Search Redirect Fix | Instructions with Screenshots

If you are getting redirected and odd behavior when typing in the search bar, it is not likely that your computer has been hacked (definitely not a mac). It is most likely a 3rd party extension is controlling your search engine settings. The extension is hijacked, not your computer. Let’s do a 2 minute check.

Check Your Browser Settings First:

1. Open browser settings — example: shortcut Chrome (command + comma), Toolbar: Chrome > Window > Settings, or URL: chrome://settings/search
2. In the lefthand settings menu, select “Search engine”
3. On this screen in the first content block “Search engine used in the address bar”, confirm that a 3rd party is not controlling this setting (in the below screenshot “Easy Recipes Search” is controlling this setting)

Screenshot of a family member’s Mac Chrome Browser settings — search engine

If a 3rd Party is controlling this setting:

1. Disable the extension—Select the “Disable” button to remove the setting. It’s not malware. You were likely tricked into agreeing to have a site manage this setting without realizing it - aka ClickBait. The extension is hijacked, not your computer.
2. Reset your search engine— Set the default search engine back to a trusted source (Google, Bing, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo)
3. If you have paid for a “removal” service/app/anything related to fixing or removing this “virus” from your computer, immediately request your money back from your bank or stop payment (and consider filing a report).

It should now look like this:

Screenshot of my Mac Chrome Browser settings — Search engine

Additional Check-up Items — On Startup

While you are at it, check the “On startup” content block (in the same window).

I noticed while helping my family member, they also had allowed control of their New Tab page settings.

If a 3rd Party is controlling this setting:

1. Disable the extension — Select the “Disable” button to remove the setting. It’s never a good idea to allow an extension to control browser functionality. It will cause issues and is invasive to privacy (they track and profile your habits, site visits, location, etc and not for good)

Screenshot of a family member’s Mac Chrome Browser settings — on startup

Additional Check-up Items — Extensions

It’s a good habit to check installed Extensions as well and do some house-cleaning. Extensions can be great, but too many can ruin your browsing experience. When you are having browser issues, check 3rd party add-ons.

If you don’t use it, remove it:

You can always reinstall it if you find you need it.

If you are not sure if you are using it:

Toggle to disable it. If you are not using an extension but not sure if you need it, use the bottom right toggle to disable it. You can easily toggle it back for immediate use.

Screenshot of my Mac Chrome Browser settings — extensions

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CR Rollyson is a Digital User Experience & Web Manager for a S&P 500 Fintech company and is the COO of Side Role, a marketing team in Charlotte North Carolina partnering with In-house Teams & Agencies, Non-profits, and Start-Ups. Learn more about Side Role here.