How to remove Snap.do (Browser Hijacker)

Snap.do is a browser hijacker that modifies your browser settings without permission. It can alter your homepage, default search engine, and new tab page, causing unwanted redirections and advertisements. This guide will help you remove Snap.do from your system and prevent it from being installed again.

Identifying Snap.do on Your System

Symptoms of Snap.do Infection

  • Unexpected changes in your browser’s homepage or search engine.
  • New toolbars or extensions you didn’t install.
  • Increased number of ads or pop-ups.
  • Slow browser performance.

Removing Snap.do from Windows

Uninstall Programs

  1. Open Control Panel:
    • Press Win + R, type control panel, and press Enter.
  2. Access Programs and Features:
    • Click on “Uninstall a program” under “Programs”.
  3. Find Snap.do and Related Programs:
    • Look for Snap.do or any suspicious programs you don’t recognize.
  4. Uninstall:
    • Select the program and click “Uninstall”.

Remove Browser Extensions

  1. Google Chrome:
    • Click the three dots in the upper-right corner.
    • Go to “More tools” > “Extensions”.
    • Find Snap.do or suspicious extensions and click “Remove”.
  2. Mozilla Firefox:
    • Click the three lines in the upper-right corner.
    • Go to “Add-ons” > “Extensions”.
    • Find and remove Snap.do.
  3. Microsoft Edge:
    • Click the three dots in the upper-right corner.
    • Go to “Extensions”.
    • Locate Snap.do and click “Remove”.

Reset Browser Settings

Google Chrome

  1. Click the three dots in the upper-right corner.
  2. Go to “Settings” > “Advanced” > “Reset and clean up”.
  3. Click “Restore settings to their original defaults” and confirm.

Mozilla Firefox

  1. Click the three lines in the upper-right corner.
  2. Go to “Help” > “Troubleshooting Information”.
  3. Click “Refresh Firefox” and confirm.

Microsoft Edge

  1. Click the three dots in the upper-right corner.
  2. Go to “Settings” > “Reset settings”.
  3. Click “Restore settings to their default values” and confirm.

Removing Snap.do from macOS

Uninstall Suspicious Applications

  1. Open Finder:
    • Navigate to “Applications”.
  2. Look for Snap.do:
    • Find Snap.do or any suspicious apps.
  3. Move to Trash:
    • Drag the application to the Trash and empty the Trash.

Remove Browser Extensions

  1. Safari:
    • Open Safari and go to “Preferences” > “Extensions”.
    • Find and uninstall Snap.do or suspicious extensions.
  2. Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox:
    • Follow the steps mentioned in the Windows section for these browsers.

Use Anti-Malware Software

Scan and Remove Malware

  1. Install Anti-Malware Software:
    • Download and install a reputable anti-malware program like Malwarebytes.
  2. Run a Full Scan:
    • Open the software and run a full system scan.
  3. Remove Detected Threats:
    • Follow the prompts to remove any detected threats.

Preventing Future Infections

Be Cautious with Downloads

  1. Download from Trusted Sources:
    • Only download software from official or reputable websites.
  2. Read User Reviews:
    • Check reviews before installing new software.

Monitor Browser Extensions

  1. Regularly Check Extensions:
    • Periodically review your browser extensions and remove any you don’t recognize.
  2. Limit Extensions:
    • Only install necessary extensions from trusted sources.

Use Security Software

  1. Install Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software:
    • Keep your security software updated and run regular scans.
  2. Enable Real-Time Protection:
    • Ensure real-time protection is enabled to detect threats immediately.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove Snap.do from your system and protect your devices from future infections.