How to use Google SafeSearch to filter explicit search results for kids

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  • Google SafeSearch filters out harmful or inappropriate content from search results.
  • You can turn on Google SafeSearch by going to search settings in Google.
  • Make sure you're logged into your Google Account to save your changes.

It's easy to find internet content that's educational and thought-provoking. On the flip side, it's just as easy to find content that's explicit or graphic, especially for children.

That's why Google's SafeSearch feature lets you filter out search results that you might not want yourself or your kids to see. 

Here's everything you need to know about Google's SafeSearch feature, including how to turn it on and off from any device.

What is Google SafeSearch?

Google SafeSearch is an automated filter used by parents, workplaces, and schools to block Google results from displaying harmful content, such as pornographic or violent images, videos, and websites. When enabled, both Google Search and Google Image Search will have the SafeSearch filter applied. 

The feature is automatically turned on for all accounts owned by a user 12 years old or younger. If you're a parent who uses Google's Family Link app, the feature can only be turned off by you, not your children. Administrators of a school or workplace network can keep Google SafeSearch permanently turned on by mapping domains to forcesafesearch.google.com, though Google recommends that a tech-savvy person handles this process.

To learn more about locking SafeSearch on your devices, visit this Google Search Help page.      

How to turn on Google SafeSearch

While your screen may differ slightly from the screenshots below, depending on what browser or device you're using, the steps should be similar. Just navigate to your settings.

On desktop

1. Log in to your Google Account and go to the Google homepage.

2. In the bottom-right corner, click Settings, then Search settings.

Make sure you’re signed in to ensure changes are saved to your Google account across devices. Abigail Abesamis Demarest

3. Under SafeSearch filters, click the box next to Turn on SafeSearch.

Make sure to scroll down and click save to apply changes. Abigail Abesamis Demarest

4. Click Save to confirm your changes.

On mobile

1. Open your mobile browser and go to SafeSearch settings.

2. Turn on the Explicit results filter by clicking the toggle to the "on" position.

You’ll see a confirmation message at the bottom of the page. Abigail Abesamis Demarest

3. When you're finished, tap Back to go to the Google homepage.

Troubleshooting SafeSearch issues

There are a few common fixes to any Google SafeSearch difficulties: 

SafeSearch keeps turning on

If this happens, it may be because SafeSearch is set and locked by your account, your device, or even a network administrator. To check this, go to SafeSearch settings and see if there is a lock at the top-right with information about how SafeSearch is managed. If SafeSearch isn't locked, make sure you're signed into your Google account to ensure your saved SafeSearch settings are applied.

SafeSearch is on, but explicit results still appear

SafeSearch is designed to filter out explicit results, but no filter is 100% accurate. If explicit results still appear even if SafeSearch is on, report it to Google.

SafeSearch keeps turning off

As long as you allow cookies (the internet kind, not chocolate chip), your saved SafeSearch settings should stay the same. Deleting your cookies or signing out of your Google account may reset your SafeSearch setting.

Abigail Abesamis Demarest is a contributing writer for Insider based in New York. She loves a good glazed donut and nerdy deep dives into the science of food and how it's made.  Read more Read less Reporter Grace is a Reporter on the Breaking News team at Business Insider. She was previously the Associate Producer of Insider's breaking news podcast, The Refresh. She has a Master of Science from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism with a focus on investigative journalism and audio/radio production. Email her at ggoodwin@businessinsider.com  Read more Read less Freelance Writer Steven John is a freelance writer living near New York City by way of 12 years in Los Angeles, four in Boston, and the first 18 near DC. When not writing or spending time with his wife and kids, he can occasionally be found climbing mountains. His writing is spread across the web, and his books can be found at www.stevenjohnbooks.com. Read more Read less

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