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, load their page when you open a new tab, or insert ads in your search results, or collect information about your searches. These toolbars may force you to use their search by making it very difficult to change your search engine. Some companies take Firefox's open source code and create their own customized version of the browser with their built-in toolbar. Make sure to download Firefox only from the [https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/new/ official website]. ==Unwanted redirects== Some hijackers redirect your home page, search results page or error pages to their own pages. These pages may include ads, sponsored links and other paid content or trick you into downloading malicious software. =How does search hijacking happen?= Some companies trick you into installing hijackers by bundling it with other software. When you download software, make sure to download from reliable sources, and pay attention to all the check boxes to make sure you're not downloading additional software. ==Add-ons== Some companies offer add-ons that claim to improve your browser's performance, but alters your settings instead. Make sure to install add-ons from a reliable source. ==Advertising networks== Some ads install malware when you click or play them. Avoid clicking on ads and prevent video ads from playing automatically by [[Set Adobe Flash to "click to play" on Firefox | Flash to play on-demand]]. ==Fake anti-virus software== Some companies disguise their hijackers as anti-virus software. They may claim to make your browser run faster or remove malicious files from your computer, but alter your settings instead. ==Meta installers and download managers== Meta installers or download managers are software that let you download files from multiple sources. These download managers may take over your toolbar or download manager. =Other articles= If Firefox's automatic reset does not fix the problem, see the following articles for other solutions: *[[Remove a toolbar that has taken over your Firefox search or home page]] *[[What to do when searches take you to the wrong search website]] *[[Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware]]

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, load their page when you open a new tab, or insert ads in your search results, or collect information about your searches. These toolbars may force you to use their search by making it very difficult to change your search engine.

Some companies take Firefox's open source code and create their own customized version of the browser with their built-in toolbar. Make sure to download Firefox only from the official website.

Unwanted redirects

Some hijackers redirect your home page, search results page or error pages to their own pages. These pages may include ads, sponsored links and other paid content or trick you into downloading malicious software.

How does search hijacking happen?

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

When you download software, make sure to download from reliable sources, and pay attention to all the check boxes to make sure you're not downloading additional software.

Add-ons

Some companies offer add-ons that claim to improve your browser's performance, but alters your settings instead. Make sure to install add-ons from a reliable source.

Advertising networks

Some ads install malware when you click or play them. Avoid clicking on ads and prevent video ads from playing automatically by Flash to play on-demand.

Fake anti-virus software

Some companies disguise their hijackers as anti-virus software. They may claim to make your browser run faster or remove malicious files from your computer, but alter your settings instead.

Meta installers and download managers

Meta installers or download managers are software that let you download files from multiple sources. These download managers may take over your toolbar or download manager.

Other articles

If Firefox's automatic reset does not fix the problem, see the following articles for other solutions:

• Remove a toolbar that has taken over your Firefox search or home page
• What to do when searches take you to the wrong search website
• Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware