Browser hijacker: what is it and how to remove it?
If your browser suddenly redirects you to unfamiliar websites, floods pages with ads, or installs unwanted toolbars, a browser hijacker may be the cause. These threats often slip in through bundled downloads, torrent sites, or malicious email attachments.
If left untreated, some hijackers can track browsing activity or even harvest sensitive data, increasing the risk of financial loss. Knowing how to remove browser hijackers is essential to restoring control and protecting your privacy.
In this guide, I explain how to remove browser hijackers from popular browsers like Chrome, outline safe removal steps, and share practical advice to help prevent future infections.
What is browser hijacking?
Browser hijackers are malicious programs that modify web browser settings. They display tons of ads, redirect to shady websites to increase their advertising revenue, or even steal sensitive information. Others install unwanted extensions or toolbars, as seen in the image below.
It's best to promptly remove browser hijacking malware because the websites they redirect to may host more dangerous malware. If your hijacker includes spyware, it could grab your email or banking credentials, leading to financial fraud and identity theft.
| Name | Browser hijacker, browser redirect |
| Type | Browser hijacker (occasionally coupled with adware and spyware) |
| Operating system | iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Symptoms | Unwanted website redirects, browser extensions, and toolbars, a surge of ads, suspicious pop-ups and apps, a general decrease in browser performance |
| Damage | Compromised online privacy, risk of additional contamination, identity theft, financial losses, and reduced device performance |
How do I get rid of a browser hijacker?
Removing a browser hijacker can get somewhat complex, as it tends to obfuscate its presence in the device. I'll walk you through how to remove a browser hijacker both from the browser and operating system environments.
Remove browser hijackers with antivirus
If you're wondering how to remove browser hijacking malware most reliably, I suggest using an antivirus. Here's how to do it:
- Get a reliable adware removal tool. I recommend Malwarebytes AdwCleaner for fast browser hijacker removal.
- Download the app and install it on your device
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Open the adware removal tool and perform a full system scan
Malwarebytes AdwCleaner interface -
Allow it to quarantine and remove infected files
Some browser hijackers appear as unwanted apps in your system, crossing the web browser boundaries. You should ensure your browser and operating system are hijacker-free by using my guides below.
How to remove browser hijackers from your browser
Browser hijackers can sneak in via the browser environment even if you follow the steps above to remove the malware from the device. They can modify browser settings to reinstall the malware once you start browsing. Here's how to remove browser hijackers from Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
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In the upper right corner, click the three dots and select Settings
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Navigate to the Reset and Clean up option
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Choose Restore settings to their original defaults
- Confirm the action by clicking on Reset Settings
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Click on three horizontal lines in the upper right corner and select Help
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Choose More troubleshooting information
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On the right side, select Refresh Firefox
- Confirm it by clicking on Refresh Firefox again
- On the top left, open the Safari dropdown menu and click on Settings
- Go to the General Panel
- Verify that the homepage is set to your chosen option
- Go to the Extensions panel and uninstall any suspicious extensions
- Next, go to the Websites panel, select Notifications, and deselect the Allow Websites to ask for permission to send notifications option
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Select the Privacy section and click on Manage Website Data
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In the pop-up, choose the Remove all option
- Lastly, return to Sarafi's home screen, locate Develop dropdown at the top, click it, and select Empty Caches
How to remove browser hijackers from your OS
Browser hijackers can remain active at the operating system level even after removing them from your browser. They might exploit system permissions and default settings to come back. Below, I explain how to remove browser hijackers from Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS step by step.
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Right-click on the Start menu, select Apps and Features, then click on Installed Apps. Carefully review the list for any suspicious apps you did not install.
- On Windows 10, left-click on the program and select Uninstall. On Windows 11, left-click on the three dots on the right side and select Uninstall.
Step 1. Stop the browser hijacker process:
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Open the Go dropdown in the Finder menu and select Utilities
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Double-click on the Activity Monitor
- Locate the hijacker, select the X icon, and stop the process
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From the menu pop-up, choose Force Quit
Step 2. Remove the hijacker from the device:
- Go to Finder by clicking on the desktop or Finder icon in the Dock
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Identify a dubious app that you did not install
- Drag the app to the trash bin
- Clear the trash bin
Step 1. Remove the browser hijacker from your Android:
- Go to Android Settings and navigate to the Apps section
- Select Manage Apps and locate a suspicious program
- Click on it to open App info and select Uninstall
Step 2. Remove the hijacker from your browser:
- Take the same route to Android Settings > Apps > Manage Apps and select the browser
- Click on the Force stop option and choose Clear data
Step 1. Remove the browser hijacker from your iOS.
- Go to the Home screen, and swipe left until you reach the App Library
- Find the unwanted application
- Tap on the app and hold > choose Delete App > click on Delete
Step 2. Remove the infection from the iPhone browser.
- Go to iPhone Settings and select your browser
- Click on Clear History and Website Data
- Confirm the action
How do I know if my browser is hijacked?
Luckily, browser hijackers are easy to identify. Because their primary purpose is to modify web browser activities, you should look for any unintentional changes in your browser environment.
Chances are that you have caught a browser hijacker if you notice these signs:
- Suspicious search engine. A browser hijacker can change your default search engine, like Google or DuckDuckGo, to a fraudulent one, like Search Marquis or Poshukach.
- Unwanted redirects. Shady websites use browser hijackers to attract user traffic to increase advertising revenue, steal user data, or infect victims' devices with more damaging malware.
- Tons of ads. You will be bombarded with numerous ads if you contract this malware. They can appear on redirected websites and alternative search engines or follow you around legitimate sites. These ads can include infectious downloads.
