As an Amazon Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase - at no additional cost to you.

How to Enable SafeSearch on iPhone and Android

Want to keep your child’s phone safe from explicit content? Turning on SafeSearch for Google, YouTube, and Bing is a quick and effective way to filter out adult results — but it works differently on iPhone vs. Android. Here’s how to set it up on both.

📱 On iPhone and iPad (iOS)

  1. Open Settings → Screen Time
  2. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions → Turn ON
  3. Go to Content Restrictions → Web Content
  4. Select Limit Adult Websites
  5. Optional: Block specific websites or allow only safe ones

For Google or YouTube apps:

  • Open the app → Go to Settings
  • Enable SafeSearch (Google) or Restricted Mode (YouTube)

🤖 On Android Devices

  1. Install and set up Google Family Link (free)
  2. Choose your child’s account and open settings
  3. Under Filters on Google Search, enable SafeSearch
  4. Under YouTube settings, toggle on Restricted Mode
  5. Restrict Chrome and other browsers to filtered content

🌐 Bonus: Use DNS Filtering for All Apps and Browsers

If you’re worried about unfiltered apps or browsers slipping through:

  • Set DNS to CleanBrowsing Family Filter: 185.228.168.168
  • Or use OpenDNS Family Shield: 208.67.222.123

This filters all network traffic — not just browser searches.

Use Gryphon Guardian Router to enforce filters across every device

✅ Want to Monitor Activity Too?

  • Bark Premium — Monitors searches, apps, and alerts you to risky behavior
  • Qustodio — Adds time limits, app blockers, and filtered browsing

Final Tip:

Whether you’re using iPhone or Android, enabling SafeSearch is just the first step. Combine it with DNS filtering and a monitoring app for complete protection across apps, browsers, and Wi-Fi use.

As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases.