Fix issues with SafeSearch

If you’re having issues with SafeSearch, try the steps below to help fix the issue.

My SafeSearch setting is locked & I don’t know why

Your SafeSearch setting might be set to "Filter" and locked by your account, device, or network administrator.

Tip: If your SafeSearch setting isn’t locked, sign in to your Google Account. This is to save and apply your SafeSearch preferences.

Check if SafeSearch filtering is locked on for your search session

You can check if your SafeSearch setting is locked at google.com/safesearch. If your setting is locked, at the top right, you’ll find a Lock and more info about how your setting is managed below.

Reasons why your SafeSearch setting might be locked

Here are a few possible reasons why you might not be able to change your SafeSearch settings:

• SafeSearch might be locked by the device or network that you’re on.
  • SafeSearch filtering can be built-in to:
    • Public Wi-Fi networks
    • Operating system family protection settings
    • Antivirus software
      In these cases, those settings might override your individual SafeSearch setting. Contact your Internet service provider (ISP) or network administrator for more info.
• SafeSearch might be set by your parent or guardian.
  • If your account or device is managed with Family Link, they might set preferences for your account in Google Family Link.
  • Ask your parent or guardian about your account settings.
• SafeSearch might be set by your school or organization.
  • If you have a Google Workspace for Education account, your school administrator sets SafeSearch settings.
  • Contact your school or organization administrator for more info.
• SafeSearch might be set by safety settings applied to your browser.
  • These can use URL parameters, like safe=active, to force a setting to filter, blur or off
  • Check your address bar, browser settings, and extensions.

I get inappropriate content when SafeSearch is turned on

The SafeSearch setting filters explicit results, like adult content or violent content, to prevent them from appearing in your search results. While no filter is 100% accurate, turning this setting on helps you avoid explicit content when you search.

SafeSearch isn’t designed to filter explicit content that has significant artistic, educational, historical, documentary, or scientific value.

If you have SafeSearch turned on, but still get explicit sites or images, let us know.

Report a site

Report inappropriate content.

Report an image

If you’re searching on images.google.com and find an image you want to report:

Computer

1. On the image results page, click the image you want to report.
2. At the top right of the image, click More Report this result.

Phone or tablet

1. On the image results page, tap the image you want to report.
2. At the top right, tap More Report this result.

Report an explicit ad

If you have SafeSearch turned on, but still get explicit ads in your search results, let us know.

My SafeSearch setting keeps turning off

If you allow cookies, SafeSearch should stay the way you set it. If you delete your cookies and you’re not signed in to your Google Account, your SafeSearch setting could get reset.

Tip: To save and apply your SafeSearch preferences across devices and browsing sessions, sign in to your Google Account.

I'm a site owner & SafeSearch incorrectly filters my site

If you’re a content creator or website owner and you have any issues with the way SafeSearch filters your site, find out how to optimize your site for SafeSearch.

If you’re an advertiser on Google and have questions about how Google filters your ads, you can contact Google Ads Support.

Related resources

• Filter explicit results on Google using SafeSearch
• Lock explicit results filters on Google for devices and networks you manage