This article explains the issues caused by Searchgeniusapp.com and provides a complete removal guide on how to remove the annoying browser hijacker.
When Searchgeniusapp.com hijacker loads whenever you open your preferred web browser, your computer system may be affected by a potentially undesired program. Once such a program finds a way to run its configuration files on your system it accesses main browser settings and configures the hijacker to appear as homepage, new tab page, and default search engine. Keep reading and find out how to get rid of Searchgeniusapp.com hijacker and how to secure affected PC.
Threat Summary
| Name | Searchgeniusapp.com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUP |
| Short Description | Domain that hosts questionable search enigne. Its configuration files hijack main browser settings without your permission and you start see the main page of this search engine each time you open an affected browser. |
| Symptoms | Affected web browsers have their settings modified by the hijacker. Their homepages, new tab pages and default search enigne in preferred web browser are set to dislay the main page of Searchgeniusapp.com hijacker. Browser slowdowns occur due to increased number of online ads. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Searchgeniusapp.com. |
Searchgeniusapp.com Hijacker – Spreading Techniques and Impact
The website Searchgeniusapp.com provides search services by mimicking Yahoo search. It is owned by the company Search Dimension Inc. that acknowledges the collection of both personal and non-personal data through its search applications. Once started on a computer system their search engine activates various tracking technologies to collect information from your device and about your activities. According to Searchgeniusapp.com’s Privacy Policy section once running in the browser, it starts obtaining the following details:
- Browsing history
- Internet protocol (IP) address
- Search queries
- Search results clicked
- Type of used browser
- Your name, address, email address and telephone number
- Browser type and language
- Operating system type
- Software installed upon and/or devices connected to your computer and/or device
Among the issues that may be noticed in case of infection with Searchgeniusapp.com browser hijacker are modifications of main browser preferences. Such type of programs tends to alter browser homepage, start page, new tab page and/or default search engine. One of the reasons why the program associated with this search engine is categorized as a potentially unwanted is its odd behavior. In fact, it applies all changes without asking for permission.
Here is a screenshot of an affected Mozilla Firefox browser:
There is an additional impact which the program may cause. Oftentimes, undesired apps deliver lots of annoying ads in an attempt to generate revenue to their owners. This practice is called pay-per-click as every click on ad pushed by Searchgeniusapp.com or the associated program makes a small profit. That’s why the program and the hijacker are likely to deliver as many ads as possible both in the affected browser and directly on the desktop.
The ads may appear in different formats including pop-ups, pop-unders, banners, images, new tabs, browser redirects, in-text images, etc. Furthermore, Searchgeniusapp.com hijacker may display ads in its search results. Unfortunately, some of the ads may be configured to land on corrupted web pages that are misused for the spreading of malicious code. Beware and better refrain from clicking on them.
As regards the spreading of browser hijackers and undesired programs, it usually happens via software bundles, corrupted web pages, fake software update notifications, and other.
If you want to clean your computer and prevent Searchgeniusapp.com from causing all mentioned issues you need to ensure that no associated undesired files are running on your system. To remove files associated with this hoax search engine follow the steps presented in the guide below.
How to Remove Searchgeniusapp.com Browser Hijacker
In order to remove Searchgeniusapp.com hijacker along with all associated files that enable its appearance in the browser, you should complete several removal steps. The guide below presents all removal steps in their precise order. You could choose between manual and automatic removal approach. In order to be sure that no undesired and potentially harmful files are running on your system, we recommend that you combine the steps. Have in mind that some files associated with Searchgeniusapp.com hijacker may be named in a different way.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or contact us at our email.
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 Searchgeniusapp.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Searchgeniusapp.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Searchgeniusapp.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 Searchgeniusapp.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 Searchgeniusapp.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 Searchgeniusapp.com (Windows).
Get rid of Searchgeniusapp.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Searchgeniusapp.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 Searchgeniusapp.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 Searchgeniusapp.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 Searchgeniusapp.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Searchgeniusapp.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 Searchgeniusapp.com (Mac)
Remove Searchgeniusapp.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 Searchgeniusapp.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 Searchgeniusapp.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 Searchgeniusapp.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 Searchgeniusapp.com will be removed.
Eliminate Searchgeniusapp.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".
Searchgeniusapp.com-FAQ
What Is Searchgeniusapp.com?
The Searchgeniusapp.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 Searchgeniusapp.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 Searchgeniusapp.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 Searchgeniusapp.com Work?
Once installed, Searchgeniusapp.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.
Searchgeniusapp.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 Searchgeniusapp.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 Searchgeniusapp.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Searchgeniusapp.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 Searchgeniusapp.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 Searchgeniusapp.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.