Removal instructions for the "I LOVE ME" browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is I LOVE ME?
While inspecting suspect websites, our researchers discovered the I LOVE ME browser extension. This software promises to display messages of self-love each time the browser is opened.
After analyzing this extension, we learned that it is a browser hijacker. I LOVE ME modifies browsers to promote (via redirects) the search.iloveme-tab.com fake search engine.
I LOVE ME browser hijacker overview
Browser-hijacking software assigns promoted sites as browsers' homepages, default search engines, and new tab/window URLs. This is I LOVE ME extension's mode of operation as well. Hence, with it installed: new browser tabs/windows opened and search queries entered into the URL bar – result in redirects to the search.iloveme-tab.com.
Illegitimate search engines typically cannot generate search results, so they redirect to genuine Internet search websites. This is also true of search.iloveme-tab.com; it leads to the Bing search engine (bing.com). Keep in mind that it could land elsewhere since redirects might be impacted by factors like user geolocation.
In many cases, browser hijackers utilize persistence-ensuring techniques, such as denying access to removal-related settings or undoing user-made changes – to prevent browser recovery.
What is more, software within this classification usually spies on users' browsing activity, and this might apply to I LOVE ME. Information of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. This sensitive information can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
In summary, browser-hijacking software like I LOVE ME on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | I LOVE ME |
Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
Browser Extension(s) | I LOVE ME |
Supposed Functionality | Displaying self-love messages whenever the browser is opened |
Promoted URL | search.iloveme-tab.com |
Detection Names (search.iloveme-tab.com) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
Serving IP Address (search.iloveme-tab.com) | 54.69.96.139 |
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). |
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; Findmovie, MyWorldClock, Thai Wallpaper – are merely a couple of examples. Browser-hijacking software usually appears ordinary/harmless and offers various functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did I LOVE ME install on my computer?
I LOVE ME has an "official" promotional webpage. In addition to these types of pages, browser hijackers are endorsed on scam websites.
Most visitors access such webpages via redirects caused by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Browser-hijacking software can also be bundled with regular programs. Downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Additionally, intrusive advertisements proliferate browser hijackers. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
It is crucial to research software and download it only from official/verified sources. When installing, we recommend reading terms, exploring available options, and using the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).
Since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless – we advise exercising caution while browsing. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with I LOVE ME, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Appearance of search.iloveme-tab.com redirecting to the Bing search engine (GIF):
Permissions asked by I LOVE ME browser hijacker:
Website promoting I LOVE ME browser hijacker:
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 I LOVE ME?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove I LOVE ME browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove search.iloveme-tab.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove search.iloveme-tab.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
I LOVE ME 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, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
I LOVE ME browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove I LOVE ME 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 "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "I LOVE ME" and other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Change your homepage:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable "I LOVE ME", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.search.iloveme-tab.com) 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 "search.iloveme-tab.com", when located click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Delete".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the search.iloveme-tab.com 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 extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate "I LOVE ME", as well as all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Change your homepage:
To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Settings", in the opened window disable "I LOVE ME", remove hxxp://search.iloveme-tab.com 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 "Accept the Risk and Continue".
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 search.iloveme-tab.com 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 search.iloveme-tab.com 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of forcing users to visit search.iloveme-tab.com website?
Redirects to sites like search.iloveme-tab.com are generated because cyber criminals (i.e., developers of fake search engines and browser hijackers) profit through them.
Is visiting search.iloveme-tab.com a threat to my privacy?
Most likely, yes. Websites within the fake search engine classification (e.g., search.iloveme-tab.com, etc.) typically collect visitor data to sell it to third-parties.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser-hijacking software is mainly spread via bundled installation setups, online scams, freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, spam browser notifications, and intrusive adverts.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove I LOVE ME browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate all browser-hijacking applications detected. Note that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be ideal. In cases where multiple browser hijackers have infiltrated the system, after one is removed – the others may simply reinstall it. Furthermore, browser-hijacking software might be capable of restricting access to removal-related settings and/or undoing user-made changes. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.
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