Categories Browser Hijackers

How to remove Search.macsafefinder.com redirect (Apple MacOS Guide)

Search.macsafefinder.com is a browser hijacker that is bundled with other free software that you download off of the Internet. When installed this browser hijacker it will set the homepage and search engine for your web browser to http://search.macsafefinder.com.
search.macsafefinder.com MacOS redirect virus

The Search.macsafefinder.com browser hijacker is bundled with other free apps that you download off of the Internet. Unfortunately, some free downloads do not adequately disclose that other software will also be installed and you may find that you have installed adware without your knowledge.

You should always pay attention when installing software because often, a software installer includes optional installs. Be very careful what you agree to instal
Always opt for the custom installation and deselect anything that is not familiar, especially optional software that you never wanted to download and install in the first place.
It goes without saying that you should not install software that you don’t trust.

How to remove Search.macsafefinder.com redirect (Apple Mac OS Guide)

This malware removal guide may appear overwhelming due to the amount of the steps and numerous programs that are being used. We have only written it this way to provide clear, detailed, and easy to understand instructions that anyone can use to remove malware for free.
Please perform all the steps in the correct order. If you have any questions or doubt at any point, STOP and ask for our assistance.

To remove Search.macsafefinder.com redirect, follow these steps:

STEP 1: Uninstall SafeFinder from MacOS

In this first step, we will try to identify and remove any malicious program that might be installed on your device. The below video will explain how to remove SafeFinder app from your machine.

The malicious app may have a different name on your device. If you cannot find any unwanted apps on your device, then you can proceed with the next step.

STEP 2: Remove unwanted extensions from your browser

Safari

  1. From the Safari menu, select “Preferences“.
    Safari Mac OS X Preferences
    In the Safari Preferences window, click the “Extensions” tab. Find the “SafeFinder” plugin, then click on the “Uninstall” button.

    This browser hijacker can add more than one extension, it is recommended that you uninstall all unknown extensions from Safari.
    Known malicious extensions: MacSaver, MacVX (and variants like MacVaX), MacCaptain, MacPriceCut, SaveOnMac, Mac Global Deals or MacDeals, MacSter, MacXcoupon, Shop Brain (or variants like SShoP Braaiin), PalMall, MacShop, MacSmart, News Ticker Remover, Shopper Helper Pro, Photo Zoom, Best YouTube Downloader, ArcadeYum, Extended protection, Video download helper, FlashFree or GoldenBoy.

    Delete

  2. Next, select “Preferences“, go to the “General” tab and change the “Default Search Engine” to Google. Then, in the “General” tab, find the “Home Page” and change it to “google.com”.Remove

Google Chrome

  1. Click on Chrome’s main menu button, represented by three horizontal lines. When the drop-down menu appears, select the option labeled Settings.
    [Image: Click on Settings button]
  2. Chrome’s Settings should now be displayed in a new tab or window, depending on your configuration. Next, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the Show advanced settings link (as seen in the below example).
    [Image: Click on Show advanced settings link]
  3. Chrome’s advanced Settings should now be displayed. Scroll down until the Reset browser settings section is visible, as shown in the example below. Next, click on the Reset browser settings button.
    [Image: Click on Reset browser button]
  4. A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue on with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, click on the Reset button.
    [Image: Click on Reset button to restore Chrome to default settings]

Mozilla Firefox

  1. In the Firefox’s address bar type: about:support, then click on Enter.
  2. Click the “Reset Firefox” button in the upper-right corner of the “Troubleshooting Information” page.
    [Image: Reset Firefox to its default settings]
  3. To continue, click on the “Reset Firefox” button in the new confirmation window that opens.
    [Image: Click on the Reset Firefox button]
  4. Firefox will close itself and will revert to its default settings. When it’s done, a window will list the information that was imported. Click on the “Finish“.

STEP 3: Use Malwarebytes to remove Search.macsafefinder.com Redirect

If you are still experiencing issues with the Search.macsafefinder.com redirect on your Mac OS, we will need to perform a system scan with Malwarebytes for Mac for malware.
This step should be performed only if your issues have not been solved by the previous steps.

Malwarebytes for Mac is a powerful tool which is designed to remove adware and browser hijackers from Apple Mac OS.

  1. You can download Malwarebytes for Mac from the below link:
    Malwarebytes FOR MAC DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a new web page from where you can download “Malwarebytes for Mac”)
  2. Install Malwarebytes for Mac on your device, then click on the “Scan” button to perform a system scan with this antivirus.
    Scan with Malwarebytes for Mac
  3. When the scan has completed, click on the “Remove Selected Items” to remove all the malware that Malwarebytes has detected.
    Malwarebytes For Mac Removal
You device should now be free of the Search.macsafefinder.com redirect. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove Search.macsafefinder.com redirect, you can ask for help in our Malware Removal Assistance For Mac forum.

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STELIAN PILICI
I've started MalwareTips in 2010 to help people solve their computer problems. My area of expertise includes malware removal and computer forensics. I'm active in the various online anti-malware communities where I do researches for new malware threats as they are released.

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