What Is Bing Redirect on Mac?
Bing Redirect on Mac is a browser hijacker that changes your default search engine and homepage to Bing, redirecting all of your searches through the Bing search engine. It can be difficult to remove and can cause your Mac to become slow and unresponsive.
If your Safari or Chrome browser continues to redirect you to Bing.com without your approval or consent, you should be aware that a potentially unwanted app may have been installed on your Mac. As a result, the Bing search engine may come up every time you attempt to use your browser, be it Google Chrome or Apple Safari. This is how the otherwise legitimate search engine earned the name Bing redirect virus.
This could also be related to a browser hijacker, aiming to change your search page to show you different ads. These ads can lead you to hacked websites that may infect your Mac with malware.
Lots of suspicious and potentially unwanted, ad-supported programs that affect Mac devices have been spotted in the wild. Such programs are designed to access installed browsers and then modify their settings. All changes happen without a user’s knowledge or permission. So, it is possible that this issue on Mac is a result of the unnoticed installation of any undesired app.
If you want to get rid of this suspicious behavior, we recommend you to read this article. To skip directly to the removal manual, check out our Bing.com Redirect Virus removal guide. It will show you how to get rid of Bing on Mac.
Bing Redirect Virus Details
| Name | Bing Redirect Virus |
| Type | Browser Redirect / Potentially Unwanted Program / Adware / Browser Hijacker |
| Short Description | Indicates that an undesired program may be running on your Mac. Such a program may heavily modify web browsers’settings and start generating annoying ads without your permission. |
| Symptoms | Preferred web browser Safari/Chrome/Firefox keeps redirecting you to Bing search engine. A lot of ads flood the affected browser. Slower Mac performance could be noticed. |
| Distribution Method | Software Bundles, Corrupted Installers, Fake Flash Player Updates |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
SpyHunter for Mac
Malware Removal Tool
|
Bing Redirect – Why Do I Have It?
This is the type of threat that is very similar to other suspicious redirects, for example:
This redirect may be a result of the installation of legitimate software like Microsoft Office. This could be explained by the fact that Bing is a web search engine owned and operated by Microsoft, and the company may be distributing it via a software bundle. In such an event, the search engine’s appearance should not be considered to be related to a present “virus,” even if it may again happen without your knowledge.
This popular search engine’s reputation is misused as a disguise for the operations of various potentially unwanted programs like browser hijackers. So, when your preferred search engine such as Google, keeps redirecting your searches to Bing, it is likely that your Mac is infected with a potentially undesired program.
Why Does Google Search Redirect to Bing on Mac?
When Google changes to Microsoft’s search engine on Mac, your preferred web browser keeps redirecting you. You are probably wondering “Why does my search engine keep redirecting to Bing!?” This question has several answers. The most common reason you experience unwanted behaviour is a potentially unwanted program that has somehow managed to access your operating system and browser.
Several techniques may be spreading undesired programs associated with this unwanted redirect. A preferred method usually is the so-called software bundling. For its realization, app developers can use free programs that pretend to be useful and legitimate. They could be commonly used programs like media players, file converters, weather toolbars, online streaming apps, etc. The installers of these programs often present optional offers or free extras but rarely in an appropriate way. So you could have missed noticing their presence during the installation of a desired program and eventually allowed them to access your Mac. After executing a potentially undesired program on your Mac, your Safari may start redirecting your default search engine (Google, for example) to Bing.
The irony is that supposedly useful programs like Mac Cleanup Pro can deliver the annoying Bing redirect virus once they got installed on a Mac device.
Be careful when downloading software, especially freeware from unofficial websites. Be advised to refrain from installing third-party apps from untrustworthy sites as well. If you do, make sure to check all details available in the Custom/Advanced configuration option. There you may find a way to opt-out of the installation of extra offers and eventually keep your Mac clean from potentially undesired/harmful programs.
What Does Bing Redirect Do?
Once on your Mac, such a program could access all installed browsers’ settings to apply some significant changes. The unwanted redirect may affect the settings of commonly used web browsers on Mac like Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, etc. One of these changes also affects your preferred web browser’s search engine. It is configured to redirect to this search engine without your knowledge or permission. Your browser’s homepage and new tab page destinations may also be set to load this engine. So the simple answer to the commonly asked question – “How do I stop Bing from hijacking my browser?” is: remove any potentially undesired programs from the macOS.
Undesired programs are often misused to generate revenue from each search you perform. As long as such a program is running on your device your browsing may be redirected to custom search results that present poorly secured and potentially harmful web pages. This process may be realized via suspicious search engines that resemble Bing. An example of such a search engine is www-mysearch.com:
This is an example of a hoax search engine that imitates Bing.com.
Corrupted websites could be hazardous since they could attempt to steal sensitive credentials or infect your Mac with additional malware.
