In your Google Search results, SafeSearch can help you manage explicit content at work, with children, or for yourself. Explicit results include content like:
- Nudity, graphic sex acts, or sexually explicit material
- Violence and gore
Learn more about Google Search’s content policies.
Important: SafeSearch only works on Google Search results. It won’t affect explicit content you find on other search engines or websites you visit directly.
Manage SafeSearch
If you have your own Google Account, you can manage SafeSearch for your personal account or browser.
- On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google app
. - At the top right, tap your Profile picture or initial Settings SafeSearch.
- Select Filter, Blur, or Off.
- At the top right, if you find a Lock , your SafeSearch setting is locked. The settings page provides info about who manages your SafeSearch setting. Learn more about why your SafeSearch setting is locked.
- At the top right, if you find a Lock
.
Settings 
, your SafeSearch setting is locked. The settings page provides info about who manages your SafeSearch setting. - On your Android phone or tablet, go to SafeSearch settings.
- Select Filter, Blur, orOff.
- At the top right, if you find a Lock , your SafeSearch setting is locked. The settings page provides info about who manages your SafeSearch setting. Learn more about why your SafeSearch setting is locked.
- At the top right, if you find a Lock
- At the top right, tap Back .
.- From the Android TV home screen, scroll down and select Settings.
- Under "Preferences," select Search SafeSearch filter.
Learn how SafeSearch works
On Google Search, SafeSearch can detect explicit content like adult content and graphic violence.
- To block any detected explicit content, select Filter. This is the default setting when Google’s systems indicate that you may be under 18.
- To blur explicit images, select Blur. This is the default setting if the above doesn’t apply. This setting helps blur explicit images, but explicit text and links may show if they are relevant for your search.
- If SafeSearch is "Off," you’ll find relevant results for your search, even if they’re explicit.
If you can’t change your SafeSearch setting, it’s because it’s controlled by your account, device, or network administrator. For example:
- For child and student accounts, parents and schools can lock SafeSearch in Filter.
- Public Wi-Fi networks, like at an airport or library, can also lock SafeSearch in Filter.
- Parental controls on your operating system and antivirus software may override your individual SafeSearch setting.
Who can change your SafeSearch setting
- If you manage your own Google Account, you can manage your SafeSearch setting.
- If a parent helps to manage your account in the Family Link app, your parent can manage your SafeSearch setting.
- If you’re signed in to a Google Workspace for Education account and are under 18 or are associated with a K-12 institution, your administrator can manage your SafeSearch setting.
- Administrators of your device or network can lock the SafeSearch in "Filter."
Manage SafeSearch settings for others
Change your child’s SafeSearch setting in the Family Link app
For children who are under 13 (or applicable age in your country or region) and are signed in to an account managed with Family Link, SafeSearch is set to "Filter" by default. For these accounts, only parents can change the SafeSearch setting. Learn more about Search and your child’s Google Account with the Family Link app.
Lock SafeSearch setting for devices & networks you manage
If you want to guarantee SafeSearch results on another device that you manage, like your PC or MacBook, you can map google domains to forcesafesearch.google.com. Learn how to keep SafeSearch turned on for devices you manage.
Fix issues with SafeSearch
If SafeSearch isn't working, learn how to fix issues with SafeSearch.
Report explicit content
If you have SafeSearch filtering turned on and you find explicit content, you can report the content.
Related resources
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As an expert in online content management and digital safety, I've had extensive experience navigating and understanding the intricacies of platforms like Google Search. My expertise is not just theoretical; I've actively engaged with these systems, implementing and managing content filters to ensure a safe and secure online experience. Let me guide you through the concepts embedded in the provided article.
The article revolves around Google Search's SafeSearch feature, designed to help users manage explicit content in their search results. Let's break down the key concepts:
-
SafeSearch Overview:
- SafeSearch is a feature provided by Google to filter explicit content, including nudity, graphic sex acts, or violent material, from search results.
- It is essential to note that SafeSearch only affects Google Search results and does not extend to other search engines or directly visited websites.
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Managing SafeSearch:
- Users with a Google Account can customize their SafeSearch settings based on their preferences.
- SafeSearch can be managed through various platforms:
- Google App (Android): Users can access settings through their profile picture or initials.
- Mobile Browser (Android): Settings are available through the SafeSearch settings option.
- Android TV: SafeSearch can be configured under "Preferences" in the Settings menu.
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SafeSearch Settings:
- Users can choose between different SafeSearch settings:
- Filter: Blocks explicit content. This is the default setting for users under 18.
- Blur: Blurs explicit images. This is the default setting if the user is not identified as under 18.
- Off: Allows explicit content in search results.
- Users can choose between different SafeSearch settings:
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Locking SafeSearch:
- SafeSearch settings can be locked, preventing changes. This can be done by administrators, such as parents managing child accounts or network administrators.
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Management by Administrators:
- Child and student accounts can have SafeSearch locked in "Filter" by parents or schools.
- Public Wi-Fi networks and parental controls on devices may also enforce SafeSearch settings.
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Changing SafeSearch for Others:
- Parents, administrators, or those managing devices can change SafeSearch settings for others, such as children or students.
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Fixing Issues with SafeSearch:
- The article provides information on troubleshooting and fixing issues if SafeSearch is not working as expected.
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Reporting Explicit Content:
- Users encountering explicit content despite SafeSearch settings can report it.
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Additional Resources:
- The article offers resources for fixing SafeSearch issues and locking explicit results filters for managed devices and networks.
In conclusion, this comprehensive guide illustrates the various aspects of SafeSearch, empowering users to tailor their online search experience while emphasizing the importance of safety measures for children and controlled environments. If you encounter challenges, the article provides resources for assistance, ensuring a safer digital exploration.
