How to turn off SafeSearch: A complete guide

How to turn off SafeSearch on a Google account

If SafeSearch is filtering content from search results, it’s likely tied to your Google account settings. Follow these steps to turn it off directly from your account:

1. 1.Log in to your Google account.
2. 2.Go to the SafeSearch settings.
3. 3.Choose "Off" to get access to all relevant Google search results.

How to turn SafeSearch off on an iPhone

Want SafeSearch off on an iPhone? Follow these steps for both the Google app and Safari.

On the Google app:

1. 1.Tap your profile icon in the top right.
2. 2.Tap "SafeSearch."
   
3. 3.Choose “Off” under filtering options.
   

On Safari:

1. 1.Visit google.com/preferences.
2. 2.Scroll down to SafeSearch filters.
   
3. 3.Select "Off."
   

Note: If your iPhone is linked to a parental control system like Family Sharing or Screen Time restrictions, SafeSearch may be locked.

How to turn SafeSearch off on an Android device

To turn off SafeSearch on Android devices, you can use either the Google app or a mobile browser like Chrome.

On the Google app:

1. 1.Tap your profile picture (top right).
   
2. 2.Tap "SafeSearch."
   
3. 3.Set it to “Off.”
   

On Google Chrome:

1. 1.Go to google.com/preferences.
2. 2.Under SafeSearch preferences, select "Off."
   

If SafeSearch keeps turning back on, check for device-level restrictions under "Digital wellbeing & parental controls" in your Android device settings.

How to turn off SafeSearch on a laptop or desktop

SafeSearch behavior on desktop depends more on your browser and account than the actual device. As a result, the steps are nearly the same across Windows, Mac, and Chromebook, with only minor differences.

How to turn SafeSearch off on a Chromebook

Chromebooks often have additional school or administrator settings. But if you’re using a personal one:

1. 1.Open Chrome and go to google.com/preferences.
2. 2.Scroll to SafeSearch filters.
3. 3.Select "Off."

For school Chromebooks, SafeSearch may be enforced by the administrator.

How to turn SafeSearch off on Windows

1. 1.Open your browser.
2. 2.Visit google.com/preferences.
3. 3.Under SafeSearch settings, choose "Off."
   

Also, check your DNS or parental control settings if it still won’t turn off.

How to turn SafeSearch off on a Mac

Whether you're using Safari or Chrome:

1. 1.Go to google.com/preferences.
2. 2.Scroll to SafeSearch preferences.
3. 3.Choose "Off."

On managed Macs (e.g., school or company devices), SafeSearch may be forced via network settings.

How to turn off SafeSearch on browsers

If your Google account isn’t enforcing SafeSearch, browser preferences can help.

How to turn SafeSearch off on Safari

1. 1.Open Safari and go to google.com/preferences.
2. 2.Under SafeSearch filters, choose “Off.”

If changes don’t stick, check Safari's content restrictions via "Settings" > "Screen time" > "Content & privacy restrictions."

How to turn SafeSearch off on Chrome

1. 1.Open Chrome and visit google.com/preferences.
2. 2.Locate SafeSearch settings.
   
3. 3.Select “Off.”
   

Still stuck? Try clearing cache, signing in to your Google account, or disabling extensions that may interfere.

How to disable SafeSearch on Android TV

Most Android TVs don’t have a browser like Chrome installed by default, but you can turn off SafeSearch via voice or system settings:

1. 1.Open the Google Settings on your Android TV.
2. 2.Go to "Accounts & sign-in."
3. 3.Select your account.
4. 4.Under "Search settings," find "SafeSearch" and toggle it off.

If your TV uses restricted profiles or parental controls, that may override the setting.

Are there any dangers when SafeSearch is turned off?

Yes, turning off SafeSearch exposes you to potential risks. It’s a helpful setting to filter explicit content from your search results, so be aware of these dangers before you disable it:

• Exposure to explicit content. Without SafeSearch, users may encounter adult material, including explicit images, videos, or websites.
• Inappropriate or violent content. Search results may include graphic or violent material that might not be suitable for all users, especially children. If you'd like to learn more, take a look at our guide on internet safety for kids.
• Unfiltered user-generated content. Platforms like YouTube or forums might show inappropriate or harmful user-uploaded content.

Why would you want to turn off SafeSearch?

You may want to turn off SafeSearch for various reasons, such as:

• Unrestricted results. If you’re doing serious research or just want the internet as it is, filters can get in the way.
• Professional use. Journalists, academics, and analysts often need access to sensitive or graphic information for work.
• Personal preference. Some people don’t want a search engine deciding what’s “appropriate” for them.
• Global content access. Filters can block foreign-language results or region-specific online content you're looking for.
• More control. You may prefer to fine-tune search settings yourself instead of relying on defaults.
• More objective information. Sometimes filtered content skews reality or hides useful pages under the guise of “safety.”

Why won't the Google SafeSearch filter turn off?

Can’t disable Google SafeSearch? Let’s take a look at a few reasons why you may not be able to do so:

• You’re using a supervised account. If your Google account is managed with Family Link, only your parents can change the settings. The same goes for school or workplace accounts tied to Google Workspace for Education.
• You're on a restricted network. Network administrators can force SafeSearch on public Wi-Fi (like at schools, libraries, or airports) using network-level controls. 
• Your device has extra filters. Some antivirus apps or parental control tools include a built-in SafeSearch feature. 
• You’re under 18 (according to Google). SafeSearch is the default setting for users that Google detects as underage. If the birthdate in your account reflects that, you won’t be able to turn it off unless the age is corrected or supervised access is removed.
• Your browser is interfering. Browser extensions, privacy settings, or search URL parameters can force SafeSearch back on, sometimes without showing that it’s happening. Check your address bar and browser settings for anything unusual.