How To Turn On Search Filter In Google Chrome Browser [2026 Guide]

I am going to teach you how to turn on the search filter in Google Chrome. By the end, you will know exactly how to adjust Google’s SafeSearch so your results are filtered the way you want. You might be setting up a family device, working in a classroom, or just want a cleaner search experience.

Turn On Search Filter In Google Chrome Browser [2026 Guide]

Open Google in Chrome

Open Google Chrome and go to google.com. Type the address into the address bar and press Enter. This takes you to the main Google Search page where you will make the change.

Go to Search settings

Look to the top right corner and click the gear icon to open Quick settings. Click See all settings to open Search settings. If you are signed in, you will see your picture or initial on the profile icon, and being signed in helps apply the setting across devices where you use the same account.

Turn on SafeSearch

A new page opens with Google’s Search settings, and you land right in the SafeSearch section. SafeSearch is Google’s tool that controls how explicit content is handled in your results. It affects web, image, and video results.

Choose a filter level

Click SafeSearch to open the filter options. You will see three choices that give you different levels of control. Pick what fits your needs.

Filter

Filter is the most protective setting. It helps filter out explicit images, text, and links from your results. This is great for young users or shared devices.

Blur

Blur is a balanced option. It blurs explicit images, but explicit text and links may still appear. You get some protection without removing as much content.

Off

Off shows all results, even if they are explicit. This is for adults who want unrestricted results and understand what that entails. Pick the option that fits your needs.

If you ever need to go the other way, you can follow this guide to turn off SafeSearch on Chrome. Changes generally save automatically, so there is nothing else to click.

Save and apply

Changes save automatically. If you already have a results page open, refresh it to apply your new setting. If your account is managed by a school or workplace, some options may be locked by your administrator, and that is normal.

If you want fewer distractions while searching, you can also turn off trending search suggestions in Chrome. This pairs well with SafeSearch for a cleaner experience.

Tips for using SafeSearch in Chrome

SafeSearch applies to Google Search while you are using Chrome. If you are signed in, it carries over to other devices with the same account. You can come back to this page anytime to adjust your choice as your needs change.

If you prefer more control over how you search, you can add a custom search engine in Chrome. This lets you route certain queries to your preferred search provider. It is a helpful addition to your SafeSearch setup.

Final thoughts

Turning on Google’s SafeSearch in Chrome is quick and gives you clear control over explicit results. Choose Filter, Blur, or Off based on your needs, and remember that your choice carries across devices when signed in. Refresh your results to apply changes and return to Search settings anytime to fine tune.