Skip to content
  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • Adware
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · Apr 2021

How to remove trackid=sp-006

A step-by-step removal guide for affected devices. Follow the verified procedure below — most readers complete it in under 10 minutes.

Alice Woods · Likes to teach users about virus prevention

Trackid=sp-006 is a cookie tracker that might also be related to adware

trackid=sp-006

Trackid=sp-006 is a persistent tracker that started frustrating users since at least 2014. Once typing in a search query on Google Chrome, users noticed that their searchers are redirected to unknown and suspicious websites. In the meantime, their capability of looking for relevant information vastly diminished, which created a lot of frustration for users.

Initially, if you see Trackid=sp-006 on your web browser, you should take action to terminate it immediately, as it tracks your cookie information via your browser and sends it to unknown actors. If you are wondering who or what changed your web browser settings without permission, it is highly likely to be an adware or another potentially unwanted program. In such a case, besides the Trackid=sp-006 tracker, you might also notice browser hijacking symptoms, such as changed homepage, new tab address, and a new search engine added.

Name Trackid=sp-006
Type Tracker, adware
Infiltration  Adware is typically installed via software bundle packages downloaded from third-party sites or after being tricked by a fake update or another scam message online
Symptoms  “Trackid=sp-006” appears on the web browser seemingly out of nowhere, changed web browser settings (homepage, new tab URL, search engine), an increase of ads on all sites, redirects, etc.
Risks  Financial losses due to encountered scams, personal information disclosure to unknown parties, malware infection, etc.
Removal Since the tracker might be linked to adware or settings on your Google account, its termination varies – you should scan your machine with anti-malware or uninstall all the unwanted apps manually as per instructions below
Further actions If you found no PUPs or malware on your machine, you should reset Google sync as per the instructions below. However, if you did find malware and it is causing your computer issues, fix virus damage with FortectIntego 

Trackid=sp-006 potentially unwanted program might reach your system in a software bundle, so you might not have noticed its infiltration.[1]. In most cases, such occurrence happens when users go to third-party sites to download freeware apps, and installers include optional components, which are cleverly hidden.

The easiest way to detect this adware is to check the URL in the address box once you perform the search. Typically, trackid=sp-006 is added at the end, which indicates that your browser is hijacked. Note that if you do not take corresponding measures, you risk encountering issues related to your security and privacy. 

It is because the trackid=sp-006 virus tracks your browsing-related behavior. This potentially unwanted program can access and store information such as your IP address, geolocation, or even personally identifiable details like name and email address. These can later be used for malicious purposes – sold on the dark web or used to steal your identity, bringing disastrous consequences.

With the help of the gathered information, this adware program adjusts online ads to suit your interests. This way, you are attracted to click on them even more. However, it is vital to know that these advertisements are not only annoying but dangerous as well.

To spread high-risk computer infections, malevolent people employ a popular distribution technique called malvertising. Adware floods regular computer users with numerous malware-laden ads that are programmed to download computer infections once clicked – these can bring to much more serious issues than just an annoying tracker Trackid=sp-006, which limits search capabilities.

trackid=sp-006 redirect

Therefore, experts from LosVirus.es[2] warn that if you delay trackid=sp-006 removal, you might let inside far more dangerous viruses than adware programs. Likewise, we suggest you scan your system using a reliable anti-malware software to get rid of all potentially unwanted programs from your PC. If you encountered malware on your device, you could also fix the damage done to it with the help of FortectIntego repair tool.

For those who do not want additional downloads, we recommend the following guide below to remove trackid=sp-006. It will explain to you how to eliminate the adware along with all of its components. Note that, if you did not find any potentially unwanted programs or malware on your device and the problem continues, you can terminate trackid=sp-006 by resetting sync on your Google account – we explain how-to below.

Ways adware reaches your system

Various potentially unwanted programs, including adware, spreads in one package with free applications. Usually, the information about them is hidden if the user skips steps by choosing Recommended or Quick settings. Thus, we advise you to carefully install freeware if you want to protect your computer.

The best way to avoid letting potentially unwanted programs in is to pick Custom or Advanced options for the installer. They will fully show the necessary information to identify the additional programs which might be installed during the procedure. You should search for and de-select such checkmarks as “Get XXX now” which are typically pre-selected.

Additionally, do not forget to stay away from any advertising content online since it might lead you to highly suspicious pages and infiltrate other PUPs[3]. The wisest choice would be to use a professional security software at all times. 

Reset Google Sync to eliminate the annoying Trackid=sp-006 tracker

If you notice trackid=sp-006 redirect virus, be aware that you have two options to get rid of it — manual and automatic termination. Even though both of these methods are effective, we suggest employing a reputable antivirus tool to save your time and do it safely.

You can remove trackid=sp-006 with the help of the below-listed security software. They will easily detect potentially unwanted programs and protect your system in the future. You can also look for potentially unwanted programs yourself – we provide instructions below.

trackid=sp-006 Google Sync

If you could not find any PUPs or malware installed by using anti-virus software, the issue may be related to Google Sync. When you browse the web, Google saves caches on their servers – these can sometimes be malicious. Thus, even if you reset your web browsers, trackid=sp-006 removal might not be successful. Therefore, go to the Google Sync page, and press Reset Sync at the bottom.

Uninstall from Windows

Uninstall from Windows 10/8:

  1. Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 10/8

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 7/XP

Remove the unwanted program:

  1. In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
  2. If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.Uninstall the unwanted program from Windows

Delete from macOS

Remove the unwanted application:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).Uninstall from Mac

Delete leftover files and folders:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
  3. Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.Delete leftover files from Mac
  4. Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.

Reset Internet Explorer

Remove dangerous add-ons:

  1. Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
  2. Pick Manage Add-ons.
  3. You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.Remove add-ons from Internet Explorer

Change your homepage if it was altered:

  1. Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
  4. Click Apply and then select OK.Reset IE homepage

Delete temporary files:

  1. Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
  2. Under Browsing history, click Delete...
  3. Select relevant fields and press Delete.Clear temporary files from Internet Explorer

Reset Internet Explorer:

  1. Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
  2. Select Reset.
  3. In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.Reset Internet Explorer

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 Remove.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 Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (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 Remove next to any suspicious startup page.

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

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.
  5. This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.Reset Chromium Edge

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

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 the unwanted extension 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 Settings.
  3. Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.

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 and Temporary cached files and pages, then click 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

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 suspicious extensions 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 dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
  2. Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.Remove extensions from Safari

Clear history and website data:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
  2. Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.Clear history from Safari

Reset Safari:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
  2. Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  3. From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.Reset Safari

Be the first to comment

Spyware news
Privacy preferences

We use cookies to improve your experience and analyze traffic. Some cookies enable embedded content like videos and social posts. Choose what you allow — you can change this anytime.