- A different homepage. Browser hijackers often change the default homepage to an alternative filled with ads.
- Unrecognized addons. This malware can install additional browser extensions to modify your browser's behavior.
- Slower browser performance. Due to numerous redirects, flashy ads, and browser setting modifications, you may experience a significant decrease in overall browsing performance.
What are examples of browser hijackers?
Browser hijackers have been around for a while, and there are more than we can count. It's also futile putting them all under one umbrella because hijackers significantly differ in their goals and possible damage.
For example, a Bing redirect hijacker only redirects search queries through Microsoft's Bing search engine, but it can be modified to display unwanted ads on Bing. The risk level is low.
On the other hand, the Conduit toolbars collected private information and shared it with third parties. The Conduit Search Protect program prevented users from restoring their browser settings to default, keeping malware in place. It could even change important Windows boot files, stopping the operating system from starting if Conduit was uninstalled. The risks are very high.
Then there's the good-old Babylon Toolbar that came uninvited with Babylon's translation software. It modifies the default homepage and switches the search engine to isearch(.)babylon(.)com, which collects user search queries and displays ads and sponsored links.
Finally, thaitingshospica and iewsinterfumesc.com are classic browser hijackers that sneak in via legitimate freeware installers that come bundled with optional “extras.” They alter your homepage and default search engine, inject ads, and redirect you to scam pages.
How can I protect my PC against hijackers?
Knowing browser hijacking removal methods is praiseworthy, but knowing how to avoid them in the first place is even better. Here are some useful tips and tricks to avoid catching a browser hijacker:
- Use an anti-malware tool. If your device is already affected by browser hijackers or other unwanted programs, a dedicated removal tool like Malwarebytes AdwCleaner can help detect and eliminate them. It scans your system for adware, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), and browser modifications, helping restore your browser settings and improve your device’s security.
- Avoid dubious websites. Online torrenting or illegal gambling sites are often riddled with malware, like browser hijackers. I recommend not visiting them at all, but if you do, don't click any ads, and be sure to use additional cybersecurity software.
- Update your software. Updates often include crucial cybersecurity fixes, so it's essential to apply them as soon as possible. If your operating system or other apps are outdated, they are susceptible to numerous cyberattacks that could install browser hijackers on your device.
- Develop safe browsing habits. The internet is riddled with scams, malware, and cybercriminals of all kinds. Be particularly mindful about opening backlinks on online forums or social media if you can't verify that the source is safe. Simultaneously, never open email attachments from unknown senders, as it's one of the most common ways to spread malware.
Free vs paid tools for removing browser hijackers
Free tools can help spot obvious browser hijackers, but they often stop there. They tend to miss bundled components, fail to fully reset browser settings, and rarely offer real-time protection. At Cybernews, we see this often during hands-on testing, where free scanners detect the hijacker but leave redirect scripts behind.
Paid anti-malware tools offer a more complete approach. Solutions like Malwarebytes Premium combine threat detection, removal, and real-time protection to help prevent browser hijackers, adware, and other unwanted programs from returning. Unlike one-time cleanup tools, they continuously monitor your device for suspicious activity and block threats before they can cause problems. They also provide a simpler, more convenient experience compared to relying on manual removal methods.
Conclusion
Browser hijackers are no laughing matter. Because the web browser is the main tool to access the internet, it can access extremely sensitive information, like banking credentials, personal pictures and videos, and confidential chats. Hackers are fully aware of this and continuously release new browser hijackers to illegally profit from your online activities.
Our tests show that one of the most effective ways to remove existing browser hijackers is by using a dedicated cleanup tool like Malwarebytes AdwCleaner. It scans your device for adware, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), and unwanted browser changes, helping eliminate hijackers and restore your browser to normal.
However, prevention is just as important as removal. Avoid suspicious websites, be cautious with unknown downloads, and don’t open questionable links. Safe browsing habits remain your first line of defense against browser hijackers and other online threats.
FAQ
What software removes browser hijackers?
Dedicated adware removal tools are often the best choice for removing browser hijackers and adware. Based on our testing, Malwarebytes AdwCleaner delivered the strongest overall results, achieving a 100% detection rate, excellent usability, and one of the most comprehensive feature sets. While full antivirus suites can also remove browser hijackers and help prevent reinfection, Malwarebytes AdwCleaner stood out for its specialized adware detection and browser cleanup capabilities.
What problems does browser hijacking cause?
A browser hijacker can change your default homepage and search engine, redirect to dubious websites, display unwanted apps, collect user data, and install fraudulent browser extensions or toolbars. Because these operations use device computation power, you may also experience an overall decrease in device performance.
Are browser hijackers easy to remove?
Yes, browser hijackers are easy to remove using a reputable antivirus like TotalAV. It will monitor incoming traffic for malicious elements and neutralize them before infection. Simultaneously, you can perform a full system scan to remove all browser hijackers that are already on your device.
Which browser is the safest browser?
There is no single safest browser for everyone. From a security and privacy standpoint, Firefox and Brave are among the strongest options. They limit data collection, block trackers by default, and receive frequent security updates, which reduces exposure to common browser-based threats.
What is the most unsafe browser?
Google's Chrome is the least privacy-friendly browser because Google collects vast amounts of user data. Simultaneously, cybercriminals prioritize Chrome because it has the most users. Another insecure browser is Yandex, which is known to collect user data and manipulate search results.
What is iewsinterfumesc.com?
Iewsinterfumesc.com is a malicious browser hijacker domain that triggers unwanted redirects and deceptive notifications. It usually enters systems through bundled freeware installers and causes intrusive ads, repeated pop-ups, and redirects to risky or scam-related websites.
