Remove Smart Search from browsers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Smart Search?
Smart Search is a browser hijacker, a potentially unwanted application (PUA) that targets browsers used on Mac computers. The app is usually installed through a fake Flash Player updater.
After installation on hijacked browsers, Smart Search starts opening dubious websites, forcing users to access untrustworthy search engines such as weknow.ac, searchmine.net, chumsearch.com, and others. To obtain results from these search engines, users must click the "Smart Search" button, which is also the name of the browser hijacker.
Smart Search browser hijacker overview
Smart Search can be installed on browsers such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome and Safari. After installation, it changes browser settings such as the default search engine, homepage, and new tab URL by assigning them to weknow.ac, searchmine.net, chumsearch.com, or other dubious websites or search engines.
People who have this browser hijacker installed on their systems are forced to visit whatever URL is assigned when they open a browser, new tab, or search via the URL bar. The only solution is to uninstall Smart Search, otherwise it will reassign settings immediately after attempts are made to change them.
Furthermore, most browser hijackers that promote fake search engines gather data such as users' IP addresses, geolocations, URLs of visited websites, entered search queries, and other information. In some cases, they collect personal details. Developers continually share all recorded details with other parties, potentially cyber criminals.
We recommend that you uninstall Smart Search immediately and avoid using dubious search engines, since they cause problems with privacy, browsing safety, and can even lead to identity theft.
| Name | Smart Search browser hijacker |
| Threat Type | Browser hijacker, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Fake Flash Update Setup Name | 116c0469b1be5b44d66fa4f844c269a0.virobj |
| Detection Names (116c0469b1be5b44d66fa4f844c269a0.virobj) | Avast (MacOS:Agent-EN [Drp]), BitDefender (Adware.MAC.Bundlore.DMM), Emsisoft (Adware.MAC.Bundlore.DMM (B)), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Bnodlero.q) Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Related Domains | weknow.ac, searchmine.net, chumsearch.com |
| Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
There are many browser hijackers online. Another example is MacAppExtensions. Typically, these apps promote various fake, untrustworthy search engines by changing browser settings.
Even if PUAs are promoted as useful and legitimate, users often experience various problems. Furthermore, they provide no real value and are designed only to generate revenue for the developers.
How did Smart Search install on my computer?
Like most PUAs, Smart Search is promoted using deception - by bundling it into other software setups. In this particular case, it is bundled into a fake Flash updater. Typically, information about additionally-included apps is not properly disclosed - developers hide it in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings of download or installation set-ups.
They do this to trick people into downloading or installing unwanted apps together with other software. In other cases, unwanted installations happen when people click deceptive ads: if clicked, many run scripts that download and install PUAs.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Do not update programs with fake updating tools. Use implemented functions and tools that are provided by official software developers. Download software from trustworthy (official) websites, and do not use third party downloaders (or installers), Peer-to-Peer networks (like torrent clients, eMule), dubious pages, or other similar channels.
Check "Advanced", "Custom" and other settings of any download or installation setup and deselect unwanted apps. Do not finish any download or installation without checking these settings. Do not click ads displayed on dubious web pages, for example, on those relating to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and so on.
These can cause unwanted downloads and installations, or redirects to potentially malicious websites. If the browser opens these web pages or the sites contain unwanted ads, check the list of installed browser apps (extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins) and remove unwanted or suspicious entries immediately.
Also remove programs of this type installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with browser hijackers, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.
Screenshots of rogue setups asking for permission to control browsers:
Screenshots of fake Flash Player updaters for different browsers:
Deceptive application installer promoting Smart Search:
Appearance of a searchmine.net website promoted via Smart Search browser hijacker (GIF):
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps that promote the Smart Search website are designed to create a new device profile. Therefore, before taking any further removal steps, perform these actions:
1) Click the "Preferences" icon in the menu bar and select "Profiles".
2) Select the "AdminPrefs" profile and delete it.
3) Perform a full system scan with Combo Cleaner anti-virus suite.
After performing these actions, you can proceed with further removal steps for this browser hijacker.
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is Smart Search?
- STEP 1. Remove Smart Search related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove Smart Search redirect from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove Smart Search browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Smart Search homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove Smart Search browser hijacker using Combo Cleaner:
Smart Search redirect removal:
Remove Smart Search-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX", "NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Remove browser hijacker-related files and folders
Click the Finder icon from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...
Check for browser hijacker generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by browser hijackers - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Browser hijacker commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for browser hijacker generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/
In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for browser hijacker generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by browser hijackers - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Browser hijacker commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for browser hijacker generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:
In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/
In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the browser hijackers, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
Remove browser hijackers from Internet browsers
Remove Safari browser hijackers:
Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".
In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.
Change your homepage:
In the "Preferences" window, select the "General" tab. To set your homepage, type the preferred website URL (for example: www.google.com) in the Homepage field. You can also click the "Set to Current Page" button if you wish to set your homepage to the website you are currently visiting.
Change your default search engine:
In the "Preferences" window, select the "Search" tab. Here you will find a drop-down menu labeled "Search engine:" Simply select your preferred search engine from the drop-down list.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove Google Chrome browser hijackers:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Change your homepage
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable the malicious extension (if present), look for a browser hijacker URL below the "Open a specific or set of pages" option. If present, click on the three vertical dots icon and select "Remove".
Change your default search engine:
To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings", in the "Search engine" section, click "Manage search engines...", in the opened list look for a browser hijacker URL, when located click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Delete".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Change your homepage
To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Settings", in the opened window disable malicious extension (if present), remove the browser hijacker URL and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.
Change your default search engine:
In the URL address bar, type "about:config" and press Enter. Click "Accept the Risk and Continue".
In the search filter at the top, type: "extensionControlled". Set both results to "false" by either double-clicking each entry or clicking the 
button.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of forcing users to visit fake search engines?
Cyber criminals generate revenue through rogue redirects.
Is visiting a fake search engine a threat to my privacy?
Most likely, yes. Sites classed as fake search engines usually collect information about their visitors.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are primarily spread via deceptive promotional webpages, freeware and free file-hosting websites, online scams, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, spam browser notifications, and intrusive advertisements.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Smart Search browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected browser-hijacking applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective, especially when multiple browser hijackers have infiltrated the system. In these cases, after one is removed – the others may reinstall it. Additionally, browser-hijacking software might be capable of denying access to removal-related settings and/or undoing user-made changes. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.
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