SafeSearch is a built-in security feature on your iPhone and search engines that filter out explicit content. However, this advanced feature can sometimes restrict you from accessing certain websites. When you open an illicit site, the iPhone’s browser or search engine will automatically block it. 

SafeSearch hides the search results so that you can avoid watching inappropriate content. It enhances the web security and browsing experience. However, SafeSearch can stop you from streaming content from sites like 123Movies. Thus, if you wish to watch your favourite movies from online sites, disable SafeSearch.

While SafeSearch seems like the best feature to prevent users from accessing malicious sites, it can impact your online experience. So, we will guide you on how to turn off SafeSearch to surf the internet without restrictions. 

Why Do Most iPhone Users Disable SafeSearch?

There are several reasons why iPhone users consider turning off the Safe Search feature. For some, it may be because they fail to get the required information available on the internet. Others may simply want to disable the feature as they find it intrusive. 

Some may turn off SafeSearch to open websites that would be blocked by the filter. Whatever the reason, it’s important to know that disabling SafeSearch can make the iPhone vulnerable to malware attacks. 

Easy Steps to Turn off SafeSearch on iPhone

It is pretty easy to disable the Safari browser’s Safe Search feature from an iPhone. All you need to do is connect the device to Wi-Fi or cellular data. Go to the search bar to write “Settings” and locate the Settings app. 

Alternatively, you can find the Settings app from the iPhone’s home screen and tap on it. 

Then, follow the below-mentioned instructions to turn off SafeSearch on your device easily:

  • Scroll down to the Settings window to locate “Screen Time”.
  • Select “Content & Privacy Restrictions” when the next window pops up.
  • Move the “Content & Privacy Restrictions” toggle from left to right if it’s disabled.
  • Select “Content Restrictions” and select “Web Content” from the next window.
  • Ensure to choose “Unrestricted access” to disable SafeSearch.

Now, open the iPhone’s default web browser Safari and search for the site that you want to access. If the website appears on the search results, then you have successfully disabled SafeSearch. 

How to Turn off the SafeSearch Feature on Different Search Engines?

Disabling SafeSearch on Safari isn’t enough. If you want to access any online website, consider turning the feature off from search engines as well. Moreover, SafeSearch is mostly used on search engines like Microsoft Bing or Yahoo to block sensitive content. 

This privacy feature also turns off explicit auto-suggestion that displays while searching for something. 

Thus, if you wish to disable SafeSearch, here’s how you can do it on the popular search engines:

How to Disable SafeSearch on Google Search Engine?

Millions of iPhone users prefer using Google Chrome over the Safari browser. If you are one of them, open the Chrome app and wait until the Google homepage opens. Tap on the three lines that are located at the top left corner of the search engine.

Navigate to “Settings” and scroll down to the Search Settings window. Locate “SafeSearch Filters” and toggle on “Show explicit results”. Search for the website that was previously blocked by SafeSearch. Open the online site and check the necessary details without any restrictions. 

How to Disable the Safe Search Feature on DuckDuckGo Search Engine? 

DuckDuckGo is a popular internet search engine that emphasises protecting iPhone users’ privacy. It uses safety features, like Safe Search, to filter unwanted and misleading content. If you use DuckDuckGo for most search results, opt to disable SafeSearch. This search engine can be accessed from any reliable web browser. 

To turn off Safe Search, access a web browser from the iPhone. Go to the DuckDuckGo homepage and tap on the three lines at the top left corner. Select “All Settings” when the pop-up menu appears on the iPhone screen. 

Head towards the “General” tab, and scroll down to the page to find “Safe Search”.  Click the drop-down menu that displays the “Moderate” or “Strict” option on Safe Search. Choose “Off”, tap on “Save”, and close the DuckDuckGo search engine afterwards. You can now open any website online from an iPhone via DuckDuckGo.

How to Turn Off SafeSearch on the Microsoft Bing Search Engine?

You can also disable Microsoft Bing’s Safe Search feature from your iPhone. If you use “Bing” as Safari’s search engine, open the browser first. Tap on your Profile icon or three lines at the top left corner. 

Access the Microsoft Bing search engine “Settings” afterwards. Click “Search” from the Settings window and locate “Safe Search” from the security feature list. Click “SafeSearch” and select “Off” when the drop-down menu pops up. You can now open any relevant image or website that matches your search result.

How to Disable the Safe Search Feature on the Yahoo Search Engine?

Many iPhone owners use the Yahoo search engine to get relevant results for their searches. You can also disable Safe Search from this popular search engine. Open the Yahoo search engine and open “Settings”, which is located at the bottom of the screen.

Move towards the “Preferections” tab when the Settings window opens. Locate “Safe Search” and tap on the drop-down menu, which says “Moderate”. Select “Off – do not filter results” and click “Save” to disable SafeSearch on the Yahoo search engine. 

You may also get a warning message showing the consequences of disabling the feature. Click “Ok” and continue using the search engine without any limitations.

How to Disable Safe Search on the Ecosia Search Engine?

Apple allows iPhone users to add Ecosia as Safari’s search engine. You must disable this feature from there to access the websites without privacy concerns. Open the Ecosia search engine from the web browser. 

Tap on the three lines from the top right corner of the home page and click “Settings”.

Go to the search bar and write “SafeSearch”, and press the Enter button. Click “SafeSearch” and select “Off” from the drop-down menu. Don’t forget to tap on “Save” after disabling the Ecosia search engine’s Safe Search. 

How to Turn off SafeSearch on the Google App?

Turning off the Safe Search feature on the Google app is pretty straightforward. If you use this application on your iPhone, open it first. Tap on your profile icon at the top right corner of the homepage. Click “Settings” and choose “Hide Explicit results” from the next window. 

A new web page will appear on the iPhone screen. Toggle off the “Explicit results filter” and tap on “Save” to disable SafeSearch on the Google app. Go to the search bar and write something that you are looking for. You will see the most relevant results to your search, which may include inappropriate content. 

Unable to Access Some Content even After Disabling SafeSearch? Here’s Why

Many iPhone users reported that they were unable to access the content even after turning off the Safe Search. Usually, this happens when the system admin blocks the site. 

There is also a high chance that your ISP has blocked you from accessing the site. Thus, contact your Internet Service Provider to solve this problem immediately.