Configure the Google Safesearch feature to filter out direct results on the search engine.

SafeSearch helps secure Internet access by filtering unwanted content that may appear in Google results. A function that can be very useful, when children and adolescents are accessing digital technology from an early age, but also for your research on your workstation, for example.

What does Google's SafeSearch feature do?

SafeSearch, Google's filter for secure browsing

SafeSearch is a Google Search and Google Images feature that protects children (and adults) from being exposed to explicit or inappropriate content while browsing the web. This free filter automatically blocks the display of results considered dangerous, insulting, shocking, and unsuitable for minors, whether images, videos, or websites.

How does SafeSearch work?

By browsing the web, we may be exposed to inappropriate content (sexually explicit, violent, inciting hatred, etc.). To address this problem and filter out these unsuitable results, Google SafeSearch identifies the many potentially dangerous content (images, videos, websites, etc.) and automatically blocks them in the search results when a corresponding keyword is entered.

How to activate the SafeSearch function

SafeSearch can be configured on all types of devices (smartphones, tablets, and computers) and is supported by most web browsers: Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Google Chrome.

However, to have access to the SafeSearch function, it is imperative to have a Google account or a Gmail address that will allow you to configure the filter.

Good to know: If the function is already configured, the message "SafeSearch activated" appears in the upper right corner of the search results page.

How to activate SafeSearch on the computer

Here is the procedure to follow to activate the SafeSearch feature from your PC:

• Open your usual web browser and go to the Google search homepage. Make sure you're signed in to your Google account.
• At the bottom right of the page, click Settings, then Search Settings.
• Check the Enable SafeSearch box to enable the feature,
• To validate your choice, click Save (at the bottom of the page). A message from Google indicates that your preferences have been saved. Click on OK to validate.
• Note: it will be necessary to activate SafeSearch for each web browser used, and for each user profile defined on the same computer.

To disable SafeSearch, simply uncheck the Enable SafeSearch box.

There is also a shortcut to access Google settings faster. Enter the following address in the search bar: https://www.google.com/preferences.

How to configure SafeSearch on mobile (Android or iOS)

If you have the Google app on your Android or iOS smartphone:

• Open the Google app on your phone (or tablet),
• Click your profile picture in the top right, then tap Settings, and choose SafeSearch from the list.
• You can then choose to enable or disable the SafeSearch feature.

You can also activate SafeSearch on your mobile from your web browser: