How to adjust SafeSearch settings for Google & other platforms

SafeSearch is a built-in filter used by search engines like Google, Bing, and YouTube to hide explicit content. While useful in some cases, these filters can also reinforce surveillance-based tracking and behavioral profiling — especially when you're not using privacy tools that protect your metadata.

Here’s how to adjust these settings so you’re in better control of the information you see.

How SafeSearch filters work

SafeSearch uses algorithms that classify content based on tags, metadata, and reports. These systems rely on behavioral data, meaning the more you search, the more the engine refines your content visibility — and your user profile. This often means sharing more data with the provider in exchange for “cleaner” results.

Is SafeSearch a Privacy Tool?

No. SafeSearch is a filter, not a privacy protector. It hides content from you — but it doesn’t hide you from your ISP, browser, or search engine. Every click, query, and toggle feeds into data mining pipelines that target you with personalized ads and recommendations.

Enabling or disabling SafeSearch on Google

On desktop

• Navigate to the Google homepage and log into your account
• Click on Settings at the bottom right corner
• Select Search settings
• Check or uncheck the box next to Turn on SafeSearch to enable or disable the feature
• Click Save to apply changes

On mobile devices

• Open the Google app
• Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner
• Select Settings
• Tap on SafeSearch
• Toggle the switch to turn SafeSearch on or off

Managing SafeSearch on Bing

On desktop

• Go to the Bing homepage and sign in to your account
• Click on the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner
• Select Settings > More
• Under SafeSearch choose between Strict, Moderate, or Off

On mobile devices

• Open the Bing app
• Tap on the profile icon
• Select Settings
• Tap on SafeSearch
• Choose the desired SafeSearch level

Configuring SafeSearch on YouTube

On desktop

• Navigate to YouTube and log into your account
• Click on your profile picture in the top right corner
• Select Restricted Mode from the dropdown menu
• Toggle the switch to enable or disable Restricted Mode

On mobile devices

• Open the YouTube app
• Tap on your profile picture
• Go to Settings > General
• Toggle Restricted Mode on or off

Implementing SafeSearch on iOS devices

• Open Settings and tap on Screen Time
• Select Content & Privacy Restrictions and enable it.
• Tap on Content Restrictions > Web Content
• Choose Limit Adult Websites to enable SafeSearch across browsers

Implementing SafeSearch on Android devices

• Install and open the Google Family Link app
• Select your child's account
• Tap on Manage settings > Filters on Google Search
• Toggle SafeSearch to on

Seeing inconsistent SafeSearch behavior?

Things to try:

• Clearing browser cache and cookies
• Ensure that you're logged into the correct account

Want real privacy? Go beyond filters

If your goal is privacy, not just content control, you’ll need tools that protect your digital trail at a deeper level. That’s where Nym comes in.

• Nym’s mixnet technology protects your metadata, unlike standard VPNs or browser filters.
• You’re hidden not just from content, but from the infrastructure itself.
• Combine with private search engines and content blockers for full-spectrum protection. ** Related read:** How to anonymize your internet connection

Final thoughts

SafeSearch can be helpful for avoiding explicit content — but it’s no substitute for protecting your digital identity. In fact, it can increase your exposure to tracking by relying on deeper behavioral monitoring. Nym goes beyond filters. We protect your traffic, your metadata, and your right to browse freely — no matter what you search for. That choice should be up to you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is SafeSearch really private?

No. SafeSearch filters content from your view but not your identity from the search engine. Your queries, clicks, and behavior are still logged and tied to your profile unless you use privacy tools like mixnets, decentralized VPNs, and private browsers.

Can SafeSearch be bypassed?

Yes. While SafeSearch can be enforced by network administrators (like schools or workplaces), most users can disable it manually in search settings — unless it’s locked at the device or DNS level.

How do I turn off SafeSearch on Google?

Go to Google Search Settings, uncheck Turn on SafeSearch, then scroll down and click Save. Note: You may need to log in to your account to change settings.

Is SafeSearch available on mobile?

Yes. SafeSearch can be controlled through browser or app settings on both iOS and Android. However, mobile carriers and public Wi-Fi networks may still apply their own filtering.

What’s the best privacy alternative to SafeSearch?

For real online privacy, use a Noise Generating Network like NymVPN to anonymize your metadata, combined with a private search engine like DuckDuckGo. This shields both your queries and your digital fingerprint.