Firefox lets you regain control of your settings in the event of a search hijacking. If Firefox detects a search hijacker, it fixes itself by resetting to the default settings. __TOC__ =What is search hijacking?= Search hijacking, or browser hijacking, occurs when a third party sneaks files into your computer and alters your browser's settings without your permission. These changes help the hijackers make money by forcing you to look at ads, click on paid links, or give up your private information. If you are unable to change your home page, remove a toolbar, or change your search settings, it's likely that your browser has been hijacked. =Types of search hijacking= ==Toolbar hijacking== Some hijackers install toolbars that display ads or manipulate your searches. ==Unwanted redirects== ==Pop-ups== =How did this happen?= Some companies trick you into installing their toolbar by bundling it with other software. When you download software, make sure to download from reliable websites, and make sure to opt out of any additional software during the installation process. ==Add-ons== ==Advertising networks== ==Meta installers and download managers== Meta installers or download managers are software that let you download files from multiple sources. You may download files that claim to be add-ons, but are Advertising networks may deliver files that alter your settings while claiming to be addons, third-party installers from trusted brands that bundle search plugins and/or toolbars =Other fixes for search hijacking= If Firefox's automatic reset does not fix your hijacked settings, If Firefox is unable to automatically remove the hijacking software from your browser, see the following articles to manually fix these problems:

Firefox lets you regain control of your settings in the event of a search hijacking. If Firefox detects a search hijacker, it fixes itself by resetting to the default settings.

What is search hijacking?

Search hijacking, or browser hijacking, occurs when a third party sneaks files into your computer and alters your browser's settings without your permission. These changes help the hijackers make money by forcing you to look at ads, click on paid links, or give up your private information.

If you are unable to change your home page, remove a toolbar, or change your search settings, it's likely that your browser has been hijacked.

Types of search hijacking

Toolbar hijacking

Some hijackers install toolbars that display ads or manipulate your searches.

Unwanted redirects

Pop-ups

How did this happen?

Some companies trick you into installing their toolbar by bundling it with other software.

When you download software, make sure to download from reliable websites, and make sure to opt out of any additional software during the installation process.

Add-ons

Advertising networks

Meta installers and download managers

Meta installers or download managers are software that let you download files from multiple sources.

You may download files that claim to be add-ons, but are

Advertising networks may deliver files that alter your settings while claiming to be addons, third-party installers from trusted brands that bundle search plugins and/or toolbars

Other fixes for search hijacking

If Firefox's automatic reset does not fix your hijacked settings, If Firefox is unable to automatically remove the hijacking software from your browser, see the following articles to manually fix these problems: