Searchgeniusapp.com (Improved Instructions) - Virus Removal Guide

Searchgeniusapp.com Removal Guide

What is Searchgeniusapp.com?

Searchgeniusapp.com – a browser hijacker that might be holding your email address and mobile phone number

Searchgeniusapp.com virusSearchgeniusapp.com - a browser hijacker that might collect various details about the user and his/her browsing actions

Searchgeniusapp.com, controlled by Search Dimension Inc., is a browser-hijacking app that inserts the “Genius Search” extension into the hijacked web browser. Later on, the potentially unwanted program modifies the main engine, new search tab, and homepage to its own and the user is forced to use the new parameters whenever he/she opens the infected browser app. In addition, Searchgeniusapp.com virus might try to attract you by providing fast access to Facebook, Youtube, Gmail, Twitter, Twitch, Netflix, LinkedIn, and similar networks. However, stay careful as these are only tricks and the true aim is placed behind income-gaining purposes that we will talk about throughout the following paragraphs.

Name Searchgeniusapp.com
Type Browser hijacker
Category Potentially unwanted program
Released by Search Dimension Inc.
Goal To collect income from all its users
Activities Modifying the search zone, search bar, and homepage of the hijacked web browser, pushing advertising content to the computer screen during browsing activities, redirecting to affiliate networks, and similar
Extension Genius Search
Removal Scan the system with FortectIntego and search for infectious objects

Searchgeniusapp.com is not a dangerous program itself but potential harm is still a factor related to this browser hijacker. Danger might be caused by the redirecting activities that are supported by the PUP[1] developers. In some cases, you might be forced to land on a malware-laden source where a trojan or ransomware infection might be hidden.

Continuously, browser hijackers such as Genius Search app might also collect income from the advertising that is loaded during every browser session performed. Suspicious deals and offers might be provided to you and you have to stay aware of these pop-up notifications as they might intend to swindle your money or collect personal information about you.

Besides, Searchgeniusapp.com is capable of collecting various details regarding the user himself, the machine where it is installed, and data about browsing sessions, habits, experience, etc. This is also stated in the Privacy Policy:

We may collect information from you that may identify you, such as your name, address, email address, and telephone number and anonymous Information, such as the number of your page views, link clicks, and login times.

Searchgeniusapp.com might use all this information for generating beneficial adverts and providing you with attractive offers which, however, often appear to be fake and misleading. Additionally, the developers of this browser hijacker might pass all collected details on to other parties for even more income.

Searchgeniusapp.com browser hijackerSearchgeniusapp.com - a browser-hijacking program that changes the default search engine and homepage to its own

Note that the most used browser worldwide is Chrome so it is the most expected to find Searchgeniusapp.com exactly on this web browser application. However, be aware that the potentially unwanted product might still occur on other browsing programs such as Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, or Safari if you are using a Mac machine/device.

Searchgeniusapp.com removal process should be completed right after you find the browser hijacker[2] on your computer system or web browser applications. There are two ways to succeed in this activity and we have explained both of them detaily at the end of the article. However, before performing this task, scan the system for threats with FortectIntego software.

Also, there is a possibility to remove Searchgeniusapp.com from your machine manually. However, this method requires more of the user's effort ant time. Besides, you need to complete each step very carefully not to make any mistakes or skip a step, otherwise, browser hijacker-related products might appear after some period of time.

Software bundles often hide browser hijackers and similar content

According to reports made by NoVirus.uk specialists,[3] browser-hijacking applications and there additional products such as browser add-ons, extensions, and plug-ins come in bundles of software packages. If the user has selected the Basic/Recommended downloading mode, there is a big chance that such as PUP will appear someday.

