How to see NSFW content and stop image blur on Reddit

Learn how to view mature NSFW (Not Safe for Work) content on Reddit and disable image blur on iPhone, Android, and the web.

NSFW stands for not safe for work and typically refers to content that is adult, explicit, violent, or otherwise inappropriate to view in public or professional settings. This can include nudity, profanity, drugs, weapons, gambling, or other mature topics. The opposite of NSFW is SFW, which—you guessed it—stands for safe for work.

Reddit uses a system to flag posts as NSFW, and users or moderators can label content as such. Entire subreddits or accounts may also be marked NSFW if their content consistently falls into these categories.

While browsing Reddit via its app or website, you may notice blurred images and video thumbnails. This feature is designed to prevent accidental exposure to NSFW content. However, if you’re comfortable viewing such material, you can disable the NSFW filter to display all posts without blurring.

Keep in mind that you need a Reddit account to access posts marked as NSFW.

On iPhone or iPad

1. Make sure the Reddit app is installed on your phone.
2. Open the Settings app, scroll down, and tap Apps, followed by Reddit.
3. Turn on the switch for Show NSFW Content (18+), and now Reddit will stop restricting you from seeing adult or sensitive content.
4. Additionally, you can turn off Blur NSFW Images so that those images and videos are not blurred when they surface in your Reddit app.

Note: NSFW settings don’t apply when you’re browsing Reddit anonymously on your iPhone. You will have to leave Anonymous browsing to see 18+ content.

On Android phone

1. Open the Reddit app and make sure you’re logged in.
2. Tap your profile picture or avatar in the top right, and select Settings.
3. Turn on Show mature content (I’m over 18) or Show NSFW content (I’m over 18) to see all sensitive posts, images, and videos.
4. You can also turn off Blur NSFW Images to prevent Reddit from automatically blurring adult content.

See NSFW content during Anonymous browsing on Reddit

Unlike iPhone, you can customize your NSFW preferences even when you’re browsing Reddit anonymously on your Android phone.

1. Tap your profile picture or avatar in the top right.
2. Tap your current username and choose Anonymous Browsing > Ok.
3. Once again, tap the avatar in the top right.
4. Turn on Show mature/NSFW content (I’m over 18) to see NSFW posts even when browsing anonymously. You can also turn off Blur mature (18+) images and media to see unblurred 18+ pictures and video clips.

In a web browser

1. Log in to Reddit in a web browser.
2. Click your name in the top right and choose Settings.
3. Go to the Preferences tab.
4. Turn on Show mature content (I’m over 18) and click Yes, I’m Over 18 to view adult and NSFW content in your feed and search results.
5. Next, you can turn off Blur mature (18+) images and media to unblur thumbnails and media preview for anything labeled as not safe for work.

What happens next

1) When you’re about to enter a subreddit or community that is labeled NSFW, you will see a Continue button instead of Update Settings. You can tap Continue to view mature content.

2) If you choose not to blur NSFW posts, images will no longer appear as small, blurred placeholders. Instead, they will be displayed as full posts.

3) In addition to that, you may also see more mature content surface when using Reddit.

More tips on filters and restrictions:

• How to filter mature language for Siri and Dictation
• How to allow access only to specific websites on iPhone and iPad
• How to limit kids’ access to apps and media to only those with age-appropriate ratings