Are you one of the users who have noticed the Yahoo Search Redirect Virus on Mac? If so, you can refer to this article for help. It has been created to explain what exactly is the Yahoo Search Virus Mac and why the search engine has suddenly started appearing on your Mac. Here, you will learn how to remove the Yahoo Search redirect from Safari and get rid of all harmful files installed on the macOS.
Yahoo Search Redirect Virus on Mac
This virus is also referred to as Yahoo Search Engine virus on Mac. It can be noticed in popular web browsers like Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. In fact, the sudden and unwanted appearance of Yahoo Search in Safari or another browser you prefer is related to the presence of a suspicious program on your macOS. Such type of software is referred to as potentially unwanted programs.
Potentially unwanted programs, including browser hijackers and adware, trick people to get into their computers. The outcome of this is your browser is forced to redirect to Yahoo Search which is perceived as a Mac virus by affected users. An additional issue that is likely to be noticed is your system performing sluggishly. Apps related to this Search redirect virus on Mac may also show customized ads that lead to risky sites. The removal of the Redirect virus will help you browse the Web and use your Mac securely again.
In November 2020, the Yahoo Search redirect on Mac continues to be a threat to many people browsing the Web. Watch out and stay vigilant. If you have this hijacking virus, then continue reading, so you can see what to do to remove it.
Yahoo Search Virus Summary
| Name | Yahoo Search Virus Mac |
| Type | Browser Hijacker for Mac OS |
| For Affected Windows Users | Remove Search.Yahoo.com Redirect |
| Short Description | Aims to heavily modify the web browsers of Macs to display ads. |
| Symptoms | Safari, Mozilla, Chrome an Opera browsers may show ad-Powered search results. A lot of ads and slowness in terms of Mac performance. |
| Distribution Method | Via bundled installers, fake setups or via other PUP that has already been installed on your Mac. |
| Detection Tool |
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Yahoo Search Virus Mac – More Information
The primary method by which the browser hijacker may gain access to your Mac operating system is by visiting a website that has a shallow reputation. Such sites often tend to cause browser redirects. Sometimes those redirects contain an injected script in their source code – a script that adds the Yahoo search browser hijacker on browsers installed on your Mac. This is how this popular search site may have appeared on your Safari or Chrome browser. But do not worry, you are on the right way of getting rid of this Search form Safari/Chrome once and forever.
Another reason that may be causing this annoying issue is a browser hijacker you have installed as a result of a software bundle with added extras. Usually, most browser hijackers for Macs tend to pretend to be useful programs, like:
- Weather toolbars.
- Better oriented search assistants.
- Online TV and streaming toolbars.
- Social media toolbars.
- Other useful toolbars and extensions or apps.
They often advertise added potentially unwanted programs as an “optional offer” or a “free extra” to the current installation process. Such apps are usually hosted on third-party sites. Since apps from third-party sites are generally not allowed by default on Mac, you should really consider uninstalling such apps if you have done this already.
The unwanted appearance of Yahoo search redirect virus on a Mac often comes as a result of modifications of basic browser settings. Once executed on a Mac system, the undesired program that is forcing you to use the searching services of the company, alters the settings of your homepage, new tab page, and default search engine. Then your searches start triggering the redirect virus causing the browser to load search page results on search.yahoo.com. Based on the behavior of this undesired app, we can assume that it is a browser hijacker. Browser hijackers are unwanted programs that aim to redirect you to third-party websites and show multiple types of advertisements on your device.
The redirect search site is a threat that has been affecting the Macs of unsuspecting users for quite some time. Users who have got their machines infected with this hijacker consider it a Mac virus (hence we are referring to it as a “virus”). In fact, most of the times this search engine is a browser hijacker on Mac.
As soon as a browser hijacker that is pushing this Search Virus is executed on your Mac operating system, your web browser starts searching with the company’s search engine. The browser hijacker may modify the following settings:
- Home Page.
- New Tab Page.
- Push Notifications.
- Browser Extensions.
- Pages Opening on Startup.
Once the browser hijacker does this, your affected web browsers keep searching with the search engine search.yahoo.com every time you enter a search query:
Once you try and search something through it, the outcome may be that you could see a custom search results that are cramped with advertisements:
These advertisements may be dangerous. There are multiple risky sites to which they may lead you:
- Phishing sites that aim to steal your username, password and other key data.
