Enable Safe Search on Google

[nerdslife_team]

Hey everyone, want to keep your Google searches a bit cleaner? Google’s SafeSearch is a great tool for filtering out explicit content. It’s automatically on for under 18s, but you can adjust it yourself or for your kids. Plus, I’ll touch on how to get some extra security with Enhanced Safe Browsing.

Here’s how to customize SafeSearch and boost your browsing security.

Enabling SafeSearch Directly in Google Search

Here’s the main way to turn on SafeSearch, if you are managing your own account:

1. First, fire up your browser and head to Google.com.

2. Next, sign in to your Google account. You’ll see the ‘Sign in’ button if you’re not logged in. If you are, click on your profile picture or initials at the top right.
   

   

3. In the dropdown menu, choose ‘Manage your Google Account’.
   

   

4. On the next page, use the search bar and type “SafeSearch”, and hit enter. Select ‘Search settings’ from the results.
   

   

5. Now, find and click on ‘SafeSearch’ to move on.
   

   

6. Here, you can pick your preferred SafeSearch level. Here’s what the options do:

Important Note: If these settings are greyed out, it could mean your account is managed by a parent, school, or organization. Also, some public Wi-Fi networks might have SafeSearch enabled by default.

• Filter: This blocks all explicit content from your search results. It’s the default for Google accounts if the user is under 18.
• Blur: Explicit content will show up, but it’ll be blurred out. This setting is the default for those over 18.
• Off: This disables SafeSearch, and all content will show unfiltered.
  
  
  
  Once you’ve made a choice, the change takes effect immediately.

Setting Up SafeSearch for a Child in Family Link

If you want to manage SafeSearch for your kids, you’ll need to use Google Family Link.

1. Go to familylink.google.com in your browser.

2. Log in with your Google account.

3. On the left sidebar, click on your child’s account, then click ‘Controls’.

4. Now, in the right section, select ‘Content restrictions’.

5. On the next screen, pick ‘Google Search’.

6. Finally, you can set the SafeSearch level that you think is best for your child.

Turning On Enhanced Safe Browsing

Enhanced Safe Browsing provides extra protection against phishing and harmful websites. It works by sharing more browsing info with Google. Here’s how to enable it:

1. Head to Google.com and sign in if you’re not already. Click on your profile picture or initials.

2. Select ‘Security’ from the left sidebar.

3. Scroll down and click on ‘Manage Enhanced Safe Browsing’.

4. On the next page, turn the ‘Enhanced Safe Browsing’ switch to the ON position.

5. A confirmation might pop up; click ‘Turn on’.
   
   

Enabling Enhanced Safe Browsing on iOS

If you’re on an iPhone, there are two main ways to do this, either through the Google app or the Chrome browser:

Google App Method:

1. Open the Google app and log into your account.

2. Tap your profile picture or initials.

3. Then, choose ‘Manage your Google Account’.

Google Chrome Method:

1. Start by opening Chrome and signing into your Google account.

2. Click on your profile picture or initials.

3. Next, click on your name.
   

   

4. Select the Google account you wish to enable Enhanced Safe Browsing for. A prompt should appear.

5. Click ‘Manage your Google Account’ from that prompt.

6. At the top, tap on ‘Security’.

7. Scroll to find 'Enhanced Safe Browsing for your account’ and tap ‘Manage Enhanced Safe Browsing’.

8. On the next screen, switch ‘Enhanced Safe Browsing’ to on.

9. A confirmation message might pop up, click ‘Turn On’.

Activating SafeSearch is a great way to keep search results clean, especially for sensitive topics.