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 filtering can be built-in to:
- 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.
- These can use URL parameters, like
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.
If you’re searching on images.google.com and find an image you want to report:
Computer
- On the image results page, click the image you want to report.
- At the top right of the image, click More
Report this result.
Report this result.Phone or tablet
- On the image results page, tap the image you want to report.
- At the top right, tap More Report this result.
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
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Certainly! The article you shared primarily focuses on SafeSearch settings within Google and how users might encounter issues or have difficulties in managing these settings. Let's break down the concepts and related information:
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SafeSearch Setting Locks:
- SafeSearch settings might be locked by various entities such as the device, network, or account administrators.
- Reasons for lock:
- Network or Device Controls: Public Wi-Fi networks, operating system family protection settings, or antivirus software might enforce SafeSearch settings, overriding individual preferences.
- Parental Controls: Parents or guardians can set preferences using tools like Google Family Link.
- School or Organizational Settings: Google Workspace for Education accounts may have SafeSearch settings managed by school administrators.
- Browser Safety Settings: URL parameters or browser extensions might enforce SafeSearch settings.
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Purpose of SafeSearch:
- SafeSearch filters explicit content like adult or violent material to ensure it doesn't appear in search results.
- Limitations: While effective, it might not filter content with significant artistic, educational, historical, documentary, or scientific value.
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Reporting Inappropriate Content:
- Users can report inappropriate content or explicit material encountered despite SafeSearch being enabled.
- Reporting options exist for sites, images, and explicit ads.
-
SafeSearch Persistence and Cookies:
- SafeSearch settings can be affected if cookies are deleted and the user is not signed in to their Google Account.
- Signing in and allowing cookies helps maintain SafeSearch preferences across devices and sessions.
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Site Owners and SafeSearch:
- Content creators or website owners facing issues with SafeSearch filtering on their site can optimize their content for SafeSearch.
- Advertisers on Google can contact Google Ads Support for queries related to how Google filters their ads.
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Related Resources:
- The article provides links to resources on filtering explicit results using SafeSearch and locking explicit result filters for managed devices and networks.
This information underscores the intricate ecosystem affecting SafeSearch settings, from device controls to administrative locks, and it offers solutions for users, content creators, and advertisers encountering issues with SafeSearch.
Understanding SafeSearch intricacies and the various control mechanisms is crucial in navigating and resolving issues users may face with unwanted content in their Google searches.