- Fake websites that aim to get you to pay for products, like clothes or other merchandise, but will not delivery anything to you and may steal your credentials.
- Tech support pages that claim your Mac is infected with a virus and ask you to call scammers or download a fake antivirus tool for Mac which is paid.
- Malicious websites that may land a virus directly on your Mac.
The well-known search engine has been misused by lots of browser hijackers for Mac such as Search Marquis, Search Pulse and TabSearch. Since the redirects that are caused by this search “virus” on Mac are potentially dangerous, it is strongly recommended to detect what is causing it and remove it. The next step would be to secure your Mac against future intrusive apps and adware–supported programs.
It’s interesting to share that the Yahoo Search redirect virus on Chrome is the type of threat that is very similar to other redirect viruses that misuse the reputation of well-know online searching services. So, along with this Search “virus”, there are also Google Redirect virus and Bing Redirect virus.
Important notice. The browser hijacker associated with the appearance of the search virus Mac in Safari may be able to collect various details about your browsing habits. By activating different tracking technologies, the program may become able to obtain your search queries, browsing history, type, and version of the browser, geographic location, IP address, clicks on links, etc. . As a result, you may become a target of many annoying online advertisements or even malware attacks.
Here is what a user on Apple community forums said about the annoying redirect virus:
Question: Q:
How to get rid of a the virus that keeps redirecting my google search engine, which is set as a default to Yahoo!I have google set as my default search engine, and no matter what I do, as soon as I enter a subject in the address bar, it gets redirected to the search engine, which I don’t like. I have tried doing all kinds of research to remove it and nothing seems to work. Also, I am not sure if these two viruses are related but Mackeeper also starting popping up all the time around the same time this started to happen. It opens up about 5 tabs on its own sometimes and I don’t know how to fix that either. I am pretty sure that this is some virus. If someone knows of the same problem and has gotten rid of it, please help!
The removal of the undesired program that is redirecting affected browsers to this suspicious search may be a challenging task. Some of these invasive programs are configured to install the so-called browser helper objects. In macOS, malicious browser helper objects may affect the Launch Services Database, which in turn will result in the more problematic removal process.
So that’s why a simple uninstall process won’t be efficient for the removal of any potentially unwanted programs that are redirecting your favorite browser to this search engine. Since the removal of some important and legit system files may lead to a total system crash, security experts recommend the help of an advanced anti-malware cleaner. The tool will locate malicious entries only and remove them without damaging the regular system performance.
How to Remove Yahoo Search Redirect Virus from Safari and Mac
The popular redirect virus continues to be a significant threat to computers. If you are asking yourself “How to get rid of Yahoo search redirect virus?“, then read this paragraph. The threat cannot be easily removed as it deeply affects the web browsers and macOS. To remove the unwanted app associated with redirects to such hoax search engines completely from your Mac, you can manually locate it and delete it by following the steps underneath this article. If they are not effective against this virus, then a more drastic and professional solution is required. As experts often recommend, the best solution against this virus redirect is to download an advanced anti-malware software whose main idea is to run a deep scan of your Mac to identify and delete all of the unwanted files related to it. Plus your Mac will be protected against other spyware, malware in the future.
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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Preparation Phase:
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.
Step 1: Uninstall Yahoo Search 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:
- 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 Yahoo Search 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:
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: Remove Yahoo Search Virus – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.
Remove a toolbar from Google Chrome
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox
Step 3: Scan for and remove Yahoo Search Virus files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Yahoo Search 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.
Yahoo Search Virus FAQ
What is Yahoo Search Virus on your Mac?
The Yahoo Search Virus threat is a potentially unwanted app or likely a Mac virus. It may slow your Mac down siginficantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear 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 my Mac get a virus?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get viruses. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that the following Apple devices can become infected with a virus:
- iMac
- Mac Mini
- Macbook Air
- Macbook Pro
- iPhone
- iPad
What are the symptoms of Yahoo Search Virus on your 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 Yahoo Search Virus?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One reccomended 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, tracking cookies and unwanted adware apps plus take care of them quickly. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to secure my passwords and other data from Yahoo Search 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 website, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
Thanks.. works:)
we are happy you found this useful and if there is anything you want us to improve on, we would be happy to hear from you.
