How to remove Flixtab browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Flixtab?
While scrutinizing the Flixtab application, it was revealed that its primary purpose is to promote a specific address (flixtab.com) by hijacking web browsers. This browser extension performs browser hijacking by modifying the settings of a web browser. It is not recommended to have apps like Flixtab added to browsers.
Flixtab browser hijacker overview
Flixtab is designed to promote flixtab.com by making it the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page. This extension forces users to visit flixtab.com when they open a hijacked browser (and new tab) and enter search queries. Upon entering a search query, flixtab.com redirects users to bing.com.
Evidently, flixtab.com does not generate search results. Instead, users are presented with results from Bing (bing.com), a reputable search engine, indicating that flixtab.com is a fake search engine. It is advisable to avoid using fake search engines like flixtab.com and remove browser hijackers that promote them.
By using fake search engines, users inadvertently expose themselves to a range of cybersecurity threats and compromise their digital privacy. Fake search engines are typically designed to collect users' search queries, browsing habits, and other data. The harvested information may be exploited for various malicious purposes, including targeted advertising, identity theft, and financial fraud.
Also, fake search engines make users more susceptible to malicious websites and phishing scams. Users may unknowingly click on harmful links or download malware while browsing through the search results provided by fake search engines, putting their devices and personal information at risk. Therefore, it is essential to stick to reputable search engines.
| Name | Flixtab |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | Flixtab |
| Supposed Functionality | Enhanced browsing experience |
| Promoted URL | flixtab.com |
| Detection Names (flixtab.com) | Gridinsoft (Spam), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (flixtab.com) | 104.21.75.49 |
| 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
In conclusion, Flixtab is a typical example of a browser hijacker promoting a fake search engine. These intrusive programs forcibly modify users' browser settings, redirecting searches to dubious websites without consent. Such unauthorized changes not only disrupt the browsing experience but also raise concerns about users' online security and privacy.
More examples of apps like Flixtab are Horoscope Ext, Adventure Wallpaper Extension, and Random Riddles.
How did Flixtab install on my computer?
Browser hijackers are often bundled with free or questionable software. Users who install such software without changing the available settings/deselecting additional offers agree to install additional software, including browser hijackers, along with the intended program.
Clicking on deceptive pop-ups or ads while browsing the internet can also trigger the automatic download and installation of browser hijackers without the user's knowledge or consent. In other cases, users end up having their browsers hijacked by visiting compromised websites, falling for fake software updates, or being tricked by social engineering tactics.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
Only download apps from reputable sources, such as official web pages and app stores, and be vigilant during the installation process. Always opt for custom or advanced installation settings to review and deselect any bundled software. Be wary of clicking on suspicious links, pop-ups, or ads, especially those offering software updates or claiming that your system is infected.
Keep your operating system, web browser, and security software up to date. Use reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to regularly scan your system for any signs of browser hijackers or other threats. If your computer is already infected with Flixtab, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Flixtab.com redirects to bing.com (GIF):
Permissions asked by Flixtab browser hijacker:
Website promoting Flixtab browser hijacker:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is Flixtab?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Flixtab application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Flixtab browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove flixtab.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove flixtab.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Flixtab 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 (which cause browser redirects to the flixtab.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Flixtab browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove browser redirects:
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 "Flixtab" 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 "Flixtab", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.flixtab.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 "flixtab.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 flixtab.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 "Flixtab", 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 "Flixtab", remove hxxp://flixtab.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 flixtab.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 flixtab.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 visit flixtab.com website?
This could be driven by various motives, including increasing ad revenue through higher website traffic, promoting affiliated products or services, or potentially gathering user data for targeted advertising purposes.
Is visiting flixtab.com a threat to my privacy?
Flixtab.com may collect information about your browsing habits, IP address, location, and other sensitive data, which could be used for targeted advertising or sold to third parties without your consent.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
A browser hijacker may have compromised your browser through software downloaded from untrustworthy sources, malicious links or ads, compromised websites, or notifications from unreliable pages.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Flixtab browser hijacker?
Combo Cleaner scans computers and effectively eliminates browser-hijacking applications. However, manual removal may not always suffice, particularly when dealing with multiple hijackers capable of reinstalling each other. In such cases, simultaneous removal becomes necessary to ensure complete eradication.
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