OFFER*Source of claim SH can remove it.
If you are a Mac user who is experiencing frustration due to the unauthorized browser changes and ad bombardments caused by Search1.me, this guide provides a comprehensive approach to removing the intrusive software, enriched with real experiences and insights shared by users who have already faced it.
What is Search1.me?
Search1.me is an ad-generating program that thrives on redirecting Mac users to various sites with the intention of boosting their traffic. People who have it, frequently report an uptick in unwanted ads that are causing them disturbance. Typically, Search1.me infiltrates systems through bundled free applications or deceptive links. Once your Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or other Mac browser is infected, navigating becomes challenging as constant rerouting to undesired sites becomes the norm. Victims also report about changes made within their browser, including a new search engine called “Custom Search Google” that prioritizes advertised sites in its results, and an imposed Search1.me homepage address that further deteriorate their online experience.
In general, the intrusive software aims at advertising the sites of its partners, but its unintended consequences include an increased risk of exposing your Mac to more severe malware threats like Trojans, Ransomware, Worms, and Spyware. This may happen when Search1.me automatically redirect you to random web pages that you don’t want to visit and fill your screen with aggressive ads of questionable services and products during your regular online activities.
The Search1.me Virus
As revealed through our research into user experiences and complaints, the Search1.me software is not a virus in the traditional sense, and it exhibits typical browser hijacker behavior. However, a number of users have voiced their concerns on platforms like Reddit, where they have emphasized the impact of Search1.me on browser performance and security. The core issue centers around the display of intrusive ads that don’t want to get removed from the screen and the forceful redirection to specific commission-paying sites, which prompt users to click on various links that could potentially bring security risks. This tactic is generally not malicious and serves to boost the commission earned by the hijacker’s creators, but that comes at the expense of users.
Another reason for concern among the victims of Search1.me for Mac is the fact that the app does not want to get uninstalled in the traditional way that any other software normally gets uninstalled. A Reddit user shared their struggle with Search1.me, noting that even after attempting a “Reset and clean up” in their browser, the issue persisted. This highlights the hijacker’s stubborn nature and the challenges users face in eradicating its impact.
Removing Search1.me from Chrome requires a specific set of steps. Users need to reset their browser settings to default and manually remove any extensions or changes made by Search1.me. This process involves navigating to Chrome’s settings, accessing the extensions menu, and removing any suspicious add-ons. Additionally, clearing browsing data and resetting the browser’s settings can also help remove traces of Search1.me.
SUMMARY:
| Name | Search1.me |
| Type | Browser Hijacker |
| Danger Level | Medium (nowhere near threats like Ransomware, but still a security risk) |
| Detection Tool | We tested that SpyHunter successfully removes parasite* and we recommend downloading it. Manual removal may take hours, it can harm your system if you re not careful, and parasite may reinstall itself at the end if you don't delete its core files. |
*Source of claim SH can remove it.
Remove Search1.me
*Source of claim SH can remove it.
The first thing you need to do is to Quit Safari (if it is opened). If you have trouble closing it normally, you may need to Force Quit Safari:
You can choose the Apple menu and click on Force Quit.
Alternatively you can simultaneously press ⌘ (the Command key situated next to the space bar), Option (the key right next to it) and Escape (the key located at the upper left corner of your keyboard).
If you have done it right a dialog box titled Force Quit Applications will open up.
In this new dialog window select Safari, then press the Force Quit button, then confirm with Force Quit again.
Close the dialog box/window.
WARNING! READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING!
*Source of claim SH can remove it.
Start Activity Monitor by opening up Finder, then proceed to 
Once there, look at all the processes: if you believe any of them are hijacking your results, or are part of the problem, highlight the process with your mouse, then click the “i” button at the top. This will open up the following box:
Now click on Sample at the bottom:
Do this for all processes you believe are part of the threat, and run any suspicious files in our online virus scanner, then delete the malicious files:
The next step is to safely launch Safari again. Press and hold the Shift key while relaunching Safari. This will prevent Safari’s previously opened pages from loading again. Once Safari is opened up, you can release the Shift key.
On the off chance that you are still having trouble with scripts interrupting the closing of unwanted pages in Safari, you may need to take some additional measures.
First, Force Quit Safari again.
Now if you are using a Wi-Fi connection turn it off by selecting Wi-Fi off in you Mac’s Menu. If you are using a cable internet (Ethernet connection), disconnect the Ethernet cable.
Re-Launch Safari but don’t forget to press and hold the Shift button while doing it, so no previous pages can be opened up. Now, Click on Preferences in the Safari menu,
and then again on the Extensions tab,
Select and Uninstall any extensions that you don’t recognize by clicking on the Uninstall button. If you are not sure and don’t want to take any risks you can safely uninstall all extensions, none are required for normal system operation.
The threat has likely infected all of your browsers. The instructions below need to be applied for all browsers you are using.
Again select Preferences in the Safari Menu, but this time click on the Privacy tab,
Now click on Remove All Website Data, confirm with Remove Now. Keep in mind that after you do this all stored website data will be deleted. You will need to sign-in again for all websites that require any form of authentication.
Still in the Preferences menu, hit the General tab
Check if your Homepage is the one you have selected, if not change it to whatever you prefer.
Select the History menu this time, and click on Clear History. This way you will prevent accidentally opening a problematic web page again.
How to Remove Search1.me From Firefox in OSX:
Open Firefox, click on 
(top right) ——-> Add-ons. Hit Extensions next.
The problem should be lurking somewhere around here – Remove it. Then Refresh Your Firefox Settings.
How to Remove Search1.me From Chrome in OSX:
Start Chrome, click 
—–>More Tools —–> Extensions. There, find the malware and select 
.
Click 
again, and proceed to Settings —> Search, the fourth tab, select Manage Search Engines. Delete everything but the search engines you normally use. After that Reset Your Chrome Settings.
The best way to get rid of Search1.me if it hasn’t been completely gone is to use a professional removal application. As a last resort, on this website you may discover an application that has been tested against browser hijackers like this one and a free online virus scanner that can search your Mac for any hidden components that are helping Search1.me to stay on your computer.
UltraSurf Security, Privacy & Unblock VPN
This is the extension that directs you to search1.me instead of the Google search engine, be aware don’t install it or delete it if you already have it.