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Getting "SafeSearch is locked to filter by your browser's safety settings" message in Safari?

If you're seeing the message "SafeSearch is locked to filter by your browser's safety settings" in Safari, this is typically related to lingering web content filtering from Apple's system.



How to fix this:

Step 1: Check Roots' blocking settings

Go to "Roots > Today (bottom tab) > Account settings (top left) > Make Roots Bulletproof (under "Blocking") > Disable "Block adult content"
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Step 2: Check your iOS "Web Content" settings

Go to "Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > App Store, Media, Web & Games > Web Content" and make sure this is set to "Unrestricted Access" (not "Limit Adult Websites").
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Step 3: Delete the Roots app

Delete Roots from your iPhone completely
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​NOTE: By deleting Roots you will lose your historical screen time data in Roots and will need to recreate your blocking afterward.
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Step 4: Clear Safari data and turn off "Hide IP"

  • Go to Settings > Apps > Safari > Clear History and Website Data

  • Go to Settings > Apps > Safari > Hide IP Address > set to Off

  • Go to Settings > Apps > Safari > Extensions and turn everything off



Step 5: Restart your iPhone

This helps clear any lingering system restrictions that iOS might be holding on to.
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Step 6: Reinstall Roots

Download Roots again from the App Store and re-grant Screen Time permissions. The issue should be resolved.



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