How to Block Porn on Chrome: 5 Ways That Work

Key takeaways

• SafeSearch filters Google results only: a site typed into the address bar still loads.
• A family DNS filter works in Chrome only if Chrome's secure DNS setting is not pointed at another provider.
• Extensions do not run in Incognito unless you turn on Allow in Incognito for each one.
• Family Link is for supervised child accounts: on a computer, Google says a child can sign out of Chrome and switch profiles.
• Blocking only Chrome leaves Edge, Firefox and other browsers open.

Methods compared

1. Turn on SafeSearch

SafeSearch is a Google Search setting, so it works in Chrome and any other browser. Filter blocks explicit results, Blur obscures explicit images, and Off shows everything.

1. 1.Go to google.com/safesearch.
2. 2.Select Filter.

Limits: it only affects Google Search results, does not block a site typed in directly, and an adult cannot lock it on their own account.

2. Use a family DNS filter and check Chrome's secure DNS

A family DNS filter blocks adult sites for every browser on the computer, including Chrome in Incognito. Set one of these on your computer or router:

1. 1.Open Chrome Settings, then Privacy and security, then Security.
2. 2.Under Use secure DNS, keep your current service provider selected or turn the setting off.

Choosing a different provider sends Chrome's lookups past the filter. Limits: anyone with administrator access can change the DNS back, and a VPN is not filtered.

3. Add a blocking extension

A blocking extension from the Chrome Web Store stops adult sites inside Chrome.

1. 1.Install a porn-blocking extension from the Chrome Web Store.
2. 2.Open the extension's Details page.
3. 3.Turn on Allow in Incognito.

Limits: it only works in Chrome and can be removed from the extensions page in one click.

4. Use Family Link for a child's account

Family Link lets a parent turn on Try to block explicit sites for a child's Google account. Chrome then tries to block sexually explicit sites, and Incognito mode is turned off while the child is signed in.

Limits: it only applies to a supervised child account. Google notes that on Windows, Mac or Linux, a child can sign out of Chrome and switch to another profile where the settings do not apply.

5. Use a blocker that covers Chrome and every other browser

A dedicated blocker applies the same blocks in Chrome, Incognito and other browsers, and can lock them so they cannot be switched off on impulse.

1. 1.Install Ascension and add its extension to Chrome and your other browsers.
2. 2.Load the premade Adult Content categories for domains and keywords.
3. 3.Set the block to Always block and add an Until date lock.

Ascension checks that its extension is installed, switched on and allowed in Incognito. While a block is active, a browser running without protection is closed. Limits: Windows only; iOS is in development.

For how the locks hold up when you try to remove the app, see the porn blocker that can't be uninstalled.

Which method should you use?

• For a child's computer: Family Link on their Google account, plus a family DNS filter on the router.
• For yourself: a family DNS filter with Chrome's secure DNS checked is the best free setup. If you have switched off free tools before, use a blocker with a time lock.

Frequently asked questions