How to stop automatic redirect to yahoo in safari?

In my case I found an unknown extension in my list, called View Search 1.0,which didn't look like I ever installed it. Once I disabled it (before uninstalling it), Safari defaulted back to Google for search.

I found the culprit! Mine was a program called "AnySearch". I found it in Preferences>>>Extensions. There was a check box checked next to it. So I unchecked it and it worked! Then for extra measure I clicked on the "Uninstall" button right underneath it. Hope this helps.

HI Joanna ..

Adware and malware is causing the re directs.

Download the AdMedic adware / malware removal tool here > AdwareMedic

Easy, effective, and only takes a minute or two.

Ok..

Might be corrupted Safari preferences

Open a Finder window. From the Finder menu bar click Go > Go to Folder

Type or copy paste the following:

~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.Safari.plist

Click Go then move the com.apple.Safari.plist file to the trash.

Quit then relaunch Safari then try setting your default search engine.

If that doesn't help, troubleshoot Safari extensions.

From the Safari menu bar click Safari > Preferences then select the Extensions tab. Turn that OFF, quit and relaunch Safari to test.

If that helped, turn one extension on then quit and relaunch Safari to test until you find the incompatible extension then click uninstall.

If it's not an extensions issue, try troubleshooting third party plug-ins.

Back to Safari > Preferences. This time select the Security tab. Deselect: Allow plug-ins. Quit and relaunch Safari to test.

If that made a difference, instructions for troubleshooting plugins here.

You're welcome 🙂

joanna285 wrote:

Thank you so much Carolyn, it was the extensions issue.

Did you identify which extension was the cause of the problem? If so, what was it called?

I had the same problem, I accidentally downloaded a malware. This malware redirected me to yahoo search every time I searched for something on the toolbar, it changed my homepage to Only Search every time I quitted safari.

None of the other answers helped me, this malware was very well hidden.

The only thing that helped me was an app called Bitdefender Virus Scaner, I found it on the App Store.

The app wasn't able to remove de virus but it showed me the exact folder where it was hidden and I was able to remove that folder by moving it into the trash.

-Hope this helps you because I know how annoying this malware is.🙂

Hi, I have done all of the above, from antivirus software, Carolyns suggestion and also downloaded Bitdefender Virus Scaner, all found nothing but my search bar on Safari always redirects to Yahoo.

It happened to me before and the result was a new hard drive. So I am frantic to get rid of it again. It must be well hidden but where? Who knows!?

I have no extensions, my homepage is set to Google and neither Mackeeper or Avast has reported any problems! Would really appreciate any other ideas!

andrea152 wrote:

Hi, I have done all of the above, from antivirus software, Carolyns suggestion and also downloaded Bitdefender Virus Scaner, all found nothing

You tried AdwareMedic and it found nothing? In that case, it's either not an adware problem, or you have new adware I've never seen before. Either way, look at some of the solutions here:

http://www.adwaremedic.com/kb/unsolved.php

(Fair disclosure: I may receive compensation from links to my sites, TheSafeMac.com and AdwareMedic.com, in the form of buttons allowing for donations. Donations are not required to use my site or software.)

It happened to me before and the result was a new hard drive.

If you had exactly this problem before, and only this problem, and someone sold you a new hard drive as a solution, that person took advantage of you. This is not a reason for replacing the hard drive. Is it possible that you had other problems as well?

I found the issue - it was within Safari preferences...the search engine box had been changed to yahoo. Not sure why - it certainly wasn't me!

I found this page. I tried all of the suggestions on this thread and none worked. Clicking on search under safari preferences and changing search engine back to google worked for me.

Thanks!

The first method worked!

"Open a Finder window. From the Finder menu bar click Go > Go to Folder

Type or copy paste the following:

~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.Safari.plist

Click Go then move the com.apple.Safari.plist file to the trash.

Quit then relaunch Safari then try setting your default search engine."

Love you all :-)

Hi,

Can I delete it, or is this thing important?