Remove Fake Yahoo Search from Your Mac Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to get rid of the Yahoo Search fake search engine virus on your Mac to keep your private data safe.

What is Yahoo Fake Search?

Yahoo Search is a real search engine, but sometimes hackers misuse it. They change your browser's homepage to Yahoo Search and fill it with ads.

How Did It Get Installed?

This can happen if you click on tricky ads, install free software, or download files from unknown sources.

How to Remove Yahoo Fake Search

1. Remove Suspicious Login Items
   1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
   2. Select your profile and unlock the lock icon if needed.
   3. Click the Login Items tab.
   4. Select any suspicious items and click the - (minus) sign to remove them.
2. Remove Bad Profiles

   Check if there are any new profiles that you did not set up:

   1. Go to System Preferences > Profiles. If you don't see Profiles, skip this step.
   2. Select any suspicious profiles and click the Remove button.
3. Stop Suspicious Processes
   1. Open Activity Monitor.
   2. Look for any unfamiliar processes.
   3. Select the process and click the X icon to stop it.
4. Remove Bad Apps

   Be careful when deleting files. If unsure, contact us at mac_support@trendmicro.com.

   1. Go to Finder > Applications.
   2. Drag any unfamiliar apps to the Trash.
   3. Empty the Trash.
5. Remove Suspicious Browser Extensions
   • In Safari
     1. Open Safari.
     2. Go to Safari > Preferences > Extensions.
     3. Uninstall any unfamiliar extensions.
   • In Chrome
     1. Open Google Chrome.
     2. Go to Chrome > Preferences > Extensions.
     3. Uninstall any unfamiliar extensions.
   • In Firefox
     1. Open Firefox.
     2. Go to Firefox > Preferences > Extensions & Themes.
     3. Remove any unfamiliar extensions.
6. Remove Bad Files and Folders
   1. Open Finder.
   2. Press COMMAND + SHIFT + . to show hidden files.
   3. Click Go > Go to Folder...
   4. Type the following locations one at a time and click Go:
   • ~/Library/LaunchAgents
   • /Library/LaunchAgents
   • /Library/LaunchDaemons
   5. Move any unfamiliar items to the Trash.
7. Fix Website Redirection Settings
   • In Safari
     1. Open Safari.
     2. Go to Safari > Preferences > Privacy.
     3. Click Manage Website Data... and then Remove All.
   • In Chrome
     1. Open Google Chrome.
     2. Go to Chrome > Preferences > Search engine.
     3. Select Manage search engines and site search.
     4. Choose a default search engine and remove any unfamiliar ones.
   • In Firefox
     1. Open Firefox.
     2. Go to Firefox > Preferences > Search.
     3. Select your preferred search engine under Default Search Engine.
8. Reset Your Browser

   Before resetting, back up your bookmarks. This will remove add-ons, delete browser history, reset your homepage, and remove custom settings.

Use Trend Micro Antivirus One

Trend Micro Antivirus One can protect your Mac from these threats. It provides real-time scanning and removes browser hijackers quickly.

Download Antivirus One on the App Store

If you already have Trend Micro Antivirus One, follow these steps:

1. Open Antivirus One.
2. Click Adware Cleaner, then click Clean Now.