How to set the default browser on Mac through System Preferences. Apple changed the way you set the default browser in OS X Yosemite and it has remained the same since then. Previously, as you’ll see below, you had to open Safari to, say, make Google Chrome the default browser. As Apple realized, eventually, that’s plain daft. The device you have runs on Chrome OS, which already has Chrome browser built-in. No need to manually install or update it — with automatic updates, you’ll always get the latest version. Google Chrome for developers was built for the open web. Test cutting-edge web platform APIs and developer tools that are updated weekly.
Browser hijackers come in lots of different forms and affect browsers in various ways. The Chrome redirect virus is one example which, unusually, only affects Chrome browsers – though there are variants that affect other browsers too. Once on your Mac, it redirects your homepage and searches, displays intrusive adverts, and tries to direct you to more malware with fake alerts.
Everything you need to know about Chrome redirect virus
Firstly, like other browser hijackers, Chrome redirect isn’t a virus at all. It doesn’t replicate itself or copy itself from computer to computer. And it won’t damage your Mac. However, it will frustrate you when you use Chrome, by displaying adverts and pop-ups, redirecting searches, and stealing data such as your IP address and search queries.
You may be wondering how Chrome redirect got onto your Mac in the first place. The answer, as with most malware, is by persuading you to click on a ‘software update’ or by bundling itself with another app that you chose to install. Apple’s built-in security is pretty good, but it can’t stop you if you choose to override it and install apps that contain malware. So malware developers persuade you to do just that, or just hide their code in another app.
To avoid downloading Chrome redirect, never click on an alert in a browser that tells you something on your Mac, like Flash Player, is out of date. And if you see a warning from macOS when you try to install an app, don’t just ignore it. Think carefully about whether you are sure the app you’re installing is safe and doesn’t contain any nasty surprises. macOS has a built-in security tool, called GateKeeper, that’s designed to protect you from apps that present a security risk. By overriding it and agreeing to install an app, you’re removing that protection.
How to remove the Chrome redirect virus on your Mac
Google Chrome Browser Hijacked Mac
The first step is to remove the application that you downloaded just before you noticed the Chrome redirect.
Go to your Applications folder, locate the app and drag it to the Trash. This won’t uninstall it completely, there may still be files on your Mac. Check these two locations by using the Go menu in the Finder and choosing Go to Folder... command.
/Library/LaunchAgents
~/Library/Application Support
Look for any files that contain the name of the application you just deleted and drag them to the Trash. You can use the search bar in the Finder window and search only in those folders, to make it easier.
Tip: There is a much easier way to get rid of the virus — use a dedicated antivirus, like the one in CleanMyMac X. It will remove all the files associated with the Chrome redirect virus. It also blocks hidden apps that feed on your Mac's memory. Install the free version of CleanMyMac X and click the Malware Removal tab.
This is what malware removal looks like in CleanMyMac X:
Next, you need to reset Chrome.
- Launch Chrome and paste this in the address bar: “chrome://extensions”
- Look for any extensions you didn’t choose to install.
- When you find one, click it and choose Remove.
- Now paste this in the address bar: chrome://settings
- Go down the page until you see “On Startup” and change the homepage to the one you want.
- Scroll further down the page until you see the Search section. Reset the default search engine to your preferred search engine.
- Go down the page again until you see the Privacy and Security section.
- Click on Clear Browsing Data.
- From the menu, choose the length of time that covers the period since you noticed the Chrome redirect malware and make sure Cookies and other Site Data is checked.
- Press Clear Data.
- Quit Chrome and restart it so the changes take effect.
Does Google Chrome Browser Run On Mac
Once Chrome restarts, the redirect extension and the changes it made to your browser settings will be gone. You should be able to use Chrome as before, without any intrusive adverts.
Did you know?
CleanMyMac X can clear private data like cookies and cache files, left on your computer by websites and malware like Chrome redirect. Just launch it, choose Privacy in the sidebar, press Quit all, then Scan. When it’s done, choose a browser from the list, select the data you want to get rid of and press Remove.
The Chrome redirect virus isn’t a virus at all, but it is a nasty browser hijacker that takes control of Chrome and resets your homepage and default search engine settings. It then displays intrusive pop-ups and adverts as a way to persuade you to download even more malware. Thankfully, it’s not too difficult to get rid of, by following the steps above. And it’s even easier if you use CleanMyMac X for some parts of the process.
