How to Permanently Lock SafeSearch on Google in Chrome

SafeSearch is a handy feature that helps keep explicit content away from Google’s search results, making the internet safer for everyone. If you’re sharing your device with children, SafeSearch is great for protecting them from bad stuff online. Plus, it can also help you stay focused by keeping distractions away, acting as a form of self-discipline. In this guide, we’ll show you different ways to keep SafeSearch on all the time.

Also see: How to Block Adult Websites in Windows 11

Page Contents

How to Make SafeSearch Always On by Tweaking the “hosts” File

One way to make sure SafeSearch never turns off on any browser on a Windows computer is by tweaking the hosts file. This method makes Google always use SafeSearch by changing some internet settings. It’s pretty smart and works on browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.

What You Need Before You Start

Be able to make changes on the computer (administrator access)
Notepad or another text editor
Know your way around Windows folders

Steps to Change the “hosts” File

First, find the SafeSearch IP address by opening Command Prompt and typing ping forcesafesearch.google.com. Write down the IP address that shows up. Google uses this IP to keep SafeSearch on. It might be different depending on where you are.
```
ping forcesafesearch.google.com
```
Next, open Notepad as the boss of the computer. Find Notepad in the Start menu, right-click, and choose “Run as administrator.”
Open the hosts file with Notepad. Go to File > Open, head to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc, and open the hosts file. If you can’t see it, change “File name” to “All files.“
Then, add this at the end of the file with the IP you got earlier:
```
[SafeSearch IP address] www.google.com
```
For example, if it’s 216.239.38.120, you add:
```
216.239.38.120 www.google.com
```
Now, Windows will always use that IP for Google, keeping SafeSearch on.
If you use Google from different countries, like www.google.co.uk or www.google.ca, do the same thing for those domains.
```
216.239.38.120 www.google.co.uk
216.239.38.120 www.google.ca
```
Save your changes and close Notepad. If saving is tough, make sure you’re really the admin and try again.
Then, make sure the changes stick by opening Command Prompt as admin again and typing ipconfig /flushdns. This clears the DNS cache.
Last, check if SafeSearch is really on by going to google.com/safesearch. It should be on and not able to turn off.
Try out your browser to see if SafeSearch stays on. You shouldn’t be able to turn it off.

Be careful when changing the hosts file, as wrong changes can mess up your internet.

Learn more: How to Block Websites on Chrome Without Extension

Using the Web Filter for Chrome Extension

If you mainly use Google Chrome and want an easy fix, the “Web Filter for Chrome” extension is like a swiss army knife for internet safety. It makes sure SafeSearch is always on for Google and other search engines like Bing and Yahoo, and blocks bad websites too.

How to Set Up the Web Filter for Chrome

First, add the extension to Chrome. Go to the Chrome Web Store, look for “Web Filter for Chrome,” and click “Add to Chrome” to get it.
Restart Chrome to turn everything on. No need to mess with settings; it just works after a restart.
Do some test searches on Google, Bing, and Yahoo to see SafeSearch in action. Try going to bad websites directly to check if they’re blocked.

Keep in mind, extensions can be turned off or deleted. For more safety, you might want to restrict who can change settings in Chrome.

Pro tip: How to Block a Website Such As YouTube in Windows 11

Using Parental Control Software for Everything

Want to cover all your bases across different browsers and devices? Parental control software is the way to go. These programs do a lot, from keeping SafeSearch on to watching browsing history and managing screen time.

What You Need to Get Started

A device that works with the software (Windows/Mac/Android/iOS)
An internet connection for downloading and updates

How to Use Parental Control Software

Pick a parental control program that fits what you’re looking for. Some popular ones are Qustodio, Norton Family, and Net Nanny.
Install it following the steps given.
Make an account to adjust settings and see reports.
Turn on SafeSearch or web filtering in the settings. This usually applies SafeSearch automatically on big search engines like Google.
Set up other cool features like app blocking, managing screen time, and getting activity reports as you like.
If you have more devices, you can usually add the software to them too and manage everything from one place.

Remember, parental control software might need a subscription, so think about that when choosing.

By using parental control software, you’re not just turning on SafeSearch. You’re also getting a bunch of tools to make browsing safer and better managed, giving you peace of mind.

What we’ve learned

We’ve looked at a few ways to make sure SafeSearch stays on, each with their own pros and cons. Tweaking the hosts file is a strong choice for Windows users that affects all browsers, but you need some computer skills. The “Web Filter for Chrome” extension is super easy but only works on Chrome. Parental control software gives you a complete solution but might cost a bit.

Your best bet depends on what you need, like which browsers you use, how much control you want, and if you’re okay with any costs. No matter your choice, the goal is to keep the web safe, especially for kids or when sharing devices.