While searching for guitar fingering techniques, Google suddenly showed a SafeSearch notice. I never enabled it, but the option to turn it off is missing, and Google says the setting is controlled by a parent or administrator on the network, browser, or device. There haven't been any known changes to the network, parental controls, or my device, and I'm using a private account rather than a work or school account. What could have enabled this, and how can I turn it off?
3 Answers
Try testing Google on mobile data or another Wi-Fi network. If SafeSearch can be changed there, the restriction is coming from your home network or ISP. If it stays locked everywhere, check your Google account, browser extensions, device management settings, and any DNS or security software that might be enforcing the filter.
Check whether the browser or Google account is being managed by an employer or school. Managed policies can force SafeSearch and remove the option to change it. If this is only a private account and personal device, that’s probably not the cause, but checking the browser’s management or policy page can confirm it.
The restriction may be coming from your Wi-Fi provider or router rather than Google itself. Some broadband apps have family-safety or content-filter permissions that can force SafeSearch across the network. Check your provider’s app and router settings for parental controls, safe browsing, or content filtering, then disable the relevant option if it was enabled.
I’m also with Sky, so I’ll check the Sky app and router permissions to see whether a filtering setting was switched on.
I’m only signed in with a private account, not a work or school account, so I don’t think it’s being managed that way.