off and find it locked, you should check your account. You might’ve been using your kid’s account by accident, or your account must’ve been set under parental controls, too.
If you want to turn off Google SafeSearch, use a different account or check your Google Family link settings to ensure your account isn’t set as a child account.
4. SafeSearch Is Turned On by Default by Your School or Organization
No attribution is required; sourced from
URL:Grayscale photo of hanging heart shaped pendant lamp photo – Free Chengdu Image on Unsplash
Companies and schools can lock Google SafeSearch settings on the devices they provide. If that is the case, you cannot change this setting unless you talk to your IT administrator to remove the lock. If you need to search with SafeSearch turned off, have your company administrator change the setting or use a personal device and internet connection.
5. A Browser Extension Is Turning SafeSearch On
Some browser extensions, especially those related to privacy and security, can turn SafeSearch on by default. If you cannot turn off SafeSearch on your browser,enable private browsing on your browser, which should temporarily turn off all extensions.
Unlock the Internet by Turning Off Google SafeSearch
Google SafeSearch is a useful feature that keeps you safe from unwanted explicit and NSFW search results. However, there are times when it’s too powerful and will remove legitimate results that you need.
Or you might need to turn it off for research purposes, like when you need to learn about historical war crimes, intimate art, medical photos and videos, and other sensitive information.
But once you’ve completed your research, remember to turn Google SafeSearch back on. That way, you do not get unwanted search results, especially if you use your laptop in public, in the office, or around your kids. That way, you may avoid awkward moments when you and the people around you are startled by shocking images from your Google search results.
