Remove Searchnets.xyz Redirect on Mac [Full Guide]

by Gergana Ivanova | October 27, 2020 | 0 Comments

Searchnets.xyz Redirect on Mac Searchnets.xyz Redirect Summary Searchnets.xyz Removal Guide

Searchnets.xyz Redirect on Mac

Searchnets.xyz is a suspicious site that hosts a hoax search engine. It tends to force Mac Safari users to use its deceptive services. Oftentimes, Searchnets.xyz is pushed by potentially unwanted programs known as browser hijackers. Browser hijackers alter main browser settings without your permission. These programs are mainly spread via software bundles. After a hijacker accesses a target web browser, it alters the homepage by setting it to load a bogus website like Searchnets.xyz. Sometimes, such apps try to remain unnoticed on the affected system as long as possible and that’s why they set a well-known search engine like Yahoo search or Bing. All unwanted changes enable the browser hijacker to record online activities and generate suspicious ads.

Searchnets.xyz Redirect Summary

Name	Searchnets.xyz
Type	Browser Hijacker, Browser Redirect, PUP
Short Description	Deceptive website that hijacks installed browsers. New tabs may load it as well as homepages. An unwanted program may be pushing this questionable search enigne.
Symptoms	The homepage, new tab page and search enigne in preferred web browser are set to display a hoax search engine associated with Searchnets.xyz.
Distribution Method	Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Corrupted Websites
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by Malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss Searchnets.xyz Redirect.

Searchnets.xyz Search Engine – Is It Safe?

Searchnets.xyz is a site that is most likely pushed by a browser hijacker. The suspicious site affects web browsers installed on Mac operating systems. The program behind this site may change the settings of installed web browsers by making Searchnets.xyz a homepage, new tab page and default search engine. Redirecting issues to this hoax search engine may occur as well.

The hoax search engine Searchnets.xyz is created with the primary purpose to help its owners obtain specific details about affected users’ online behavior. These details usually include search queries, browsing history, IP address, clicks on links, and more.

Data records enable browser hijacker’s owners to launch targeted advertising campaigns and gain revenue via the advertising model pay-per-click. It is also possible that they will release collected data on dark web markets or sell it to third-parties. If they do this, you may happen to see phishing pages that aim to steal sensitive credentials or hacked websites that propagate malicious software.

To sum up, Searchnets.xyz is a questionable website related to an undesired application. As long as the browser hijacker is running on your Mac you will be forced to use a hoax search engine that will spy on your online activities and bombard you with intrusive ads. For the sake of your online security, we advise you to consider a thorough removal of Searchnets.xyz redirect from the affected Mac and browser.

Searchnets.xyz Removal Guide

In order to remove Searchnets.xyz browser hijacker along with all associated files that enable its appearance in the browser, you should complete several removal steps. The guide below presents all the steps required for the complete removal of potentially unwanted programs on Mac. If you want to make sure that no undesired and potentially harmful files are running on your system, we recommend that you follow the guide to the end. Have in mind that some of the installed files installed by Searchnets.xyz browser hijacker may be named in a completely different way so that they can be hard to find, hence, hard to remove.

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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Guide 1: How to Remove Searchnets.xyz Redirect from Windows.
Guide 2: Get rid of Searchnets.xyz Redirect on Mac OS X.
Guide 3: Remove Searchnets.xyz Redirect in Google Chrome.

Guide 4: Erase Searchnets.xyz Redirect from Mozilla Firefox.
Guide 5: Uninstall Searchnets.xyz Redirect from Microsoft Edge.
Guide 6: Remove Searchnets.xyz Redirect from Safari.
Guide 7: Eliminate Searchnets.xyz Redirect from Internet Explorer.
Guide 8: Disable Searchnets.xyz Redirect Push Notifications in Your Browsers.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

How to Remove Searchnets.xyz Redirect from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Searchnets.xyz Redirect

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall Searchnets.xyz Redirect 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:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Searchnets.xyz Redirect on your computer.

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 Searchnets.xyz Redirect there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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.

IMPORTANT!
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.

Step 4: Scan for Searchnets.xyz Redirect with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Get rid of Searchnets.xyz Redirect from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall Searchnets.xyz Redirect 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:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

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

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

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 Searchnets.xyz Redirect. 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 Searchnets.xyz Redirect. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over 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 Searchnets.xyz Redirect 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:

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

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Searchnets.xyz Redirect. 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 2: Scan for and remove Searchnets.xyz Redirect files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Searchnets.xyz Redirect, 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 Searchnets.xyz Redirect:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove Searchnets.xyz Redirect 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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Erase Searchnets.xyz Redirect 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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Uninstall Searchnets.xyz Redirect 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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove Searchnets.xyz Redirect 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 Searchnets.xyz Redirect 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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Eliminate Searchnets.xyz Redirect 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.