How to Turn SafeSearch Off on Android

Turning off SafeSearch on your Android device allows you to see unfiltered search results in Google and other search engines.

With SafeSearch enabled, Google filters out explicit and inappropriate content from search results.

Disabling it gives you access to uncensored results.

As an Android expert, I have written this comprehensive guide to walk you through the steps to turn off SafeSearch on any Android device.

Whether you have a Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus, or any other Android phone or tablet, you can easily disable SafeSearch restrictions by following these simple instructions.

Why Would You Want to Turn Off SafeSearch on Android?

Here are some common reasons why Android users choose to disable SafeSearch filters:

• To see uncensored search results – With SafeSearch on, Google hides explicit images, videos, and websites from search results. Turning it off gives you unfiltered access to all content.
• For research purposes – People researching sensitive topics like sexuality, violence, drugs, etc. may need access to uncensored results. Disabling SafeSearch makes it easier to find information for research papers, projects, and articles.
• Access to explicit entertainment – Turning off SafeSearch allows access to adult content websites and materials marked as sexually explicit.
• Avoid filtered or censored results – In some countries, governments require search engines to filter more than just adult content. Disabling SafeSearch provides unfiltered search results.
• See what Google deems inappropriate – Some users want transparency into what content Google filters so they can judge for themselves. Turning SafeSearch off reveals what would normally be hidden.

As you can see, there are many legitimate reasons you may want Google SafeSearch disabled on your Android device.

Just remember that without the filters, you may occasionally encounter offensive, objectionable, or explicit content in your search results.

How to Turn Off SafeSearch in Google App on Android

The Google app comes pre-installed on most Android devices.

Here are simple steps to turn off SafeSearch filters in the Google app:

Open Google App Settings

1. Open the Google app on your Android phone or tablet.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
3. Select Settings from the drop-down menu.

Go to Search Settings

1. Scroll down and tap Search settings.
2. Under “SafeSearch filters”, tap the box next to “Turn on SafeSearch”. This will uncheck the box and disable SafeSearch filters.
3. Confirm by tapping Turn off in the pop-up message.

That’s it! Google will no longer filter explicit content from search results in the app on your Android device.

Just remember to enable SafeSearch again if you want the filters turned back on.

How to Disable SafeSearch on Android Chrome Browser

If Google Chrome is your main browser on Android, use these steps to turn off SafeSearch:

Open Chrome Settings

1. Open the Chrome app on your Android device.
2. Tap the three vertical dots in the top right to open the menu.
3. Select Settings from the menu.

Turn Off the SafeSearch Filter

1. Scroll down and tap Search engine.
2. Under “SafeSearch filters”, tap the box next to “Turn on SafeSearch” to uncheck it and disable the filters.
3. Confirm by tapping Turn off in the message.

Now Chrome will show unfiltered search results without censoring explicit content and images.

Remember to re-enable SafeSearch when desired.

How to Turn Off SafeSearch on Android Firefox Browser

If Firefox is your preferred browser, use these steps to disable SafeSearch filters:

Open Firefox Settings

1. Open the Firefox app on your Android device.
2. Tap the three horizontal lines in the top right to open the menu.
3. Select Settings from the menu.

Go to Search Settings

1. Scroll down and select Search.
2. Tap Default Search Engine.
3. Select Google as your default search engine.

Turn Off SafeSearch

1. Now tap Google – Manage Engine.
2. Uncheck the box next to “Enable SafeSearch” to disable filters.
3. Confirm by tapping OK.

Firefox will now show uncensored Google search results.

Be sure to re-enable SafeSearch when you want filters turned back on.

How to Disable SafeSearch on Other Android Browsers

The process is similar in other browsers like Microsoft Edge, Opera, Brave, Vivaldi, DuckDuckGo, etc.

Just locate the search engine settings, set Google as default, and turn off SafeSearch filters.

If you can’t find the settings, try:

• Checking under “Privacy & Security” or “Security”
• Searching for “SafeSearch” under Settings
• Googling “[Browser Name] turn off SafeSearch Android”

With SafeSearch disabled, these browsers won’t filter explicit content from Google search results on your Android device.

