Fix issues with SafeSearch

If you have issues with SafeSearch, try the steps below to help fix the issue.

Check if your SafeSearch setting is locked

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

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 . More info about how your setting is managed is available below.

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

Learn why your SafeSearch setting might be locked

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

• The device or network you're connected to may have locked SafeSearch.
  • 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.
• Your parent or guardian may have locked SafeSearch.
  • If your account or device is managed with Family Link, they can set preferences for your account in Google Family Link.
  • Ask your parent or guardian about your account settings.
• Your school or organization may have locked SafeSearch.
  • If you have a Google Workspace for Education account, your school administrator sets SafeSearch settings.
  • Contact your school or organization administrator for more info.
• Your browser's safety settings may have locked SafeSearch.
  • 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.

Learn why you get inappropriate content when SafeSearch is on

The SafeSearch setting filters explicit results, like adult content or graphic violence, 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.

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

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

Report a site

Report inappropriate content.

Report an image

If you find an image that you want to report when you search at images.google.com:

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

Learn why your 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.

Learn why SafeSearch incorrectly filters the site you own

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