How to remove IdeaReference (Mac)

What is IdeaReference

IdeaReference is a browser hijacker that alters your web browser’s settings, typically changing your default search engine and homepage to undesired sites. This malicious software often comes bundled with other applications, making it easy for users to inadvertently install it without their knowledge. Once activated, it redirects search queries through IdeaReference Search, commonly leading to advertisement-filled pages or search results from Yahoo. The primary goal of this hijacker is to generate revenue through advertising, effectively compromising user experience. Symptoms of an infection include unexpected changes in browser settings, unwanted pop-up ads, and difficulty restoring previous configurations. Removing IdeaReference requires diligent efforts, including scanning for malicious files and resetting browser settings to their defaults. Being cautious during software installations and regularly monitoring browser extensions can help prevent similar infections in the future.

How IdeaReference infects Mac computers

IdeaReference primarily infects Macs through deceptive software bundling and misleading advertisements. Users often unknowingly install the browser hijacker when they download free applications or updates from untrustworthy sources, as these programs frequently come bundled with unwanted software like IdeaReference. Once installed, it alters browser settings, changing the default search engine and homepage to redirect users to safefinder.com, generating ad revenue for the perpetrators. Additionally, users may encounter pop-up ads or prompts that encourage them to install the IdeaReference extension, further complicating the infection process. A lack of vigilance during software installation, particularly when selecting custom options, can enable such malicious programs to infiltrate systems seamlessly. To mitigate risk, users should always opt for custom installations and remain cautious of unfamiliar software.

1. Download IdeaReference Removal Tool
2. Remove IdeaReference from Login Items
3. Remove/Uninstall IdeaReference from Applications
4. Remove IdeaReference from browsers
5. Reset browser settings
6. Remove IdeaReference files and folders
7. Block IdeaReference ads and pop-ups
8. How to protect from threats, like IdeaReference

Remove IdeaReference manually for free

Note: IdeaReference sets up to start on macOS startup. Therefore, before starting the removal, perform these steps:

1. Open System Preferences, choose Users & Groups.
2. Choose your account (set up as Current User).
3. Click Login Items tab.
4. Find “IdeaReference” entry. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove it.

Note 2: IdeaReference won’t quit just by closing it, therefor use Force Quit to end the process.

1. Press 3 buttons at the same time: Option, Command, and Esc (Escape). This is similar to Control-Alt-Delete on a Windows PC.
2. Choose IdeaReference in the list.
3. Click Force Quit button.

Here is a manual step-by-step tutorial for full IdeaReference removal from your computer. This works 99% and was checked with the latest versions of IdeaReference installer on operating systems with the latest updates and browser versions.

Remove IdeaReference from Applications

Remove IdeaReference from Mac:

1. In the Finder sidebar, click Applications.
2. IdeaReference might have an Uninstaller. If you see Uninstall IdeaReference or IdeaReference Uninstaller, double-click it and follow the onscreen instructions.
3. Otherwise, drag IdeaReference from the Applications folder to the Trash (located at the end of the Dock).
4. Then choose Finder > Empty Trash.

Cannot uninstall IdeaReference

If you can’t uninstall IdeaReference using instructions above, or it keeps coming back, you can use free AppCleaner for Mac to remove all residual data and libraries of IdeaReference. Follow instructions below:

1. Download free AppCleaner.
2. Drag IdeaReference from Applications folder to AppCleaner window.
3. Choose files and folders you want to remove along with IdeaReference.
4. Click Delete button.

Remove IdeaReference add-on from your browsers

Removing IdeaReference from Applications often does not bring the desired effect. It is a browser extension, and it may still be active in Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Here are instructions on how to remove the IdeaReference extension from your browsers manually.

Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Click Extensions tab.
3. Find IdeaReference extension.
4. Click Uninstall button to remove it.

Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://extensions.
3. Find IdeaReference extension.
4. Click the trash can icon to remove it.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:addons.
3. Choose IdeaReference extension.
4. Click Disable or Remove button.

Reset browser settings

To finish IdeaReference removal, reset your browser settings to make sure, there are no leftover items in browser folders.

Reset Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Go to the Privacy section of Safari’s preferences.
3. Click Remove All Website Data button.
4. In the opened window, click Remove Now button to remove data stored by websites in Safari.
5. Go to the Advanced section of Safari’s preferences.
6. Click the Show Develop menu in menu bar option.
7. In the menu, click Develop and select Empty Caches from this menu.
8. Again, go to Safari menu and choose Clear History….
9. Choose to clear all history and click Clear History button.

Reset Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://settings.
3. Scroll down and find Show advanced settings link.
4. Click on it and scroll down to the bottom again.
5. Click Reset settings button and click Reset to confirm.

Reset Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:support.
3. Click Refresh Firefox… button.
4. Click Refresh Firefox to confirm.

Remove following files and folders of IdeaReference


~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.IdeaReference.service.app
~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.IdeaReference.service.plist
/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.IdeaReference.system
/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.IdeaReference.system.plist


Download AdGuard for Mac to block malicious pop-ups, that promote IdeaReference

AdGuard is the best ad-blocker, internet filtering, and internet security application for macOS. It can cut out unwanted banners from site pages, block pop-ups, stop redirects, and prevent users from visiting potentially dangerous resources. Use it to stop ads promoting IdeaReference in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like IdeaReference

Mac OSX is known to be one of the safest operating systems, and for a long time, there was no need for antivirus products for Mac. But with the growing popularity of Mac computers and notebooks and evolving technology, viruses, trojans, adware, toolbars, hijackers, and other malware paved the way for Mac users. We recommend you to use one of the best anti-malware for Mac available — Malwarebytes for Mac.

Download Malwarebytes for Mac