Another issue with this redirect virus is unsolicited data collection. By activating different tracking technologies like cookies, web beacons, javascript, or even Trojans, the undesired application may become able to obtain a long list of sensitive details including:
- Visited URLs and websites
- Browser’s home page
- Search queries
- Search queries on the visited web pages
- Type of used browser
- Operating system type
- Internet protocol (IP) address
- Geographic location
- The domain name of current Internet service provider (ISP)
- Banking credentials
- Entered keystrokes
Data records are likely to be used for the launch of targeted advertising campaigns based on your interests. At worst, they could be released on dark web markets.
Is Bing Redirect a Mac Virus?
By definition, a browser redirect does not belong to the family of computer viruses. A computer virus is the type of program that replicates itself upon execution by modifying other programs and inserting its own code. Once the replication happens, the affected areas become “infected” with the computer virus. Bing redirect does not have these properties. However, its behavior fits the description of adware and potentially unwanted programs. Despite not being a real computer virus, this redirect is threatening to your online security and should be removed from your Mac.
How to Remove Bing Redirect Virus from Mac
To get rid of all files associated with this issue from your Mac, you should complete several removal steps. In the guide below, you will find all removal steps in their precise order. You could choose between manual and automatic removal approaches. The guide covers steps on how to remove the Bing redirect virus from Safari, Chrome, and Firefox.
To remove any present undesired programs and strengthen the security of your Mac, we recommend that you combine the steps below. Please have in mind that a scan with an advanced anti-spyware tool will not only detect all present harmful files but also further protect your operating system. It is capable of detecting, identifying, and blocking threats before they cause damage.
Does your search engine keep redirecting to Bing? In some cases, after having uninstalled the undesired program related to this suspicious redirect, specific files might be left behind on the system. After removing the hijacker and rebooting the system, ensure that the files or folders related to the unwanted app and listed in these sections have been removed from your system.
- /Applications
- /Library/Internet plug-ins/
- /Library/LaunchAgents/
- /Users/Shared
- ~/Library
- ~/Applications
Note. Before manually removing files or folders on your Mac, make sure to identify the accurate components of the redirect virus, because deleting other apps’ files or system settings files by mistake may trigger malfunction of installed apps or even your system.
In case you have further questions about this issue or need additional help, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or contact us via email.
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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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 Bing Redirect Virus files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Bing Redirect Virus, 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.
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 Bing Redirect Virus and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Bing Redirect Virus:
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 Bing Redirect Virus. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
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 Bing Redirect Virus. 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 Bing Redirect Virus 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:
1. Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2. Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3. Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Bing Redirect Virus. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
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 Bing Redirect Virus – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Bing Redirect Virus-FAQ
What is Bing Redirect Virus on your Mac?
The Bing Redirect Virus 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 siginficantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your Mac 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 MacOS.
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 the following Apple devices can become infected with a threat:
- iMac
- Mac Mini
- Macbook Air
- Macbook Pro
- iPhone
- iPad
What Are The Symptoms of Bing Redirect Virus On Mac?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also most Mac threats in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your Mac may become slow and has poor performance in general.
Symtpom #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 Mac's Activity Monitor.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts reccomend that you check your Mac for viruses.
What Types of Mac Threats Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently infect your Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware and hijackers.
- Trojan horses and other spyware.
- Ransomware and screen-lockers.
- Cryptocurrency miner malware.
What To Do If I Have a Mac Virus, Like Bing Redirect Virus?
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 Bing Redirect Virus?
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 Bing Redirect Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Bing Redirect Virus 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 Bing Redirect Virus?
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 Bing Redirect Virus threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
Worked! Thanks :)
Hi,
My Safari browser is affected by this issue.. Safari started redirecting from Google, which is my default search engine, to bing.. Tried several solutions from several forums, nothing worked permanently so far. Any suggestions what to do? Thanks!
Yes, try the instructions above, if they do not resolve the issue, try Combo Cleaner – it has worked for others. If Bing still comes up when you try to search from Safari, then contact Combo Cleaner Support – they will help you manually.
I downloaded adobe Flash update and now have someting redirecting Safari to Bing instead of my preferred search. I was able to fix it in Chrome, but can’t fix Safari. Help!
Check out the instructions in the article here, specifically, the ones about removing the related extension from the browsers. They are leftovers which most programs do not automatically clear for you.
I was stuck with this on Safari. Home page was always to Bing, but now it fixed! Thank you so much!
My typical Chrome web browsing habits include visiting YouTube, Twitter and a few news sites. I really don’t know that led to all those Bing redirects. The issue is permanent for more than a week even though I’ve tried to fix it by resetting my browser to its default settings. Any help is appreciated
All my browser preferences are set correctly and I really want to use google as my search engine but redirects me to bing all the time