This article aims to help you with the removal of m.smartsrch.com redirect from affected browser and system. Follow the detailed guide at the end to get rid of this annoying website in full.
M.smartsrch.com is a browser redirect that could make you use its suspicious services by hijacking basic browser settings. After infection, its main page starts to appear as browser homepage and new tab page while its deceptive search engine is the default one. The website could also redirect you to websites of unknown origin where a lot of sponsored content is displayed.
Threat Summary
| Name | m.smartsrch.com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUP |
| Short Description | M.smartsrch.com is the domain of browser redirect that affects commonly used web browsers by modifying their settigns. It pushes a deceptive search engine. |
| Symptoms | The homepage and new tab page of affected browsers redirect to the domain of the suspicious m.smartsrch.com. Many advertisements can make the affected browser sluggish and unresponsive. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss m.smartsrch.com. |
M.smartsrch.com – Spread Techniques
M.smartsrch.com redirect is likely to land on computer systems along with other desired third-party freeware. As a typical potentially unwanted program it aims to sneak into the system unnoticeably. This is easily achievable with the help of third-party apps because their installers could be set to install the redirect by default. In order that m.smartsrch.com’s presence remains unseen the regular configuration steps do not provide any information about it. The majority of online users prefer to follow the regular steps instead of configuring the installation process through the Advanced or Custom steps. And that’s how infections like m.smartsrch.com take place on computer and mobile systems. So be advised to reveal the information on the Advanced/Custom installation steps each time you decide to install a new app on your PC. They could help you to avoid infections with nasty programs like m.smartsrch.com.
Misleading browser extensions that pretend to enhance your browsing experience may also be used for the distribution of Mmsmartsrch.com. They could be offered on Chrome Web Store or pushed by web pages that contain malicious scripts. Such scripts are able to trigger drive-by download attacks which deliver the infection code unnoticeably on the computer.
Frequently used web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari could be hijacked by m.smartsrch.com redirect.
M.smartsrch.com – More About Its Impact
M.smartsrch.com redirect is able to hijack essential browser settings after it lands on the system. It is known to modify the settings of the homepage, new tab page and default search engine. As a result, the redirect starts to appear during each browsing session. And you are forced to use its deceptive services. Below you can see a picture of the main page of this nasty redirect:
The primary goal of this dubious website is to generate revenue to its owners. For the purpose, its search engine is set to flood search results with links to sponsored content and redirect your browsing sessions to websites of unknown origin where lots of online ads appear as well. Thus, your access to websites that provide the most adequate information for your search queries is limited and you risk being misinformed. In addition, all intrusive ads could slow down browser loads or even cause crashes at times. You need to be careful with all the ads that appear as a click on the wrong one could land you on a corrupted web page that is set to deliver and install malicious code directly on your system.
Even though this dubious search engine website resembles a lot the look of some of the most reliable search engines, it lowers the security of system and browser. As long as its files are available on your system, they could be used as a gateway by malicious intenders. They may compromise the whole system and steal the data you keep on the hard drives.
M.smartsrch.com is also known to obtain various details from the affected browser and keeps a record of them on its servers. In the next paragraph, you could find more information about data collection practices utilized by the redirect.
M.smartsrch.com – Privacy Policy
You can access the Privacy Policy page associated with m.smartsrch.com redirect by clicking on the link presented in the footer of its main page. As found in the policy the website is owned by a company called AirFind. Its products are known to invade computer and mobile systems in order to deliver sponsored content and spy on users’ activities. Other hijacking websites owned by AirFind are Mobisearch.co and MyPortal.us, as detected by our team.
Their Policy page reveals all data collection practices done by their browser hijackers. Below, you can see exactly what information can be obtained from you when you are using any of the m.smartsrch.com services, according to its Policy:
- Your full name
- E-mail address
- Phone number
- Your physical address
- Your online contacts
- Your social networks’ data
- Cookies data
- Information you provide directly or via 3rd parties
More details related to your internet activities are acquired via cookies and additional tracking technologies. Eventually, m.smartsrch.com service could collect even more data which identifies you. Thus, you should be careful what kind of information you enter in the affected browser as the nasty redirect could send it to its servers and keeps records of it there. In case that you want to prevent m.smartsrch.com from collecting all the details mentioned above you should consider removing it.
How to Remove М.smartsrch.com Redirect
The steps listed below will help you to remove m.smartsrch.com redirect completely from affected Chrome, Firefox, Explorer, or Safari web browser. The guide that follows will also be helpful for the removal of this nasty program from your Windows system. You will find two removal approaches – manual and automatic. Have in mind that the manual removal steps may not reveal all harmful files dropped on the system. If these files remain on the system you can still experience redirects to m.smartsrch.com during browsing sessions. For maximum protection, it is good to scan the system for some leftovers with certified anti-malware tool.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove m.smartsrch.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for m.smartsrch.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall m.smartsrch.com and related software from Windows
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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by m.smartsrch.com 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 m.smartsrch.com there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for m.smartsrch.com (Windows).
Get rid of m.smartsrch.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall m.smartsrch.com and remove related files and objects
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 m.smartsrch.com. 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 m.smartsrch.com 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 m.smartsrch.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as m.smartsrch.com, 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 m.smartsrch.com (Mac)
Remove m.smartsrch.com 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 m.smartsrch.com 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 m.smartsrch.com 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 m.smartsrch.com 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 m.smartsrch.com will be removed.
Eliminate m.smartsrch.com 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".
m.smartsrch.com-FAQ
What Is m.smartsrch.com?
The m.smartsrch.com 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 m.smartsrch.com?
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 Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware.
- Browser hijackers.
- Clickers.
- Fake optimizers.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like m.smartsrch.com?
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 m.smartsrch.com Work?
Once installed, m.smartsrch.com can collect data about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. This data is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
m.smartsrch.com 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 m.smartsrch.com 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 m.smartsrch.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this m.smartsrch.com 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 m.smartsrch.com?
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 m.smartsrch.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.