TL;DR: Signs of a hijacked browser include your homepage or default search engine changing on its own, new toolbars or extensions appearing without your input, and being redirected to unfamiliar websites when you try to search or open a new tab. Check your browser's extension list and remove anything unfamiliar, reset your homepage and default search engine in the browser's settings, clear your browsing data, and run a malware scan with your operating system's built-in tool or a reputable scanner.
Signs of a hijacked browser include your homepage or default search engine changing on its own, new toolbars or extensions appearing without your input, and being redirected to unfamiliar websites when you try to search or open a new tab.
What Usually Causes This
Browser hijacking is typically caused by malicious browser extensions or software bundled with a free download that modifies your browser settings during installation, often without a clear opt-out.
What to Do About It
Check your browser's extension list and remove anything unfamiliar, reset your homepage and default search engine in the browser's settings, clear your browsing data, and run a malware scan with your operating system's built-in tool or a reputable scanner.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading How to Check If Your VPN Is Actually Working.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see How to Check If Your Router Was Hacked (DNS Hijacking).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the real warning signs?
Signs of a hijacked browser include your homepage or default search engine changing on its own, new toolbars or extensions appearing without your input, and being redirected to unfamiliar websites when you try to search or open a new tab.
What usually causes this?
Browser hijacking is typically caused by malicious browser extensions or software bundled with a free download that modifies your browser settings during installation, often without a clear opt-out.
What should I do about it?
Check your browser's extension list and remove anything unfamiliar, reset your homepage and default search engine in the browser's settings, clear your browsing data, and run a malware scan with your operating system's built-in tool or a reputable scanner.
Should I be worried if I only see one sign?
One sign alone (like a slower device) is usually not cause for alarm — most single symptoms have mundane explanations. Multiple signs together, especially unexpected data usage or unfamiliar apps, are worth investigating.