remove unwanted site redirects or pop-ups from Google Chrome

Mac OS is vulnerable to potentially unwanted programs or Adware, and browser hijackers. These types of programs or toolbars generate web traffic and collect sales leads for other dubious sites. In this article, you shall learn how to remove unwanted site redirects or pop-ups from Google Chrome on Mac and Windows. Please see how to protect your Windows PC from potentially unwanted applications, how to redirect requests for your bucket’s website endpoint to another bucket or domain, and Set Google as default: How to set a browser as default in Windows 10.

They may also display advertisements and sponsored links within your web browser. Such toolbars are usually bundled with certain free programs that you normally download and install. Advertising banners appear on web pages that you are visiting.

When you go to a website, you are randomly redirected to another website that you do not intend to visit. Some of these symptoms are also listed below.

Please, see the ,Review of the Synology CC400W Installation and Configuration, how to Enable Secure Boot: Fix Secure Boot certificates expiration, and how to Fix Windows defender blocked incoming connection on Windows.

Remove unwanted redirects

Update: Based on this version of Google Chrome Version 120.0.6099.129 (Official Build) (x86_64), the steps to reset your browser settings have changed.

Launch your browser and click on the three vertical dots as shown below.

In the window below, click on the Reset settings button. Next, click restore settings to the original defaults.

You will have to click on the reset settings as shown below. Kindly pay attention to the texts below and proceed if this is what you intend to do.

This will reset your startup page, new tab page, search engine and pinned tabs. It will also disable all extensions and clear temporary data like cookies. Your bookmarks, history and saved passwords will not be cleared!

Follow the steps to remove unwanted redirects from Google Chrome on Mac.

Pop-up ads and new tabs that won’t go away
Your Chrome homepage or search engine keeps changing without your permission
Unwanted Chrome extensions or toolbars keep coming back
Your browsing is hijacked and redirected to unfamiliar pages or ads
Alerts about a virus or an infected device

Also, see How To Add Google Drive To File Explorer in Windows, and How to Enable or Disable Reputation-Based Protection on Windows 10 and 11.

For other versions of Chrome: Reset your browser settings

At some point, the below solution worked for me in resetting the browser settings. As you can see above, these steps have changed.

- On your computer, open Chrome.
- At the top right, click More and then Settings.
- At the bottom, click Advanced.
- Under "Reset Settings," 
- click Restore settings to their original defaults and then Reset Settings.
- Windows: Under "Reset and cleanup,” click Reset Settings and then Reset Settings.

Note: If you want to remove unwanted redirects from Google Chrome as unwanted programs or reset your browser settings, you might need to turn some extensions back on.

To turn extensions on, at the top right, click on More and More Tools and then Extensions.

Note: Moreover, Only turn on extensions you trust.

Here are some more articles you would like: How to Enable High Dynamic Range on Windows 11, How to enable or disable Firefox Network Captive Portal Service, and How to Turn Off Windows 11 Tips and Suggestions Notifications.

Another method to remove pop-ups from

This could result in you removing the malicious app(s) from your Mac OS. I did not try this as the above solution fixed my issue 🙂

Note: Avoid unwanted software by downloading files or visiting sites you know are insecure.

FAQ on Redirects on Mac

Other steps to stop intrusive redirects and popups in Google Chrome on my Mac?

To prevent intrusive redirects and popups, you can take several steps. Ensure your Chrome browser is up to date, remove suspicious or unused browser extensions, enable the built-in popup blocker in Chrome settings, and consider using reputable ad blockers.

Additionally, be cautious about the links you click and only visit trustworthy websites.

What should I do if I suspect I have malware-causing redirects and pop-ups in Google Chrome on my Mac?

If you suspect malware is the root cause, take action immediately. Run a full system scan using reputable antivirus or anti-malware software on your Mac. Quarantine or remove any identified threats.

It’s also a good practice to change your passwords, especially for sensitive accounts, to prevent unauthorized access.
Remember that addressing unwanted redirects and popups is crucial for both security and user experience when browsing the web. Be proactive in keeping your browser and system secure.

I hope you found this blog post on how to remove unwanted site redirects or pop-ups from Google Chrome on Mac and Windows helpful. However, please let me know in the comment session if you have any questions.