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Remove QSearch Virus from Mac [5 Minutes Guide]

If you are wondering how to remove QSearch from Mac, specifically from the Chrome browser which is mostly affected, you will find the needed information in this article.


What Is QSearch Virus Mac?

QSearch virus on Mac is detected as a browser hijacker or an undesirable program (PUP). Such applications intend to “attack” Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Opera, to alter their default search to QSearch.

As a result, various ads start appearing on your Mac. These advertisements’ aim to reroute you to different third-party sites, some of which might be dangerous. This behavior is usually referred to as “web browser reroute“.

Remove QSearch Virus from Mac

QSearch Details

Name QSearch also known as Qsearch.pw
Type Browser Hijacker for Mac OS
Removal Time 5 Minutes.
Detection Tool See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware

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How Did I Get Infected?

QSearch gets installed on Mac machines via fake Adobe Flash Player updates.

Another way QSearch could have been installed on your Mac without you knowing is if it is hidden in one of the installation steps of some other free application that you may have recently downloaded from a third-party website. This method is also known as software bundling.

QSearch Virus on Mac – What Does It Do?

QSearch infiltrates a system, asserting control over your default browser’s settings. Once inside, it manipulates the default search engine and homepage preferences, redirecting searches through its own engine. This intrusive software floods users with unwanted advertisements and promotes sponsored content. In addition, Qsearch may track users’ online activities, compromising their privacy.

The persistent presence of this hijacker can lead to a degraded browsing experience, reduced system performance, and increased vulnerability to further security threats. Removing Qsearch requires comprehensive anti-malware measures to restore the system.

Is Qsearch a Virus?

No, Qsearch is not a virus. However, the program can be responsible for a number of unwanted activities, like leading you to dangerous websites. The ads that are presented by QSearch might ultimately lead to various different sorts of high-risk sites, that could be:

  • URLs, containing a virus infection file or script.
  • Web pages that contain scams.
  • Redirects to dangerous sites via multiple pay-per-click redirects.
  • Rogue software sites.
  • Virus-infested sites.
  • Tech support fraud pages.
  • Survey sites that are fraud.
  • Phishing pages.

These are the main risks, that make the Qsearch software indirectly dangerous for your Mac and this is why I should be removed from it right away.

Is It Dangerous?

Yes, QSearch exposes your Mac at risk, as it may push ads on your browser that lead to unsafe websites with no encryption (HTTPS) in place.

The most risky issue with this threat is that it could cause redirects to risky websites, including various fraudulent and scamming websites, and sites that may download malware onto your machine.

How to Get Rid of QSearch in Safari, Chrome, macOS

For the most effective removal, we recommend running an anti-malware program.

Such an app has been created with the main point to aid in identifying and getting rid of all types of unwanted apps and infection files and also making certain that your Mac is virus-free.

Ventsislav Krastev

Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.

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OFFER
REMOVE IT NOW (MAC)
with SpyHunter for Mac
QSearch may remain persistent on your system and may re-infect it. We recommend you to download SpyHunter for Mac and run free scan to remove all virus files on your Mac. This saves you hours of time and effort compared to doing the removal yourself.
Free Remover allows you, subject to a 48-hour waiting period, one remediation and removal for results found. Read EULA and Privacy Policy

Steps to Prepare Before Removal:

Before starting to follow the steps below, be advised that you should first do the following preparations:

  • Backup your files in case the worst happens.
  • Make sure to have a device with these instructions on standy.
  • Arm yourself with patience.
  • 1. Scan for Mac Malware
  • 2. Uninstall Risky Apps
  • 3. Clean Your Browsers

Step 1: Scan for and remove QSearch files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as QSearch, 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.


Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for QSearch:


Download

SpyHunter for Mac


scan and remove mac virus step 1


Quick and Easy Mac Malware Video Removal Guide


Bonus Step: How to Make Your Mac Run Faster?

Mac machines maintain probably the fastest operating system out there. Still, Macs do become slow and sluggish sometimes. The video guide below examines all of the possible problems that may lead to your Mac being slower than usual as well as all of the steps that can help you to speed up your Mac.

Step 2: Uninstall QSearch and remove related files and objects

OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

remove mac virus step 1


2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

remove mac virus step 2


3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to QSearch:

remove mac virus step 3

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

remove mac virus step 4


4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.


5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to QSearch. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

remove mac virus step 5


6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. 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 QSearch. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.


