4 Ways to Disable Safe Search on Your Phone and Laptop

Who isn’t familiar with Google? This tech giant has become a go-to search engine and a trusted companion for students seeking thesis references. It’s also a reliable source for anyone wanting to look up information on just about anything.

With Google, finding information is easier and more comprehensive than ever—eliminating the need to visit a library.

However, Google has its drawbacks. Some content accessible through its search results isn’t appropriate for minors, such as pornography or gambling sites.

To address this, Google—committed to enhancing user safety—introduced SafeSearch, a feature designed to filter out inappropriate content from search results.

That said, SafeSearch can sometimes be frustrating, as it may block access to information you need. Fortunately, turning SafeSearch on or off is simple. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to disable SafeSearch, giving you greater flexibility in browsing the internet.

How to Disable Safe Search

Not sure how you prefer to use Google? No worries, we'll show you how to disable Safe Search on various devices including PCs, Android smartphones, and Android TVs.

1. Using a PC or Laptop

If you find yourself mostly using a laptop or PC rather than your phone, this method is for you. Generally, the steps are the same across all devices, though the navigation might differ slightly.

Let’s use Google Chrome as an example to turn off Safe Search on the Google search engine. Here’s what you do:

1. Open a browser on your PC.
2. Visit the Google search home page (https://www.google.com/).
3. Click on the Settings menu in the bottom right corner.
4. Select the Search Settings option.
5. In the Content section, select SafeSearch.
6. Finally, select the Off option.

With just six simple steps, you can turn off the SafeSearch feature. Make sure to adjust any other settings if needed, and don’t forget to click the Save button at the bottom to apply the changes. Now, try searching again to see if there’s any difference.

Keep in mind that in some countries, SafeSearch may be enabled by default due to local government regulations. In such cases, disabling SafeSearch might not be possible unless you use a VPN to bypass the restrictions.

2. Using an Android Phone or Tablet

If you often use Google on an Android smartphone or tablet, this method is for you. Besides using a web browser, you can access Google directly through its app.

Most Android devices come with the Google app pre-installed, so you probably won’t need to download it. Here’s how to turn off Safe Search in the Google app:

1. Open the Google app.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
3. Select the SafeSearch menu.
4. Finally, check the Off option.

After completing the steps above, the settings will be saved automatically. You can now try searching again to see if there are any changes in the search results.

Turning off the SafeSearch feature on the Google app for mobile devices is quite simple. However, if your phone doesn’t have the Google app, you can follow the same method using a mobile browser.

Keep in mind, though, that in some countries, SafeSearch is locked due to government regulations, making it impossible to disable the feature without a VPN.

3. Using Incognito Mode

Another option is to use Incognito mode in browsers like Google Chrome or Opera. Microsoft Edge calls this InPrivate browsing. Essentially, this mode allows you to surf the web without using the settings from your regular browsing sessions.

In Incognito mode, you're automatically logged out of all accounts, including Google, which can make turning off Safe Search more straightforward.

To open an Incognito window in Google Chrome, simply press the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + N. Once you're in Incognito mode, follow the same steps you would on your PC or laptop to adjust your search settings.

4. Using VPN

If you’re unable to turn off SafeSearch because it’s locked, there’s a workaround. As mentioned, some countries enforce healthy internet protocols that block harmful content, preventing SafeSearch from being disabled.

To bypass this restriction, you can use a VPN on your PC or phone. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows you to browse the internet as if you were in another country by masking your IP address.

Using a VPN also enhances your privacy, making it harder for your ISP to track your activity. Additionally, Google search results will become more complete with a VPN enabled. While some VPN services require payment, others are available for free.

Recommended paid VPNs include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and HideMyAss. If you prefer a free option, you can try 1.1.1.1 or VPN Tomato. For more information, check out our articles on the best VPNs for PC, iOS, and Android.

Once the VPN is active, follow the steps above to disable SafeSearch—now that the restriction will no longer apply.

Benefits of Turning off Safe Search

You might be thinking, “Isn’t it a good thing that sexual content is hidden from search results?” While that’s true in many cases, there are situations where turning off this feature can be more convenient or necessary for you.

1. Generate More Results

Sometimes, the information you need may not appear in search results, even after trying different keywords. This can be particularly frustrating when searching for topics related to sexual health or education.

Disabling SafeSearch can provide access to more diverse and comprehensive results that might not be visible with the filter enabled.

2. To Conduct Research

Pornographic content is not always associated with negativity. For instance, a student might choose a thesis topic exploring the psychological or societal impact of pornography. Similarly, an art student may need to research nude art as part of their coursework.

In such cases, turning off the SafeSearch feature can provide more relevant and comprehensive resources, making the research process more effective.

3. To Avoid False Positive

SafeSearch isn’t always 100% accurate. Occasionally, inappropriate content may bypass the filter, while some harmless content gets blocked. This is known as a false positive.

If you’re over 13 years old, there’s no harm in disabling SafeSearch to improve your search experience and access more complete results.

That concludes our tutorial! Now you know how to turn off SafeSearch on Google, both on a PC and through the Android app. However, remember to keep your device out of children’s reach after disabling SafeSearch to prevent exposure to inappropriate content.