Without any doubt, Google Chrome for Mac is the most widely-used Web browser out there (yes, even on Apple’s desktop OS). However, just because it’s hugely popular - this doesn’t mean that it’s suitable for every type of user. There are many options out there, even for those who are trapped in Google’s ecosystem.
We have to admit - this Web browser is super useful for some stuff. However, it does have certain limitations. So, let’s talk about Google Chrome for Mac - its benefits, downsides, and a possible alternative that we think you’ll be thrilled to try.
Pros of Google Chrome for Mac
First, let’s check out the reasons why you’ll want to use Google Chrome on your Mac. There’s plenty to talk about here, but it all comes down to the following three things.
It’s Easy to Use
Chrome has been around for a long time now - and it grew into a mammoth of today’s Web browsers. This means that it comes with a highly streamlined UI, you can customize its appearance via themes, and you can use it on plenty of devices.
This also leads us to another thing - Google Chrome is across-platform browser. You’ll get a unified interface, no matter which platform you use it on. And we’re talking about Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and plenty of other platforms.
It Packs Plenty of Useful Features
Want to fine-tune your experience of watching YouTube videos? Looking for a way to create spreadsheets? Want to quickly check your email? Interested in translating Web content? Google Chrome can help with all this - via numerous extensions that are free to install.
You Can Rely on Its Security
Google understands the importance of providing a safe Web browsing experience. That’s why Google Chrome users get plenty of automated security features. You can count on its built-in systems to prevent you from visiting dangerous websites. This browser also works wonders on detecting unwanted software and preventing malware from reaching your device.
Cons of Google Chrome for Mac
How To Get Google Chrome Browser On Mac
It would be a mistake to look at Google Chrome through rose-colored glasses. Therefore, let’s face the harsh truth of the Web browser’s limitations.
It Prevents You From Using Multiple Accounts
No, we’re not talking about multiple Google Chrome accounts here. We’re talking about multiple accounts you might have on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Asana, Slack, or Trello.
Using multiple accounts on Chrome means having to log-in and log-out all the time. This switching between accounts can be a time-consuming and tedious process. Talk about a productivity setback, right?
It Slows Down During Active Web Browsing Sessions
Google Chrome does many things admirably. However, when faced with a large number of tabs - you better hope that you Mac is strong enough to handle this. Chrome is notorious for eating up all your RAM, which can be a major problem.
If you care about keeping your Mac running at its best, you should definitely consider switching to a different Web browser. The same applies to those looking to extend their notebook’s battery life.
It Doesn’t Let You Categorize Opened Tabs
One of the biggest cons of Google Chrome is its lack of organization. Let’s say that you’ve opened a bunch of social media websites, along with news and productivity sites. Sadly, this browser can’t help you organize those tabs. Instead, it all comes down to switching between them manually.
So, Is There an Alternative Solution for Mac Users?
Well, yes - there’s an alternative that will most definitely meet your every need. Allow us to introduce you to Stack, one of the hottest apps used by thousands of Mac users worldwide.
Google Chrome Browser On Macbook
Stack is a Multitasking Powerhouse
Update Google Chrome Browser On Mac
Want to open multiple Twitter accounts at the same time? Or Instagram profiles? Maybe you’re into LinkedIn, Facebook, Reddit, or Pinterest? Stack allows you to open many Web apps at the same time - and this includes multiple instances of the same app.
It Elevates Your Productivity To a Whole New Level
In terms of productivity Stack is a great tool for Mac. You can check your Gmail, access your Google Drive, Google Calendar, create spreadsheets, documents, and slides. And all of this can be done simultaneously - while still allowing you to use your Google account as you normally would. All in all, you can still use Google chrome for browsing and enjoy stack for applications that you use on a daily basis.
Google Chrome Browser History Mac
Chrome For Apple Mac
You’ll Never Miss a Message Again
As you start using a number of Web apps, Stack can channel their notifications. This means that you’ll easily stay on top of the latest notifications, no matter how many Web apps you plan on using. And if things get overwhelming - you can mute all those, at once.
So, dear Google Chrome users, are you willing to try something different on your Mac? If you are, go ahead and try Stack straight away. It comes free of charge, and it’s waiting on you to rediscover the joys of using the Web!