Google Safe Search is a filter that blocks sexually explicit and violent content from search results. It is turned on by default for accounts owned by people under 18, and parents can change the settings for their children using Google Family Link.

This guide will show you how to turn on and manage Safe Search, as well as how to enable Enhanced Safe Browsing, which protects you from online threats such as phishing attacks and malicious websites.

  1. Head to Google.com using your preferred browser.
  2. Log in to your Google account. If already logged in, click on your 'Account Picture/initials' in the top right corner.
  1. Select 'Manage your Google Account' to continue.
  1. Type 'Safe search' in the search bar. Then, click on the 'Search settings'.
  1. On the subsequent screen, tap on the 'Safe Search' option to continue.
  1. You can then select an option from the list that suits your needs the best. For your convenience, below is a gist for each option:
Note: If the settings are greyed out or you cannot change them, your account might be controlled by your organization, institution, or parents. Public WiFi networks such as Airports or Library can also have built-in Safe Search settings.
    • Filter: This option will completely filter out all the explicit results from the search results. This is the default setting if you are under 18, as per information entered on your Google account.
    • Blur: This option will show you explicit results, however, they will be blurred. This becomes the default setting if you are older than 18 years.
    • Off: As the name suggests, this will turn off the Safe Search filter, and all explicit features will be displayed.

That's it. The selected preference will be applied to your account immediately, and you shall see the difference from the very next search onwards.

Setting up Safe Search for your younger ones is a very simple and straightforward process. The only requirement is that you must have the child's account linked up with the Family Link.

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  1. Head to familylink.google.com using your preferred browser.
  2. Log in to your Google account by entering the credentials.
  3. Then, select the 'Child account' from the left sidebar and click on 'Controls'.
  1. Click on the 'Content Restrictions' option from the right section of the screen to continue.
  1. On the subsequent screen, select 'Google Search'.
  1. Click to select one of the three options that are most suitable for the child.

Turning On Enhanced Safe Browsing

The 'Enhanced Safe Browsing' covers you against phishing attacks and provides robust security against malicious emails, websites, downloads, and extensions. As a trade-off, you will provide Google with in-depth knowledge about your activity.

  1. Head to Google.com using your preferred browser.
  2. Log in to your Google account. If you are already logged in, click on your 'Account picture/initials' to proceed.
  1. Click on the 'Security' option from the left sidebar to continue.
  1. Look for 'Enhanced Safe Browsing for your account' and click on 'Manage Enhanced Safe Browsing'.
  1. On the next screen, turn on the toggle for 'Enhanced Safe Browsing'.
  1. An overlay window might appear on your screen. Click on 'Turn on'.

Enabling Enhanced Safe Browsing on iOS

You can also turn on 'Enhanced Safe Browsing' using Google Chrome or Google App on your iPhone. For your ease of convenience, we have listed methods for both apps.

If you use the Google app:

  1. Launch the Google app and sign in to your Google Account.
  2. Tap on the 'Account picture/initials' to proceed.
  1. From the overlay menu, tap on 'Manage your Google Account'.

If you use Google Chrome:

  1. Open Chrome on your iPhone and sign in to your Google account.
  2. Tap on your 'Account picture/initials' from the top right.
  1. On the subsequent screen, tap on your name to proceed.
  1. Next, select the Google account for which you wish to enable the feature. An alert will pop up on your screen.
  1. Tap 'Manage your Google Account' from the pop-up to continue.
  1. Select the 'Security' option on the top bar.
  1. Scroll down and navigate to the 'Enhanced Safe Browsing for your account' option and tap on the 'Manage Enhanced Safe Browsing' option.
  1. On the next screen, turn on the toggle for the 'Enhanced Safe Browsing' option.
  1. An overlay window explaining what the 'Enhanced Safe Browsing' feature might appear on your screen. Tap on 'Turn On' to proceed.

If your work or study requires you to research sensitive topic(s), turning on Safe Search on Google can really help you avoid getting yourself exposed to NSFW images.