Chrome malware infects many users, here’s how to get rid of it


Several owners of Xiaomi smartphones report that the Chrome browser has been infected with malware called Mintnav for no reason. Here’s how to remove it safely.

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For several months, many holders of Xiaomi smartphones complain about a particular behavior when opening the chrome browser. Instead of landing on the default homepage or one they set up themselves, the app opens to a site called mintnav. This last, filled with advertisements, does not inspire confidence. And a few minutes of searching with the keyword “Mintnav” confirms the suspicions: it is categorized as malware.

There are several amazing points here. First, it seems to only affect Xiaomi devices. Afterwards, the infection is visibly random. There is currently no clearly identifiable common point, such as a system update specific or a particular event. Finally, Mintnav malware has been circulating since early 2023 apparently, but continues to spread steadily. On Reddit, for example, a topic was opened last March, but a user claimed to be a new victim in early September.

How to remove Mintnav malware from Chrome on Xiaomi smartphones

Most of those affected report a global slowdown of their smartphone and in their other applications. Fortunately, removing Mintnav is quite simpleHere are the steps to follow :

  1. Open the Chrome app.
  2. Touch the 3 vertical dots at the top right and go to Settings.
  3. Meet in Home page.
  4. There you see under Open this page than an address beginning with https://www.mintnav.com is selected.
  5. Delete the address and put the one of your choice, or choose Chrome homepage if you prefer.

It is not known where the infection originated. Some accuse Xiaomi of being responsible, but nothing has yet come to support this hypothesis. It would not be the first time that the manufacturer would find itself at the center of a case of this kind. With Oppo And OnePlus, Xiaomi has been accused of deliberately installing spyware on its mobiles. Even its default apps were prone to becoming malware, like theanti-virus. According to recent feedback, it seems that the Mintnav phenomenon is particularly strong in India, and more generally in Asia.



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