Remove Prime Cinema Hijacker

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The web can be a minefield of deceptive extensions and apps, and Prime Cinema is no exception. Marketed as a tool to improve your browsing experience, this extension is, in fact, a browser hijacker that forcibly alters your web settings and compromises your privacy. Once installed, it redirects your searches to searching.primecinemaapp.com, a questionable search engine that may lead to unsafe content.

Let’s dive into what makes Prime Cinema a threat and why it should be removed as soon as it’s detected in your browser.

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Prime Cinema Browser Hijacker – What It Does

Upon installation, Prime Cinema takes over key browser settings including your homepage, new tab page, and default search engine. These are replaced with searching.primecinemaapp.com, forcing users into an unwanted search experience. While some searches are redirected to legitimate platforms like search.yahoo.com, others may land users on malicious or deceptive websites.

The ultimate goal? Monetization through ad traffic and data harvesting.

This hijacker doesn’t just interfere with your browser — it also tracks your activity, collecting data such as:

• Visited URLs
• Search queries
• IP addresses
• Personally identifiable information (PII)

This data could be sold to third parties or used to serve malicious ads and phishing attempts.

Threat Overview Table

Category	Details
Threat Name	Prime Cinema
Threat Type	Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar
Extension Name	Prime Cinema
Supposed Functionality	Improved browsing experience
Promoted URL	searching.primecinemaapp.com
Search Redirect Destination	search.yahoo.com
Serving IP Address	198.71.59.216
Detection Names	N/A (Not listed on VirusTotal at the time of inspection)
Associated Emails	None known
Symptoms of Infection	– Browser settings changed without permission – Forced use of new search engine – Frequent redirects – Slower browser performance – Increased ad exposure
Distribution Methods	– Bundled software installations – Deceptive ads – Fake Flash Player or software updates
Potential Damage	– Privacy invasion – Exposure to scams and phishing – Data tracking and reselling – Redirects to malicious sites
Affected Browser Settings	Homepage, New Tab Page, Default Search Engine
Danger Level	★★★★☆ (High)

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Option 1: Manual Browser Hijacker Removal

Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Software

For Windows:

1. Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Look for recently installed or unknown software.
3. Select the suspicious program and click Uninstall.
4. Follow the uninstaller’s prompts.

For Mac:

1. Open Finder > Applications.
2. Locate any unfamiliar apps you didn’t intentionally install.
3. Drag them to the Trash.
4. Right-click the Trash and select Empty Trash.

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Step 2: Reset Each Web Browser Affected

Google Chrome:

1. Go to chrome://settings/reset.
2. Click Restore settings to their original defaults > Reset settings.
3. Then, visit chrome://extensions and remove any suspicious add-ons.
4. Change your search engine:
   Settings > Search Engine > Manage search engines — remove unwanted entries and set a trusted one like Google.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Click the menu icon (three lines) > Help > More Troubleshooting Information.
2. Click Refresh Firefox.
3. After reset, check Add-ons and Themes and remove unwanted extensions.
4. Navigate to Settings > Home/Search and revert changes to your preferred provider.

Microsoft Edge:

1. Click menu (three dots) > Settings > Reset Settings > Restore settings to their default values.
2. Open edge://extensions and remove any unfamiliar plugins.
3. Reconfigure your homepage and search engine if needed.

Safari (Mac Only):

1. Open Safari > Click Safari in the top menu > Clear History (select All History).
2. Go to Preferences > Extensions, remove unknown entries.
3. Under General, set your homepage.
4. Under Search, revert to your preferred search provider.

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Step 3: Check and Clean Your Hosts File

On Windows:

1. Open Notepad as Administrator.
2. Go to:
   C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
3. Look for unknown IPs or domains — remove them.
4. Save changes and reboot.

On Mac:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Run: sudo nano /etc/hosts
3. Identify and remove hijacker entries.
4. Press Control + O to save and Control + X to exit.

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Option 2: Automatic Removal Using SpyHunter

If you want a faster and safer solution — especially if the hijacker reinstalls after manual removal — use SpyHunter, a trusted anti-malware tool.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Visit the official download page: Download SpyHunter

Need help with the installation? Follow this page: SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install and Launch the Program

1. Run the installer and follow the steps for your OS.
2. Open SpyHunter after installation.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click Start Scan Now.
2. Wait while SpyHunter analyzes your computer for browser hijackers, malware, and other PUPs.
3. Once the scan completes, click Fix Threats to eliminate them.

Step 4: Reboot and Recheck Your Browser

After cleaning, restart your device. Open your browser and check if your homepage and search settings are restored. If not, perform a quick browser reset using the manual steps above.

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How to Prevent Future Infections

• Avoid downloading freeware from third-party sites.
• Use custom/advanced installation and deselect optional offers.
• Keep your browser and OS updated.
• Regularly scan your system with SpyHunter for proactive defense.
• Don’t click strange pop-ups or redirect links from unknown sources.

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Conclusion

While it may appear harmless or even helpful at first glance, Prime Cinema is a deceptive browser extension that manipulates your settings, hijacks your search experience, and puts your privacy at serious risk. By redirecting users to unreliable pages and tracking their online behavior, it opens the door to potential scams, identity theft, and malware infections. For your safety, it is essential to avoid installing extensions like Prime Cinema and remove them immediately if found in your browser.