Is there any option to restore my Safari browser settings
If you haven’t saved your passwords or backed them up, then you should re-enter them. If you want to reset safari, then please check “how to reset safari to default” on youtube.
This problem appeared this morning and I have never opted to make yahoo my search engine. I think that an extension in Safari was causing all those annoying redirects to yahoo search. I have resolved the problem by turning all extensions OFF. Since I still need to use some of the extensions I have turned them ON and tested.
Yes, there are a lot of such extensions, but you need to turn them on one by one to see which one is the unwanted one and then delete it.
I always use google as default search engine.. The problem is not so simple, this adware keeps changing user settings. Ones I change my search engine all get better.
This type of infection aims to not only change the settings, but also situate files that automatically reverse them once you do and you end up having Yahoo all over again. You should remove it if it is a program on your computer or if it is an extension added to your browser and then save all your passwords and reset your browser to default.
I recently bought a Mac and because I have no experience with it I got the Yahoo search tab. This adware is very annoying. I wanted to use Google and I found this article. Now I fixed it. Thank you.
We are glad this helped.
Just removed this nasty issue!! How I fixed it is by deleting a file called QSearch from my Mac ~/Library folder! Look out for any odd files like this to get rid of Yahoo virus.
Yes, QSearch is another suspicious extension thhat is added on Macs. You can find more about it here: sensorstechforum.com/qsearch-mac-virus/
Hola, I have problem with Yahoo redirect it comes every time i turn Safari on. Please help me.
hello, try to use this video for more help: youtube.com/watch?v=jZV5hxEwD48&t=182s
Hi, I followed all the steps and yahoo still appears.
First thing I did I downloaded the combo cleaner which showed a malware or virus file, so I started deleting the suspicious files. After that I run another scan and no malware or virus appeared in the antivirus app but safari keeps taking me to yahoo safe search. I don’t know what else to do! Because even if I choose to pay the full version of Combo Cleaner It doesn’t show any virus whatsoever!
Please help me! Im really worried.
Hi Delfina,
Please contact Combo Cleaner’s official support here: combocleaner.com/support/
They should be able to assist you.
saludos, he hecho todos los pasos indicados. he descargado varios programas para eliminar el problema. pero aun sigo con el. actualmente estoy utilizando Webroot Secure Anywhere y el problema continúa. no tengo extensiones en safari, no hay ningún archivo llamado virus, no hay ningún archivo llamado yahoo en ella y continuo con el problema…. que puedo hacer?
I installed software from BitTorrent, it seem that what I have now is kind of ad-injection virus, redirecting me to yahoo search all the time.
The instructions above works for me. I only recommend before starting removal process and starting any changes back up all your data.
Yes, and since this software may use cookies, we also recommend that you change your passwords once you are in the clear.
I’ve followed all steps, (although there were steps where I didn’t have anything suspicious to delete) checked to make sure there were no extensions and the problem still occurs. Does anyone have any advice?
Try following the steps in this video and you should be in the clear: youtu.be/jZV5hxEwD48
Google is my default search engine. But when I type something in the address bar or search field and hit the magnifying glass button, it redirects to Yahoo Search every time. MacKeeper also started appearing at the same time so I think they are related. That thing opened tabs on its own like crazy… I did all kinds of searching on the Internet nothing worked until I found this article! Very glad, now I have fixed everything and my Mac working properly again. Thank you!
MacKeeper is a well known rogue software that should not be kept on your computer. We are happy that our guides were of help to you.
Accidentally downloaded this adware. Every search on my MacBook Air was redirecting to Yahoo search automatically. My settings specify Google as my search preference, but every search that I did ended up showing Yahoo search results.
I was panicking and reading an Apple Discussions thread with people having this problem. I am glad I came upon this article which solved everything and now my searches show Google results. Thanks!
Thank you for using our guide!
this is so annoying and it seems that I can’t solve this myself. can you please help me?
Maybe you didn’t do all of the instructions?
Following the steps provided after the end of the article should help. If the manual steps don’t solve the problem, try installing the anti-malware tool we have included for a quick fix of the situation.