LAST UPDATED: OCT 12, 2022
Learn how to delete Search Pulse fake search engine virus on your Mac completely to prevent hackers from stealing your private data or information.
What is Search Pulse?
Search Pulse is a known browser hijacker that infects most of Mac users in a way that it changes the users’ search engine with its own. It monitors the users’ IP address, and search queries, stealing private data.
How did it get installed?
You may unwillingly run it from deceptive pop up ads, free software installers or other third-party file downloads.
How do I get rid of it?
Remove Search Pulse manually:
Expand All
1. Remove Suspicious Login Items
Remove Suspicious Login Items
- Go to > System Preferences...> Users & Groups.
- Make sure your profile is highlighted and the lock icon is unlocked, then click the Login Items tab.
- Click on any recently-added suspicious applications, then click the - (minus) sign to disable the application.
2. Remove malicious profile configurations
Remove malicious profile configurations
Check if there are profile configurations recently added on your Mac that may affect how your mac and its installed apps works. It is not common to have a profile unless you create a personalized configuration for your mac computer. Malicious profiles are usually bundled from third party apps.
- Go to > System Preferences > Profiles.
You can skip this solution if there is NO Profiles in System Preferences. It means there is no installed or created Profile Configuration on your Mac.
- Check and choose any profile that you did not set up. Select the profile, then click the button to remove it.
4. Remove Search Pulse from Applications
Remove Search Pulse from Applications
Remove installed application on your Mac that may have been a bundled program installed from a third-party app that you are not familiar.
Note: Be careful when deleting files in these locations. If you are not sure on what you are doing, contact us at mac_support@trendmicro.com
- Go to Finder > Go > Applications.
- Double-click Uninstall Search Pulse or Search Pulse Uninstaller, and follow its instructions.
- Drag all Search Pulse from the Applications folder to the Trash .
- Empty Trash.
6. Remove Search Pulse files and folders
Remove Search Pulse files and folders
- Open Finder.
- On your keyboard, press COMMAND + SHIFT + . at the same time to show hidden files.
- Click Go > Go to Folder....
- Type the following locations below one at time, then click Go:
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
- Drag and drop Search Pulse-related items to Trash.
8. Reset your browser
Reset your browser
Before resetting, back up your favorites/bookmarks first. This will uninstall add-ons, delete browser history, reset your homepage and remove all custom settings.
Remove Search Pulse with Trend Micro Antivirus One
It may take some time to go through every file, folder and browsers mentioned in all the steps listed above.
Trend Micro Antivirus One can protect your Mac from all potential risks and attacks, so you can enjoy browsing online.
It also provides real-time scanning and eliminates browser hijackers before they even leave a trace.
Download Antivirus One on the App Store
I have Trend Micro Antivirus One installed
Run the Adware Cleaner in Antivirus One:
- Open Antivirus One.
- Click Adware Cleaner, then click Clean Now.
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