Searchgeniusapp.com PUPSearchgeniusapp.com - a potentially unwanted program that can redirect users to affiliate sources and networks

In order to be safe from unexpected installations, you have to opt for the Advanced/Custom configuration mode where you will be able to control all incoming products and services. In addition, note that potentially unwanted programs are very likely to be distributed via unprotected networks such as The Pirate Bay, porn-watching sites, gambling pages, and dating sources.

If you want to prevent receiving rogue products from your visited sources, sort of all of them and choose to enter only those which are quality-full and include required protection. Besides, download/install a reputable antivirus program that will take care of your computer system at a higher level. Make sure that your antimalware tool has security features such as safe-browsing, threat detection, frequent system scanning, and similar.

The removal process of Searchgeniusapp.com browser hijacker

Searchgeniusapp.com removal can be carried out by employing reputable antimalware software. You can use automatical products for scanning your entire computer system and discovering all infected locations. Besides, this method appears to be very handy for those who are in a rush.

Searchgeniusapp.com virus should be removed not only from your operating system but also from your web browser applications such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, and Safari. Otherwise, the browser hijacker might return with its unwanted activities.

If you have been looking for a manual elimination method, check the end of this article and you will find handy steps there. You can remove Searchgeniusapp.com from both your operating system and infected web browser by following these instructions carefully.

You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.

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Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of Searchgeniusapp.com. Follow these steps

Uninstall from Windows

You can remove the browser hijacker from your Windows computer system with the help of the below-provided guidelines:

Instructions for Windows 10/8  machines:

  1. Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program. Uninstall from Windows 1
  3. From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
  4. Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
  5. If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
  6. Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK. Uninstall from Windows 2

If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program. Uninstall from Windows 7/XP
  3. Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
  4. At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
  5. In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
  6. Click OK once the removal process is finished.

Delete from macOS

Remove items from Applications folder:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
  3. Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash) Uninstall from Mac 1

To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
  3. In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
  4. Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files. Uninstall from Mac 2

Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

  1. Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
  2. From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
  3. Click on Uninstall at the bottom. Remove extensions from Edge

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. Select everything (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear. Clear Edge browsing data

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

  1. Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
  2. Then find On startup section.
  3. Click Disable if you found any suspicious domain.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running. Reset MS Edge

If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.

  1. Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
  2. Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
  3. Right-click on them and pick Delete Advanced MS Edge reset 1
  4. Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  5. When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:

    Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose Advanced MS Edge reset 2

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove. Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy, search and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now. Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset. Reset Chromium Edge

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Eliminate the browser hijacker and reverse all changes that were performed by it on Mozilla Firefox. To complete this task, follow these guidelines:

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select unwanted plugin and click Remove. Remove extensions from Firefox

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Options.
  3. Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data…
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content and press Clear. Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information. Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox…
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox. Reset Firefox 2

Remove from Google Chrome

Clean Google Chrome from questionable components with the help of the following guidelines:

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
  2. In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all the suspicious plugins that might be related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove. Remove extensions from Chrome

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data. Clear cache and web data from Chrome

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.
  2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
  3. Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.

Reset Google Chrome:

If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings. Reset Chrome 2

Delete from Safari

Remove unwanted extensions from Safari:

  1. Click Safari > Preferences…
  2. In the new window, pick Extensions.
  3. Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall. Remove extensions from Safari

Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:

  1. Click Safari > Clear History…
  2. From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
  3. Confirm with Clear History. Clear cookies and website data from Safari

Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:

  1. Click Safari > Preferences…
  2. Go to Advanced tab.
  3. Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  4. From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches. Reset Safari

After uninstalling this potentially unwanted program (PUP) and fixing each of your web browsers, we recommend you to scan your PC system with a reputable anti-spyware. This will help you to get rid of Searchgeniusapp.com registry traces and will also identify related parasites or possible malware infections on your computer. For that you can use our top-rated malware remover: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.

How to prevent from getting browser hijacker

Do not let government spy on you

The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet. 

You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.

Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.

Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack

Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.

When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.

About the author
Lucia Danes
Lucia Danes - Virus researcher

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