Reddit has a built-in Safe Search mode, also known as the NSFW filter, that hides adult or mature content from your feeds and search results. While this setting is useful for safe browsing, many users want to disable Safe Search to access Reddit without restrictions.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to turn off Safe Search on the Reddit app and website, and the steps to remove NSFW blur for unfiltered browsing.
What is Reddit Safe Search?
Reddit Safe Search is a browsing filter that automatically hides NSFW (Not Safe for Work) posts and adult content from your feeds and search results.
- When Safe Search is enabled, any mature or 18+ content is blocked from appearing while searching.
- When Safe Search is disabled, you’ll see NSFW posts and communities in both feeds and search results.
Reddit also has a Safe Browsing Mode, which blurs adult images and videos by default, even if you’ve allowed NSFW content.
Note: Safe Search is usually enabled by default. To disable Safe Search on Reddit and show mature content, you’ll need to confirm you’re 18+ in your Reddit account.
How to Turn Off or Disable Safe Search on Reddit
Looking to get rid of Safe Search on Reddit? This can be easily done on the desktop site or the Reddit mobile app.
On Desktop
To access and change Safe Search settings on the Reddit website:
- Visit reddit.com/settings/preferences and log in to your account if you aren’t already.
- In the Preferences tab, scroll to the Content section.
- Toggle on Show mature content (I’m over 18) to turn Safe Search off.
- A Mature Content warning will appear; click Yes, I’m Over 18 to confirm.
Once done, NSFW content will appear in your searches and feed.
On iPhone
Here’s how you can turn off the Safe Search filter in the Reddit app on iOS:
- Open the Reddit app on your iPhone.
- Tap the Search icon and perform a search using the bar at the top.
- You’ll see the Safe Search toggle alongside the Sort and Filter dropdown menu.
- Tap the Safe Search dropdown and choose the appropriate setting:
- On: Hide all mature (18+) search results
- Auto: Only show highly relevant mature (18+) search results
- Off (recommended): Show mature (18+) search results
The changes made will also apply to your future searches.
You’ll now see NSFW results and mature communities when searching on the Reddit app.
On Android
To disable Reddit Safe Search on Android devices:
- Open the Reddit app on your Android phone.
- Tap your profile avatar in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings from the menu.
- Scroll down to the View Options section.
- Toggle on Show mature content (I’m over 18) to remove Safe Search mode.
- Tap Yes, I’m over 18 to confirm.
Note: The Safe Search button won’t appear in search if mature or NSFW content is disabled in Settings.
How to Turn Off NSFW Blur on Reddit
Even if you’ve disabled Safe Search, Reddit still blurs 18+ media by default for safe browsing. This is called the NSFW Blur filter.
You can easily unblur Reddit pictures and videos by turning off NSFW Blur. Here’s how:
On Desktop
- Go to reddit.com/settings/preferences and log in.
- In the Preferences tab, scroll down to Content.
- Toggle off Blur mature (18+) images and media to remove blur from NSFW content.
On Mobile (Android)
- Open the Reddit app.
- Tap your profile avatar > Settings.
- Scroll down to the View Options section.
- Toggle off Blur mature (18+) images and media.
Now, NSFW images and videos will load unblurred in your feed and search results.
Turning off Reddit’s Safe Search mode gives you unrestricted access to NSFW communities and posts. Just make sure you’ve also disabled the NSFW blur setting to remove filters entirely.
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