Removal instructions for cleanHistory browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is cleanHistory?
Our researchers discovered the cleanHistory browser extension while inspecting dubious download webpages. Following our analysis, we learned that this piece of software operates as a browser hijacker. It modifies browser settings in order to promote the cleanhistory.xyz fake search engine. Additionally, this extension spies on users' browsing activity.
cleanHistory browser hijacker overview
Browser hijackers assign the addresses of the promoted search engines as browsers' default, as well as their new tab/window and homepage URLs. This also applies to cleanHistory; hence, with it installed - new browser tabs/windows opened and search queries entered into the URL bar - redirect to the cleanhistory.xyz site.
Fake search engines typically cannot generate search results, so they redirect to genuine ones. We observed cleanhistory.xyz redirecting to the Bing search engine (bing.com). However, it might land elsewhere since redirects can depend on certain factors (e.g., user geolocation, etc.).
cleanHistory also uses persistence-ensuring techniques to prevent users from recovering their browsers. Furthermore, this extension has data tracking abilities. Information of interest can include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data is then monetized through sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of browser-hijacking software like cleanHistory on devices - can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | cleanHistory |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | cleanHistory, CleanHistory |
| Promoted URL | cleanhistory.xyz |
| Detection Names (cleanhistory.xyz) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Affected Browser Settings | Homepage, new tab URL, default search engine |
| Symptoms | Manipulated Internet browser settings (homepage, default Internet search engine, new tab settings). Users are forced to visit the hijacker's website and search the Internet using their search engines. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Browser hijacker examples
We have analyzed thousands of browser hijackers; MyZen Tab, StreamUltraSearch, LiveTab - Live Streams In Your Browser Tab, and Plus Darker are merely a few examples.
This software usually appears legitimate and harmless. It also offers various functionalities, which rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational. Therefore, not only are browser hijackers useless, but they also endanger device and user safety.
How did cleanHistory install on my computer?
We obtained cleanHistory from its "official" download page. Sites of this kind are typically accessed inadvertently. Most users enter them through redirects caused by webpages that use rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, installed adware, or via mistyped URLs.
Additionally, some intrusive advertisements can stealthily download/install unwanted software (browser hijackers included) - when clicked.
Bundling - packing regular program installers with harmful additions - is also used to proliferate browser-hijacking software. Download from dubious channels (e.g., Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, unofficial and freeware websites, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped steps, used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be approached with care, which includes - reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
We recommend being vigilant when browsing, as illegitimate and malicious content usually looks innocuous. For example, while intrusive advertisements appear harmless, they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads and/or redirects, the system must be checked and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins removed without delay. If your computer is already infected with cleanHistory, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Websites promoting cleanHistory browser hijacker:
Appearance of cleanhistory.xyz redirectng to the Bing search engine (GIF):
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is cleanHistory?
- STEP 1. Uninstall cleanHistory application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove cleanHistory browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove cleanhistory.xyz homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove cleanhistory.xyz redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
cleanHistory browser hijacker removal:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window: look for any recently installed suspicious applications (for example, "cleanHistory"), select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications (which cause browser redirects to the cleanhistory.xyz website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
cleanHistory browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove CleanHistory browser hijacker using Combo Cleaner:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "cleanHistory" and other recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, and remove them.
Change your homepage:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable "cleanHistory" (or "CleanHistory"), look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.cleanhistory.xyz) below the “Open a specific or set of pages” option. If present click on the three vertical dots icon and select “Remove”.
Change your default search engine:
To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings", in the "Search engine" section, click "Manage search engines...", in the opened list look for "cleanhistory.xyz", when located click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Remove from list".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the cleanhistory.xyz redirect, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions" and remove "cleanHistory", as well as all other recently installed browser plug-ins.
Change your homepage:
To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Options", in the opened window disable "cleanHistory", remove hxxp://cleanhistory.xyz and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.
Change your default search engine:
In the URL address bar, type about:config and press Enter.
Click "I'll be careful, I promise!".
In the search filter at the top, type: "extensionControlled"
Set both results to "false" by either double-clicking each entry or clicking the 
button.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with cleanhistory.xyz redirect removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click Safari menu, then select Preferences...
In the preferences window select the Extensions tab. Look for any recently installed suspicious extensions and uninstall them.
In the preferences window select General tab and make sure that your homepage is set to a preferred URL, if its altered by a browser hijacker - change it.
In the preferences window select Search tab and make sure that your preferred Internet search engine is selected.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate any recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, and remove them.
Change your homepage and new tab settings:
Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section look for the name of the browser hijacker and click "Disable".
Change your default Internet search engine:
To change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Privacy and services", scroll to bottom of the page and select "Address bar". In the "Search engines used in address bar" section look for the name of the unwanted Internet search engine, when located click the "Disable" button near it. Alternatively you can click on "Manage search engines", in the opened menu look for unwanted Internet search engine. Click on the puzzle icon 
near it and select "Disable".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the cleanhistory.xyz redirect, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
A browser hijacker is a type of adware infection that modifies Internet browser settings by assigning the homepage and default Internet search engine settings to some other (unwanted) website URL. Commonly, this type of adware infiltrates operating systems through free software downloads. If your download is managed by a download client, ensure that you decline offers to install advertised toolbars or applications that seek to change your homepage and default Internet search engine settings.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on cleanhistory.xyz redirect or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of forcing users to visit cleanhistory.xyz website?
Users are forced to visit sites like cleanhistory.xyz since cyber criminals (i.e., the developers of browser hijackers and fake search engines) generate revenue via these redirects.
Is visiting cleanhistory.xyz a threat to my privacy?
To a certain extent, yes. Websites akin to cleanhistory.xyz typically collect information about their visitors - with the intent of selling it to third-parties.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are primarily spread via misleading promotional webpages, unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, software bundling, online scams, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, and fake updates.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove cleanHistory browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed browser-hijacking applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some cases, once one browser hijacker is eliminated - the others re-install it. Furthermore, removal-related settings may be unmodifiable with this software present. Therefore, browser hijackers must be removed thoroughly and all at once.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion