Browser hijackers come in many different forms and affect browsers in various ways. The Chrome redirect virus is one example that, unusually, only affects Chrome browsers – though there are variants that affect other browsers too. Once on your Mac, it redirects your homepage and searches, displays intrusive adverts, and tries to direct you to more malware with fake alerts.
Everything you need to know about Chrome redirect virus
Firstly, like other browser hijackers, Chrome redirect isn’t a virus. It doesn’t replicate itself or copy itself from computer to computer. And it won’t damage your Mac. However, it will frustrate you when using Chrome by displaying adverts and pop-ups, redirecting searches, and stealing data such as your IP address and search queries.
You may be wondering how Chrome redirect got onto your Mac in the first place. As with most malware, the answer is by persuading you to click on a ‘software update’ or by bundling itself with another app that you chose to install. Apple’s built-in security is pretty good, but it can’t stop you if you choose to override it and install apps that contain malware. So malware developers persuade you to do just that or hide their code in another app.
To avoid downloading Chrome redirect, never click on an alert in a browser that tells you something on your Mac, like Flash Player, is outdated. And if you see a warning from macOS when you try to install an app, don’t just ignore it. Think carefully about whether you are sure the app you’re installing is safe and doesn’t contain any nasty surprises. macOS has a built-in security tool called GateKeeper that’s designed to protect you from apps that present a security risk. By overriding it and agreeing to install an app, you’re removing that protection.
How to remove the Chrome redirect virus on your Mac
The first step is to remove the application you downloaded just before noticing the Chrome redirect.
Go to your Applications folder, locate the app and drag it to the Trash. This won’t uninstall it completely; there may still be files on your Mac. Check these two locations by using the Go menu in the Finder and choosing Go to Folder... command.
/Library/LaunchAgents
~/Library/Application Support
Look for any files that contain the name of the application you just deleted and drag them to the Trash. You can use the search bar in the Finder window and search only in those folders to make it easier.
There is a much easier way to get rid of the virus — use a dedicated antivirus, like the one in CleanMyMac. It will thoroughly scan your Mac to spot malware and remove all the files associated with the Chrome redirect virus. Download CleanMyMac here and use its Protection feature to protect your Mac from all sorts of threats.
Next, you need to reset Chrome.
- Launch Chrome and paste this into the address bar:
chrome://extensions - Look for any extensions you didn’t choose to install.
- When you find one, click it and choose Remove.
- Now paste this in the address bar:
chrome://settings - Select “On startup” from the left-side menu and change the homepage to the one you want.
- Select the "Search engine" section. Reset the default search engine to your preferred search engine.
- Go to the "Privacy and security" section and click "Clear browsing data."
- Select the time range and make sure "Cookies and other site data" is checked.
- Press Clear Data.
- Quit Chrome and restart it, so the changes take effect.
Once Chrome restarts, the redirect extension and the changes it made to your browser settings will be gone. You should be able to use Chrome as before, without any intrusive adverts.
Did you know?
CleanMyMac can clear private data like cookies and cache files left on your computer by websites and malware like Chrome redirect. Launch it, choose Protection in the sidebar, press Scan, then Manage Privacy Items. Click Privacy and choose a browser from the list, select the data you want to get rid of, and press Remove.
The Chrome redirect virus isn’t a virus at all, but it is a nasty browser hijacker that takes control of Chrome and resets your homepage and default search engine settings. It then displays intrusive pop-ups and adverts as a way to persuade you to download even more malware. Thankfully, it’s not too difficult to get rid of by following the steps above. And it’s even easier if you use CleanMyMac for some parts of the process.
