Typing error in safari

I contacted Apple, and they gave me this to try (resetting SMC). It applies if you have the T2 chip, which I do, but it didn't work, though it may work for others: I'll follow up with them more later.

"Okay go ahead and do this for me : Notebook computers with the T2 chip

Before resetting the SMC, try these steps:

• Shut down your Mac.

• Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, then release the button.

• Wait a few seconds, then press the power button to turn on your Mac.

If the issue persists, follow these steps to reset the SMC:

• Shut down your Mac.

• On your built-in keyboard, press and hold all of the following keys. Your Mac might turn on.

...Control  on the left side of your keyboard

...Option (Alt)  on the left side of your keyboard

...Shift  on the right side of your keyboard

• Keep holding all three keys for 7 seconds, then press and hold the power button as well. If your Mac is on, it will turn off as you hold the keys.

• Keep holding all four keys for another 7 seconds, then release them.

• Wait a few seconds, then press the power button to turn on your Mac."

Some options:

• Quit Safari
• Re-open Safari holding down the shift key on startup
• Re-test

• See if the problem occurs in another browser (eg Google Chrome)

• Reinstall macOS Recovery mode

I found the problem. Just discovered it today when I tried to search for "iPhone" and ended up getting "hone". It ONLY happens in Safari, and related to the Settings>Search>Preload Top Hit in the background" selection. For me, I guess my top hit was "ipm-provider.ff.avast.com".

Regardless, I'll be submitting a ticket, but for now just deselect as above and it should work.

MMM

That sounds odd. Perhaps you have some malware installed which is interfering with your browser.

Download and run the free version of MalwareBytes to check your system out and remove any malware.

Okay. Not likely to be a malware issue then.