How to remove Online Safety by Safely (Virus Removal Guide)

Online Safety by Safely


Online Safety by Safely is an unwanted browser extension that invades your privacy, hijacks internet browser settings, and bundles with malware, adware, spyware, and viruses.

What is Online Safety by Safely?


Online Safety by Safely is a browser extension compatible with Google Chrome and other popular web browsers that is self-described as a tool for your browser that keeps you safe online. Despite the fact that the extension may appear to be an innocuous web tool, Online Safety by Safely is arranged to complete functions that internet users may consider intrusive and malicious.

Online Safety by Safely extension

The primary function of the Online Safety by Safely extension is to intercept and obtain what users search for online. As shown in the image above, the extension has permission to read and change data on numerous websites, read your browsing history, display notifications, and change your search settings to: search.safelysearch.net. Changing the search settings is what allows the extension to keep track of what you search for online. For example, when a search is performed on the associated website or via the address bar the term will initially redirect to search.safelysearch.net and then to a legitimate search engine such as search.yahoo.com or bing.com.

Bundles with malware and viruses


One of the biggest issues with the Online Safety by Safely extension is that it may bundle with and/or be advertised by malicious advertising networks that spread malware, adware, browser hijackers, spyware, computer viruses, and other security threats. Simply put, it is possible that your computer is infected with malware due to how the extension is distributed.

Speaking of how the extension is distributed, the Online Safety by Safely extension is most often promoted by deceptive advertisements that promote it as something it isn’t and aggressive advertisements that force and pester users to install it. It can be downloaded through these advertisements and from the developer’s website and Google Web Store.

How to remove Online Safety by Safely (Virus Removal Guide)


The Online Safety by Safely browser extension can be manually removed through internet browser settings. However, removing the browser extension within the settings will not remove malware, adware, spyware, viruses, and other threats from an infected computer. To remove malware from an infected computer, we recommend scanning the computer with a reputable security program such as Malwarebytes Premium or Malwarebytes Free. Follow the free removal guide on this page to remove the Online Safety by Safely extension and use reputable antivirus software to remove malware from your computer.

How to remove the Online Safety by Safely extension

How to remove malware and viruses

How to remove tracking files and repair Windows registry

How to remove the Online Safety by Safely extension


Follow the instructions to remove the Online Safety by Safely extension from Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.

Google Chrome

1. Open the menu and go to More tools > Extensions

2. Click the Remove button

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open the menu and go to Add-ons

2. Click the Remove button

How to remove malware and viruses


Follow the instructions to remove malware, adware, browser hijackers, spyware, ransomware, viruses, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). The security software recommended in this removal guide is free to use. However, we recommend registering the software to secure your computing device and stop infections before they happen.

1. Download and install Malwarebytes.

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malwarebytes scan

2. Once Malwarebytes is installed, click the Scan Now button to begin scanning the computer.

malwarebytes quarantine selected

3. When the scan is complete, click the Quarantine Selected button to remove all threats detected by Malwarebytes.

4. Reboot the computer.

5. Once the computer is rebooted, download and install HitmanPro or HitmanPro.Alert to perform a second-opinion scan and remove the remaining malware (if applicable). To download the executable file, fill out the information on their website (name and email address) and click submit.

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6. Once HitmanPro is installed, click the Next button to begin scanning the computer.

7. When the scan is complete, click the Next button to remove all threats detected by HitmanPro.

How to remove tracking files and repair Windows registry


Follow the instructions to remove tracking files, remove browsing data, and repair the Windows registry.

1. Download and install CCleaner Free or CCleaner Professional.

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2. Once CCleaner is installed, go to the Easy Clean tab.

ccleaner easy clean

3. Click the Analyze button to find trackers and junk files that CCleaner can remove.

ccleaner clean all

4. When the analysis is complete, click the Clean All button.

ccleaner scan for issues

5. Next, go to the Registry tab and click the Scan for Issues button.

ccleaner fix selected issues

6. When the scan is complete, click the Fix selected Issues… button.

ccleaner back up registry

7. As a precaution, click Yes to back up the registry before making changes to it and save the Reg File (.reg) file to your computer.

ccleaner fix all selected issues

8. Click the Fix All Selected Issues button and then click Close once all problems have been removed.

Sean Doyle

Sean is a distinguished tech author and entrepreneur with over 20 years of extensive experience in cybersecurity, privacy, malware, Google Analytics, online marketing, and various other tech domains. His expertise and contributions to the industry have been recognized in numerous esteemed publications. Sean is widely acclaimed for his sharp intellect and innovative insights, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the tech community. His work not only advances the field but also helps businesses and individuals navigate the complexities of the digital world.

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