How to filter restricted content in YouTube search results

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It's dangerous to go online alone. Take this.

YouTube

YouTube is the world's largest video site because it allows anyone to quickly and easily upload videos. YouTube is great for sharing family videos, reporting on things happening in different parts of the world, and so much more. While YouTube is great for most people, sometimes you'll want to avoid the more explicit content that is uploaded. Luckily, YouTube has allowed you to quickly and easily filter out restricted content on your Android device.

The following instructions will walk you through step-by-step on how to turn on and off the SafeSearch filter.

How to filter out restricted content in YouTube search results

YouTube Restrict Search

  1. Open the YouTube application. It does not matter if you open the application in your app drawer, YouTube widget, or on one of your home screens just as long as it is the official YouTube app.
  2. Tap the on the overflow menu button which looks like three dots in the top right corner of the application. This will open a drop-down menu.
  3. Tap the Settings button.

YouTube Restrict Search Settings

  1. Now in settings, you tap on Search to locate your search specific options.
  2. At the bottom of the list, tap on the SafeSearch filtering button and a pop-up dialog will appear.
  3. In this pop-up dialog you will be able to select "Don't filter" or "strict" depending on what you want to appear in your searches. If you are looking to keep out all restricted content from your search results, make sure to select "Strict."

Just by doing those quick six steps you will be able to make sure that you or anyone else using your device will not see explicit content when searching for a video on YouTube. You are able to go back and toggle SafeSearch on and off whenever you want.

Justin Duino
Justin Duino
26 Comments
  • But how do I filter it so it ONLY shows explicit content? :P
  • Hahaha... I wouldn't consider anything on youtube explicit but to each his own.
  • Is explicit content even allowed on YouTube? Posted via Android Central App
  • Nothing that I consider explicit.
  • Nipples have been allowed on YouTube for a while. Posted via Android Central App
  • Cats have nipples.
  • You'd have a different aspect once you peruse this subreddit: http://www.reddit.com/r/youtubetitties/. Definitely not even close to being safe for work.
  • Hahaha! That is awesome! I stand corrected!
  • +1 lol Posted from my Nexus 7 2013 running Android L or Samsung galaxy S5
  • The youtube app sucks. It's never worked on my phone. The browser works, but it's so laggy I might as well use a PC.
  • What phone are you using? Posted via my A0002, M9, XT912, N910, G906, D6653, D870, or D900
  • Atrix. Yes I know... to many it's old, but come on, when a new phone seems to come out every week, everything is old.
  • I hear ya I know someone with a Nexus s with a 4.2 rom and surprisingly he has no complaints and would keep the phone for a while Posted from my Nexus 7 2013 running Android L or Samsung galaxy S5
  • Haha I just tried my Nexus S for the first time in 2.5 years and literally nothing would open within 5 seconds. So frustrating Posted via my A0002, M9, XT912, N910, G906, D6653, D870, or D900
  • It's probably the market trying to pull a list of updates from being powered off for 2.5 years. Let it sit for an hour or two and try it?
  • YouTube never worked on my Atrix either, think it's just a problem with that phone. I ditched it for the N4 after moto released a statement saying "yeah, you know we said the Atrix would get ice cream sandwich? That was a lie. Sorry not sorry lol." Never looked back. Yes, I am still a little sour lol. Posted via Android Central App
  • Don't get me wrong, I am too. I've been burned by Moto 3 times over the years, once with my RAZR V3, once with my Z6W, and now with my Atrix. I really have considered switching vendors, but I gotta admit, Moto does make a nice phone, its just that they ditch them so quickly it's not funny.
  • I think these basic guides are a good thing, but why call them AC University? I realize calling it AC Kindergarten isn't a good idea, but ...
  • AC stands for Android Central. A university is a place where people go to learn things. So a place on Android Central where you learn things is AC University.
  • Wow, thanks for that explanation! I can tell that YOU went to university!
  • You're quite welcome. I think its great when members of the AC(Android Central) Community can help each other
  • I lol'd. Posted via my A0002, M9, XT912, N910, G906, D6653, D870, or D900
  • This is why Android Central is THE best android site on the internet!
  • + 1 Posted via Android Central App
  • This article shows up on my News360 app.
  • I don't care about "explicit" videos but I'd sure like to filter out videos that aren't allowed on mobile devices. Posted via Android Central App