7. Remove any leftover files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

  • 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 QSearch 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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1. Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

fix mac virus from launch agents step 1

2. Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

fix mac virus from launch agents step 2

3. Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as QSearch. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

fix mac virus from launch agents step 3

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 3: Remove QSearch – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox

Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.Remove a toolbar from Google ChromeRemove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox

1. Start Safari

2. After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.

3. From the menu, click on "Preferences"

Remove Mac virus from safari step 1

4. After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab

Remove Mac virus from safari step 2

5. Click once on the extension you want to remove.

6. Click 'Uninstall'

Remove Mac virus from safari step 3

A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the QSearch will be removed.

How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

1. Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu

remove mac virus from google chrome step 1

2. Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"

remove mac virus from google chrome step 2

3. From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the add-on and click on the garbage bin icon on the right of it.

remove mac virus from google chrome step 3

4. After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" in the top right corner and start it again.


1. Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window

2. Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.

remove mac virus from mozilla firefox step 1

3. Select the Extension and click "Remove"

remove mac virus from mozilla firefox step 2

4. After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" in the top right corner and start it again.

QSearch-FAQ

What is QSearch on your Mac?

The QSearch threat is probably a potentially unwanted app. There is also a chance it could be related to Mac malware. If so, such apps tend to slow your Mac down significantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.

Can Macs Get Viruses?

Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get malware. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that almost all of the Apple devices can become infected with a threat.

What Types of Mac Threats Are There?

According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the types of threats that can currently infect your Mac can be rogue antivirus programs, adware or hijackers (PUPs), Trojan horses, ransomware and crypto-miner malware.

What To Do If I Have a Mac Virus, Like QSearch?

Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One recommended way to do that is by using a reputable malware removal software that can take care of the removal automatically for you.

There are many Mac anti-malware apps out there that you can choose from. SpyHunter for Mac is one of the reccomended Mac anti-malware apps, that can scan for free and detect any viruses. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.

How to Secure My Data from QSearch?

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 e-mail 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 activiites 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 reccomendations, your network and Apple devices will become significantly more safe against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.

More tips you can find on our MacOS Virus section, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.

About the QSearch Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this QSearch how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific macOS issue.

How did we conduct the research on QSearch?

Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of Mac threats, especially adware and potentially unwanted apps (PUAs).

Furthermore, the research behind the QSearch threat is backed with VirusTotal.

To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.

14 Comments
  1. Boris

    My chrome settings were totally messed up by this awlful thing qsearch. My default search engine was altered and I was unable to change it. I want to thank you for the help.

    Reply
  2. Gabrielle

    Wait.. is this thing a virus? I have already got it twice and never tought it was a virus

    Reply
  3. Henry

    The search engine on Chrome is QSearch and I cannot remove it. I have followed some of the steps related with that problem but they did not work. I have even deleted and installed Chrome several times but I still see the nasty app on my Mac.

    Reply
  4. Fedde

    When I try to delete this application, the system says it’s open and this prevents me from uninstalling it. I close all active apps but the notification keeps popping up. How to stop qsearch and uninstall it?

    Reply
    1. jake

      Hi Fedde. I have been having the same issue with qsearch. Please tell me you found a solution?

      Reply
  5. q searchian

    the part of killing a “suspicious” process runnin on the computer is a JOKE. how are we supposed ro know what process looks “suspicious”? come on man. you really have to waste my time like this.

    Reply
  6. Laura

    My browser has been plagued by this thing for a few weeks. Removing harmful extensions didn’t work in my case as there are no such extensions in the browser. Now I know that the app causing it is hiding somewhere on the system. Hoping that the use of the suggested tool will remove all of it.

    Reply
  7. Noé

    If I remove chrome, then remove all chrome folders from program files and reinstall it, will it help me to get rid of the qsearch virus?

    Reply
    1. John

      I am wondering the same! I am an inexperienced, middle-aged user, and I would appreciate any help! It seems that I can’t do it alone. Thank you in advance for the help!

      Reply
  8. Jason

    This issue came up out of the blue. I appreciate your assistance deeply! Cheers!

    Reply
  9. Aiden

    I had an account hacked by that virus, thank you very much now it won’t bother me

    Reply
  10. Kia

    I can’t change the search engine from qsearch to Google on my computer. Chrome does not have an alternative search engine option what can I do?

    Reply
    1. Luna

      Hola, yo ya sospechaba que esto era un virus cuando me di cuenta que no se podia cambiar el motor de búsqueda, ni siquiera daba opción de hacerlo un motor de búsqueda. Yo lo que hice es que edite la información de uno de los buscadores por la de google.

      Reply
  11. noname

    It seems that only Chrome browser is affected. I downloaded the Chrome browser and qsearch was suddenly set there by default. Any idea how to get rid of it?

    Reply

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