Explicit content controls · Reddit
Checked August 18, 2026
Hide mature (NSFW) content on Reddit
Leave Show mature (18+) content off in your Reddit settings, or turn on Blur mature (18+) images and media. It hides posts and communities that posters and moderators flagged NSFW. Unflagged content still shows, and the iPhone app cannot change the setting.
Depends on the poster or the platform marking the media as sensitive. Unlabeled suggestive content passes.
The honest line
Off by default for a new account, but it only hides what communities and posters flagged NSFW. Unflagged suggestive posts still show, and the setting only applies while you are signed in to that account.
Who can lock it: No lock: anyone signed in on reddit.com or the Android app can switch it back on. Lock it from outside with Screen Time or DNS.
Availability: Set it on reddit.com (Settings, Preferences) or in the Android app (Settings, View options). The iOS app has no NSFW toggle; Reddit says to change it in a browser and restart the app, and that the change syncs across platforms.
On this page
Show mature (18+) content
One account toggle. Off, Reddit keeps NSFW-flagged posts and communities gated. If you keep it on, Blur mature (18+) images and media shows them blurred until you tap. Reddit says the setting updates across all platforms once saved.
Depends on the poster or the platform marking the media as sensitive. Unlabeled suggestive content passes.
Reddit on the web (reddit.com)
- Log in and open your Settings. Official Reddit destination (opens in a new tab)
Open the Preferences tab.
Leave Show mature (18+) content off.
Reddit's iOS help calls the same web toggle Show NSFW Content (18+) under Content.
If you leave it on, turn on Blur mature (18+) images and media.
Reddit says NSFW content will still show up in your feed, but blurred until you tap to reveal it.
Reddit app on Android
Tap your avatar, then the menu (three lines) at the top right, then Settings.
Scroll to View options.
Leave Show mature content (I'm over 18) off.
If you leave it on, turn on Blur mature (18+) images and media.
Reddit app on iPhone
- The iOS app has no NSFW toggle. Reddit says the toggles were removed to comply with Apple requirements. Official Reddit destination (opens in a new tab)
- Log in to reddit.com in Safari and open your preferences settings. Official Reddit destination (opens in a new tab)
Under Content, leave Show NSFW Content (18+) off, or turn on Blur mature (18+) images and media.
Restart the app. Reddit says changes sync to the app.
Old Reddit (old.reddit.com)
Log in and open your preferences.
Under content options, leave I am over eighteen years old and willing to view adult content unchecked.
Leave include not safe for work (NSFW) search results in searches unchecked.
What it covers
- Communities their moderators marked NSFW
- Posts their posters marked NSFW
- Your feeds on web and in the apps while signed in to that account, once the change syncs
What it does not cover
- Only content someone flagged NSFW; unflagged suggestive posts pass
- Nothing while you are logged out or signed in to a different account
- The iPhone app cannot change it; it follows whatever the web setting says
- Blur is one tap from reveal; the post stays in your feed
Mute communities
Muting a community removes it from your Home and Popular feeds, recommendations and notifications. You can still open it directly, and only the communities you name are affected.
Works only for what you name. Nothing new is caught until you name it too.
Reddit on the web (reddit.com)
Open the community you want out of your feeds.
Click the overflow menu (three dots) and choose Mute r/[Community name].
- To manage the list, go to your Preferences and scroll to Muted communities. Official Reddit destination (opens in a new tab)
Reddit app on iPhone and Android
Open the community, tap the overflow menu at the top right, then Mute r/[Community name].
From a recommended post, tap the overflow menu and choose Show fewer posts like this. Reddit then offers to mute the community.
To manage the list, go to Settings, tap Account settings for u/[Username], scroll to the safety section and select Manage muted communities.
What it covers
- Home and Popular feed posts, recommendations and notifications from up to 1,000 named communities
What it does not cover
- Only communities you name; a new one with the same content still shows
- You can still open a muted community directly
- Nothing while logged out; Reddit says muting is for logged-in redditors
Reddit questions
Is NSFW content off by default on Reddit?
Reddit's help says there are a few settings you need to enable to view NSFW communities, so a fresh account starts with them off. In some countries Reddit may ask for your birthdate before the setting takes effect.
Why is there no NSFW toggle in the iPhone app?
Reddit says the toggles were removed from the iOS app to comply with Apple requirements. Change it on reddit.com in a browser, then restart the app. Reddit says the change syncs.
Does the setting catch everything explicit?
No. It hides communities and posts that moderators or posters flagged NSFW. Reddit's rules ask people to label sexually explicit content, but unlabeled posts show until someone reports them.
Can I lock it so it stays off?
Not inside Reddit. Anyone signed in can flip it on the web or in the Android app. Use Screen Time or a DNS filter on the device or network if you want it enforced.
What On Guard adds
On Guard adds the layer Reddit does not have: it detects explicit content on the screen itself, on Mac, Windows, and Android, in any app, keeps every frame on the device, puts up a gate, and texts an ally a check-in with no details.
The controls above are worth setting either way. On Guard is the layer for the moment a setting is not enough. How it works, explained.