Turning Off SafeSearch for a Child’s Android Account

If you are a parent who manages a child’s Android device, it’s recommended to keep SafeSearch enabled to block inappropriate content.

But if you need to turn it off, use a restricted child profile without unfiltered search access instead of disabling SafeSearch on the child’s account.

Here’s how:

1. On your Android device, go to Settings > Accounts > Family Link.
2. Create a restricted profile for your child.
3. Turn OFF the settings for allowing web and content access.
4. Add only approved apps that your child will use.

This protects your child from unfiltered search results while allowing you to access uncensored content on your profile.

Are There Any Risks of Disabling SafeSearch on Android?

Turning off SafeSearch filters does come with some risks and downsides to be aware of:

• Seeing explicit/offensive content – Disabling SafeSearch will unavoidably expose you to explicit text, images, and videos in search results that you may find objectionable or disturbing.
• Legal issues – In some locations, intentionally accessing illegal or prohibited content could get you in legal trouble. Know your local laws.
• Malware/spyware – Unsafe websites sometimes show up more often in unfiltered search results and may try to install harmful software on your device.
• Data theft – Piracy and other shady websites that would normally be blocked could have more access to your device and data.
• Reputational risks – Your browsing history could show up on your device for others to see, or sync across your accounts.

While the likelihood of serious harm is low for most careful users, it’s important to weigh whether the benefits outweigh the potential downsides for your specific situation.

Proceed with caution.

How to Re-Enable SafeSearch Filters on Android

If you want to turn SafeSearch back on after disabling it, just follow the same steps but re-check the “Turn on SafeSearch” option:

• Google app: Open settings, go to Search settings, and check “Turn on SafeSearch”.
• Chrome: Open Settings, go to Search engine, check “Turn on SafeSearch”.
• Firefox: Open Settings, go to Search, tap Google, check “Enable SafeSearch”.
• Other browsers: Look up how to enable SafeSearch in your browser’s settings.

With a single tap, you can reactivate SafeSearch filters and hide explicit content from Google search results again.

I recommend parents re-enable it for kids’ accounts when desired.

Frequently Asked Questions About Disabling SafeSearch on Android

Here are answers to some common questions about turning off SafeSearch on Android:

Does disabling SafeSearch only affect Google Search?

Yes, turning off SafeSearch only applies to Google and other search engines that rely on their filter settings. It does not affect content in apps, websites, or other services on your Android device.

Is it legal to turn off SafeSearch?

In most countries, it is legal for consenting adults to disable SafeSearch. However actively searching for and accessing illegal content may violate local laws. Know what’s prohibited in your region.

Can my employer or school see I turned it off?

Potentially yes, if your Android device is managed by your company or school. Use caution in accessing unfiltered content on devices that are monitored or controlled.

Will turning off SafeSearch slow down my device?

No, there is no performance impact. The change simply allows Google to show uncensored results instead of filtering content.

Is disabling SafeSearch permanent?

No, you can re-enable the SafeSearch filters at any time by following the simple steps outlined earlier in this guide. The setting change is not permanent unless set by a device administrator.

Will other users on my Android see I disabled SafeSearch?

No, the SafeSearch setting applies only to your Google account. It will not impact other user accounts on the same Android device.

Should I leave SafeSearch off all the time?

I recommend only turning it off temporarily when needed. Re-enable it when you are done accessing uncensored search results. Leaving it off permanently increases the risk of seeing offensive or illegal content unintentionally.

Turn Off SafeSearch on Android for Unfiltered Google Results

In summary, while Google SafeSearch filters provide an extra layer of protection, there are legitimate reasons you may want them disabled on your Android device.

Carefully turning off SafeSearch gives you access to complete and unfiltered search engine results according to your preferences and interests.

Just be thoughtful about when and where you access uncensored content, weigh the benefits and risks, and consider re-enabling SafeSearch filters when appropriate.

Now you know exactly how to turn off Restricted Mode on both the Google app and Chrome, Firefox, or any other browser on your Android.

Just use the step-by-step instructions in this guide to take control over content filtering and see unrestricted search results.