Smartredirect.de
Smartredirect.de is a suspicious domain associated with unwanted browser redirects and advertisements. Multiple user reports indicate unwanted redirects to smartredirect.de, which then forwards to various ads or potentially malicious sites.
This behavior is often a result of adware or malicious browser extensions installed without your consent or knowledge. As visible in the screenshot below, one such extension that causes redirects to Smartredirect.de is Download Converter Free:
Such adware can infiltrate your computer (device) system through bundled software downloads. Once installed, the adware can tamper with browser settings, replace your default search provider and create unwanted and intrusive redirect loops to websites such as Smartredirect.de.
To address this issue, you should uninstall unfamiliar programs, remove suspicious browser extensions, and perform a thorough system scan using reputable anti-malware software.
Smartredirect.de Short Overview
Name | Smartredirect.de |
Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUA |
Short Description | A suspicious website and rogue search engine that hijacks your browsers and causes redirects. |
Symptoms | Unwanted pop-ups may start appearing while you are browsing the web. A browser hijacker may be downloaded without your knowledge. |
Removal Time | Approximately 15 minutes for a full-system scan |
Removal Tool |
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How Did I Get Affected by Smartredirect.de ?
The most likely cause for these unwanted redirects is adware.
Ad-supported browser extensions and unwanted programs (a.k.a. adware) behind Smartredirect.de redirects are typically spread through software bundles or fake software update prompts. However, such programs may also be available for download on the official Chrome Web Store (as in this case) or other third-party software platforms, such as Softonic.
What Does Smartredirect.de Do?
As you may have noticed, the adware behind Smartredirect.de can lead to several problems, including slowing down your computer, redirecting your browser, altering your default search engine and new tab page, and displaying intrusive ads. Its ultimate objective is to gather your personal information and exploit it for questionable advertising campaigns or other undisclosed purposes.
The browser extension associated with Smartredirect.de takes control of your browser, forcing search queries to be redirected to a legitimate search provider, ultimately making browsing inefficient.Each search you enter will be captured by its operators. This behavior is shortly known as browser hijacking, which may lead to the following consequences:
- redirects you to unwanted websites.
- lead you to the installation of unwanted adware, toolbars, and other potentially unwanted programs.
- significantly slow down your internet browsing experience.
- track your online activities and collect your personal data.
Why Should You Consider Removing Unwanted Extensions?
By definition, suspicious browser extensions and rogue search engines do not fall under the category of computer viruses.
So, why should you bother removing them? Shortly said, having adware installed on your computer system makes it more vulnerable to other threats, including malware. Here are the reasons you should consider and always keep in mind:
- Security Threats: Adware can redirect you to malicious websites, increasing the risk of malware, spyware, and ransomware infections.
- Privacy Invasion: It often tracks your browsing habits, collecting personal data like search history, IP address, and even login credentials.
- Slower Performance: Adware consumes system resources, causing your computer to run sluggishly and decreasing overall performance.
- Intrusive Ads & Pop-ups: Frequent pop-ups and unwanted ads can disrupt browsing and lead to accidental downloads of more harmful software.
- Unwanted Changes: Some adware modifies browser settings, such as the homepage or search engine, making it difficult to revert back to normal use.
How to Remove Smartredirect.de Safely
To keep your system secure, it’s important to remove Smartredirect.de from your browser and computer as soon as possible. Start by uninstalling any suspicious programs and browser extensions that may be linked to the hijacker. Next, run a thorough scan with a reliable anti-malware tool to detect and eliminate any remaining malicious files. Finally, reset your browser settings to their default state to ensure all unwanted changes are undone.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Smartredirect.de from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Smartredirect.de with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
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Step 3: Uninstall Smartredirect.de and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
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Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
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Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Smartredirect.de on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Smartredirect.de there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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Video Removal Guide for Smartredirect.de (Windows).
Get rid of Smartredirect.de from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Smartredirect.de and remove related files and objects
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Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Smartredirect.de. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Smartredirect.de via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Smartredirect.de files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Smartredirect.de, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for Smartredirect.de (Mac)
Remove Smartredirect.de from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase Smartredirect.de from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall Smartredirect.de from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove Smartredirect.de from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Smartredirect.de will be removed.
Eliminate Smartredirect.de from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
Smartredirect.de-FAQ
What Is Smartredirect.de?
The Smartredirect.de threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of Smartredirect.de?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Smartredirect.de?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does Smartredirect.de Work?
Once installed, Smartredirect.de can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Smartredirect.de can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is Smartredirect.de Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the Smartredirect.de Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Smartredirect.de how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on Smartredirect.de?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Smartredirect.de threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.