When you search the web on your iPhone, do the results feel a little too filtered? In other words, are you seeing less than you think you should be? If so, SafeSearch might be the issue. And it might make sense for you to turn it off…
To help you make that decision, we’re going to explain more about SafeSearch. Why you might want it, and why you might not. We'll then walk you through the steps to turn off SafeSearch on your iPhone, and even give you some tips for safe browsing without it. Let's get started.
What is SafeSearch on iPhone?
SafeSearch is a feature on all smartphones that use the Google app. It’s designed to filter out explicit or inappropriate content from search results. It’s an especially useful tool for parents who want to make sure their kids have a safer browsing experience, and for workplaces that want to manage the kind of content their employees can access.
SafeSearch is usually tied to parental controls or Screen Time restrictions on your iPhone. While it's usually a useful feature, there are times when you may want to turn it off. Maybe you're looking for information that's being unfairly blocked, or just prefer unrestricted access to your search results.
If you’ve decided it’s time to disable SafeSearch, here’s where you need to look…
Steps to Disable SafeSearch on iPhone
You’ll need to adjust your iPhone's content restrictions to turn off SafeSearch. Don’t worry -it’s not as tricky as it sounds. Follow these simple steps and you’ll soon be in complete control of your search results:
Launch Settings. Unlock your iPhone and look for the Settings app. The icon looks like a grey gear and will be on your home screen or app library. When you see it, give it a tap.
Go to Screen Time. Once you’re in Settings, scroll down and tap on Screen Time. This is where Apple keeps its parental controls and usage monitoring tools. If you haven’t set up Screen Time before, you might need to activate it by following the on-screen prompts. If it’s already enabled, you’re good to go!
Navigate to Content Restrictions. Inside the Screen Time menu, look for the Content & Privacy Restrictions option and tap on it.
If this setting is locked, you’ll need to enter your Screen Time passcode. Don’t remember setting one? It’s possible a parent, partner, or admin did – so check with them and ask nicely for the code.
Now toggle on the Content & Privacy Restrictions switch at the top of the screen. Then select Content Restrictions to proceed.
Give yourself unrestricted access
In the Content Restrictions menu, locate the Web Content section. You’ll see a few options, including Unrestricted Access, Limit Adult Websites and Allowed Websites Only.
If SafeSearch is active, it’s probably tied to the Limit Adult Websites or Allowed Websites Only setting. To turn it off, select Unrestricted Access. Once you’ve done this, your iPhone will no longer filter web content, and SafeSearch will be effectively disabled.
Why can't I turn off SafeSearch?
If you’ve followed the steps above but still can’t seem to disable SafeSearch, here are a few likely reasons:
Screen Time passcode issues. If someone else has set up the Screen Time passcode (and you don’t know it), you won’t be able to change any content restrictions. You’ll need to ask them to help.
Managed devices. If your iPhone is a work or school device, SafeSearch might be enforced by an administrator. If you think this is the case, you’ll need to contact the person or organisation managing your device.
Search engine restrictions. Sometimes, SafeSearch is enabled within the settings of the search engine you’re using, like Google or Bing. Read on and we’ll solve this issue for you…
How to disable SafeSearch on your search engine
Is SafeSearch sticking around even after you’ve adjusted your iPhone’s settings? Then it might still be enabled on your preferred search engine. Here’s how to disable it on Google and Bing.
Open the Google app or visit www.google.com in your browser.
Tap the three-line menu (☰) in the top-left corner or access Settings directly.
Under Search Settings, locate the SafeSearch Filters section.
Choose Off to disable SafeSearch.
Save your settings, and you’re good to go!
Bing
Open the Bing app or visit www.bing.com.
Click the hamburger menu (☰) in the top-right corner and select Settings.
Navigate to the SafeSearch section.
Select Off to disable the filter.
Save your changes.
Tips for Safe browsing without SafeSearch
Disabling SafeSearch opens up a world of unrestricted content, but it’s important to browse responsibly. Here are some tips to stay safe:
Enable pop-up blockers. Most browsers let you block pop-ups, which can help prevent malicious sites from appearing unexpectedly.
Use a good antivirus app There are plenty of mobile antivirus apps available to protect your device from harmful content.
Be wary of suspicious links. Stick to reputable websites and avoid clicking on links from unknown sources.
Be cautious with downloads. Avoid downloading files or apps from untrusted sources. They might contain harmful content.
And that’s all there is to it. Follow the advice above, and you should have no trouble turning off SafeSearch on your iPhone and customising your online experience.
Need more iPhone advice? Our How to set up your new iPhone article is a great place to start. And if you’d like to take even more control over your browsing, check out our Secure VPN service. It gives you the power to use the internet anonymously, avoid censorship while travelling, protect yourself from cyberattacks and lots more.
