Play-bar.net is the web address of a browser hijacker redirect. When you do a search, you will get redirected to a few places. One of the places is the query service of SafeFinder, which is another browser hijacker program. Your searches will be filtered by it. Play-bar.net can change the homepage, new tab and search engine of any browsers you use. To remove the hijacker and all its files, you should read the article in full.
Threat Summary
| Name | Play-bar.net |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | All browsers on your computer can be affected. The hijacker redirects you and filters your search queries. |
| Symptoms | Browser settings which are changed are the homepage, search engine and new tab. You might see sponsored content and advertisements while you browse. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Play-bar.net. |
Play-bar.net – Methods of Distribution
Play-bar.net has a few distribution methods. Its software can hop onto your computer via third-party installations. Software which is bundled with others or one that is freeware can distribute the hijacker to your computer device. Setups like these usually have additive components set for installation, by default. The hijacker might alter browser settings before you realize it. Avoiding installations of this sort is doable if you find a Custom or an Advanced settings menu around the setup.
Play-bar.net could use various methods to distribute its search engine to your browser software. As seen in the above image, one of these ways is through an extension found in the Google Chrome web store. Redirect links and advertisements are another distribution way, especially if opened from suspicious websites. Banners, pop-ups and various types of ads could be used, as well. This hijacker could distribute itself with the aid of websites which are affiliates and partners with Play-bar.net. The following browsers could be affected: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.
Play-bar.net – In Detail
Play-bar.net is the main domain of a browser hijacker redirect that bears the same name – Play Bar. You can see the homepage of the hijacker in the screenshot right here:
The Play-bar.net main page is very simplified and consists of a colored background, a search bar, and a link to the extension of this hijacker. That same page will replace your new tab page, starting page and search engine for almost all browsers you use on the affected computer. The hijacker could tweak the preferences of the browsers, too.
An extension related to the hijacker exists, and there might be other additional components present on your personal computer that can generate redirects and adverts. The redirects can land you on dubious websites or ones that deliver sponsored third party content. Owners of such websites could be somehow partnered or affiliated with Play-bar.net.
The browser extension does the following:
- Read and change your data on play-bar.net and query.yahooapis.com
- Read your browsing history
- Change your search settings to: play-bar.net
In the image shown below, you can view the search results of Play-bar.net. You get redirected to the search results page of Yahoo, but that is just the surface. Before reaching that end of the redirect, you go through servers of SafeFinder, that is another browser hijacker. The tactic of landing to a reputable search engine’s results is used by this hijacker, to try getting people into trusting it.
Play-bar.net can gather all sorts of information from you and your online activity, including the search queries you make. Servers of the hijacker and those of SafeFinder are responsible for that information collection. You can read more extensively about the Safe Finder hijacker from the article in the blog.
You can view the redirect in action from the below screenshot:
The search engine acquires every bit of information coming from your search queries. You should be careful with what you provide as personal details in searches while using the search engine of the hijacker. As there might be more redirects to various servers, you do not know in the end to how many places that information will end up on. Continue reading to see what the privacy policy of SafeFinder states and what precisely Play-bar.net sends out as information.
Play-bar.net – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of the Play-bar.net site is non-existent or very well hidden. As search queries go through the Safe Finder browser redirect its policy applies. The platform collects personally and non-personally identifying information. The information could be disclosed to third-party affiliates.
You can see the Privacy Policy here:
Information which can be collected is the following:
- Browser (type and language)
- Operating System (type and language)
- Your name and address
- Geo location and IP address
- Date and time of access
- Your time zone
- Advertisements viewed
- Offers and services that interest you
- Default search
- VPN and Proxy services
- Internet Service Provider (ISP)
- Interaction with social networks
- Screen Resolution
- Search quires and browsing history
- Pages browsed and content viewed
If you are using services associated with Play-bar.net or Safe Finder, or any applications connected to them, then by the Policy’s writing you are bound to it and give your consent for your data collection. The policy states that cookies, web beacons, pixel tags and similar technologies can be used for accumulating more information. In cases of merger, sale or bankruptcy of the Play-bar.net website, all personal data is to be sold as an asset to the new owner company.
Remove Play-bar.net Completely
To remove Play-bar.net manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal instructions provided below. In case the manual removal does not get rid of the hijacker and all of its files completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such software can keep your computer secure in the future.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Play-bar.net from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Play-bar.net with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Play-bar.net and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Play-bar.net 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 Play-bar.net 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 Play-bar.net (Windows).
Get rid of Play-bar.net from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Play-bar.net 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 Play-bar.net. 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 Play-bar.net 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 Play-bar.net files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Play-bar.net, 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 Play-bar.net (Mac)
Remove Play-bar.net 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 Play-bar.net 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 Play-bar.net 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 Play-bar.net 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 Play-bar.net will be removed.
Eliminate Play-bar.net 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".
Play-bar.net-FAQ
What Is Play-bar.net?
The Play-bar.net 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 Play-bar.net?
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 Play-bar.net?
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 Play-bar.net Work?
Once installed, Play-bar.net 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.
Play-bar.net 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 Play-bar.net 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 Play-bar.net Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Play-bar.net 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 Play-bar.net?
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 Play-bar.net threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.