With Google SafeSearch you automatically set filters that ensure a safe search environment on the internet. The option is set by default for accounts of users under the age of 13. But what if you want to activate the function manually?
Remember that Google SafeSearch only works in conjunction with the Google search engine. In addition, when you enable the feature, it will be enabled on every device that the Google account in question is active on. The (de)activate option works as follows.
Google SafeSearch on desktop
Open a browser on your computer (with Windows, macOS or Linux) and go to the Google search engine. Log in with your account (by pressing the blue button on the right) or create a new account (which can be done via the same button). Now go to the settings, which you will find at the bottom right. Go to Search settings†at the top you will now find the header SafeSearch filters†It includes the following text:
If you enable SafeSearch, you can hide explicit content such as pornography. SafeSearch preferences can be set by your device or network administrator. If you can’t turn the feature off, check with your network or device administrator.
Now put a check in the box next to Turn on SafeSearch. Do you want to disable the option? Then remove that check mark again.
Google SafeSearch on smartphone
Open the Google app on your smartphone, with Android or iOS on board. You should be logged in already. If that’s not the case yet, or if you don’t have an account, you can arrange that immediately after opening the app. Google guides you through all the steps.
After logging in, tap your profile picture or initials, which you will find at the top right. Choose now Institutions and then on Explicit search results hide. On the next page, slide the slider from left to right. If the controller is blue, the filter is active. If you want to disable SafeSearch correctly, slide it to the left again.
Why use SafeSearch?
So, as you can see, it’s pretty easy to turn SafeSearch on and off, regardless of the platform you use on a daily basis. This option can be especially useful when you give your children their own smartphone or tablet that they can play on, for example. Or where they watch YouTube videos.
It is possible that something still gets through the filters, because it is not a watertight system – but you will save your children a lot of trouble with this. It’s worth a try anyway if you’re concerned about explicit content on the internet.
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