How to remove Smarter Surf from web browsers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Smarter Surf?
Smarter Surf browser extension has been found to display irritating ads rather than enhancing the browsing experience, classifying it as adware. Besides ad delivery, Smarter Surf can also access specific user data. It is important to highlight that users frequently unknowingly download, install, or add adware to their systems.
Smarter Surf in detail
Smarter Surf, identified as adware, represents a type of potentially unwanted software that can significantly disrupt the browsing experience for users. While its name might suggest an enhancement in web surfing, its actual function is quite the opposite. This adware aggressively bombards users with a barrage of intrusive and often irrelevant advertisements, pop-ups, banners, etc.
These ads can manifest in various forms, including interstitial ads, in-text ads, and coupon pop-ups, making Smarter Surf a source of considerable annoyance for those affected. In addition to the intrusive ad display, Smarter Surf has the capability to access certain user data, further raising privacy concerns.
Smarter Surf may track online behavior, such as the websites visited and search queries, potentially leading to the collection of sensitive information. Thus, it is recommended to avoid adware like Smarter Surf and regularly employ reputable antivirus or anti-malware tools to keep such threats at bay.
| Name | Ads by Smarter Surf |
| Threat Type | Adware |
| Symptoms | Your computer 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), torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
More about apps of this type
While Smarter Surf is primarily categorized as adware due to its intrusive ad-displaying nature, it is important to acknowledge that some adware can exhibit browser hijacker-like functionalities. Browser hijackers typically alter browser settings, such as the homepage, search engine, or new tab page, without user consent, redirecting users to unwanted websites.
More examples of apps similar to Smarter Surf are Website Security Scanner, Errors Notify, and HTTP Error Decoder.
How did adware install on my computer?
be bundled with seemingly legitimate software downloads, where users inadvertently accept its installation along with the desired software. Additionally, some adware may be distributed through deceptive online tactics, such as misleading ads or fake download buttons on dubious websites.
Websites promoting supposedly useful apps, P2P networks, third-party downloaders, free file hosting sites, and similar sources can also be used to distribute adware and other unwanted software.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download software and applications exclusively from reputable sources and official websites. Be cautious when downloading from third-party sources (e.g., unofficial pages or third-party stores). During the installation process, opt for custom or advanced settings to scrutinize and deselect any additional programs that may come bundled with the software you desire to install.
Additionally, exercise vigilance when browsing the internet, as clicking on deceptive ads or pop-ups can lead to adware infestations. Lastly, be selective with browser extensions and add-ons, choosing only those from trustworthy developers and removing any that display intrusive ads or change your browser settings without your consent.
If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Deceptive page promoting Smarter Surf:
Official page:
Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Quick menu:
- What is Smarter Surf?
- STEP 1. Uninstall adware applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue plug-ins from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove adware-type extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove malicious extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Adware removal:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window, look for any unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Smarter Surf adware using Combo Cleaner:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "Smarter Surf" or other suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by smarter surf, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), 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".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by smarter surf removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon 
(at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by smarter surf, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can cause disruption and potential security risks to users and their systems, impacting browsing experiences and system performance and potentially compromising user privacy and data integrity.
What does adware do?
Adware primarily inundates users with intrusive and unwanted advertisements, often in the form of pop-ups, banners, or redirects, disrupting the browsing experience and potentially slowing down system performance. Some adware may also track user online behavior, collecting data on visited websites, search queries, and other activities, raising privacy concerns.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers frequently earn income by endorsing various products, websites, or services, with a substantial share of their revenue stemming from affiliate programs. These programs compensate developers with commissions for directing traffic to particular products or services via their adware, creating a financial incentive for promoting these offerings.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Smarter Surf adware?
Combo Cleaner scans and removes all adware-type applications installed on your computer. Manual removal might be ineffective as residual files could remain concealed in the system even after the software is deleted, potentially leaving some components operational.
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