If you downloaded the Y2mate.com app, you may have recently read that it could be unsafe. Many people have used the app to download YouTube videos since it’s a free platform that allows you to watch videos offline later. When you use the Y2mate app, it lets you download the videos you want so you can view them at any time without an internet connection.

That seems like a complete win until you discover some of the risks. Along with Y2mate, you may also get pop-up ads that aren’t trustworthy. These ads could redirect you to dangerous websites. You could also accidentally download PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) and malware like ransomware and spyware.

These cyber risks may have you wanting to remove the Y2mate app, with good reason. We’ll go over the Y2mate virus and how to remove it from your device using a recommended antivirus in our step-by-step guide.

What is the Y2mate “virus”?

Y2mate is an application that users download so they can watch YouTube videos offline whenever they want. The site Y2mate.com is not malicious on its own; however, it’s being called the Y2mate virus because there are PUPs on the platform that could be unsafe, much like what happened with the Ytmp3 virus. These pop-ups could lead you to open tabs to other websites that are dangerous and may install malware on your device.

With the Y2mate virus, you could also end up with drive-by download attacks. When that happens, malware gets automatically downloaded onto your device. Before you know it, you could have a browser hijacker redirecting you to a bunch of scam websites.

When you open the Y2mate app, you are asked for permission to show notifications. If you grant permission, you could click on untrustworthy sites.

Scammers use these sites to promote payment for technical services. Often, you may get a message that your device is infected or that you may need technical support. The purpose is to make you believe there’s a problem with your device or operating system. These hackers could hijack your web browser or trick you into giving them your money.

How to remove the Y2mate virus from your web browser

As mentioned, when you use Y2mate, you’ll be prompted to accept notifications. This is a web browser function that’s designed to help you stay on top of emails, messages, and news events. 

Unfortunately, Y2mate uses it to send you ads that can often link to malicious software, such as adware. If you click on the ads, your device could become infected with malware. If you have the Y2mate virus, you’ll want to remove it as soon as possible. 

You can use your antivirus software to run a scan, but we also recommend the following removal tutorials.

Remove from Google Chrome

1. In your Google Chrome browser, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings.
2. Go to Notifications and click it.
   

   

3. Under the Allowed to send notifications section, click the three dots beside Y2mate, then click Remove.

Once you complete these steps, you may want to use your malware removal tools to scan your device for any leftover malicious files. For browser extensions, you can use these steps to remove them:

1. In your Google Chrome address bar, type “chrome://extensions”.
2. Look for the Y2mate.com extension, then click Remove.

Remove from Mozilla Firefox

1. In your Mozilla Firefox browser, click the three-bars icon in the top-right corner and select Settings.
2. Go to Privacy and Security and scroll down to Permissions. Near Notifications, select Settings.
3. Look for Y2mate.com in the list and click Remove Website.
4. To confirm, click Save Changes.

For extensions, start your Firefox browser and use these steps:

1. In the address bar, type “about: addons”.
2. Select the Y2mate.com extension and click the three-dots icon close to it, then click Remove from the menu. Click Remove again to confirm.

Remove from Safari

1. In the Safari browser, go to Preferences, then click on Websites.
   

   

2. On the left side, select Notifications and look for Y2mate.com.
3. Click Remove.

If you have the Y2mate.com browser extension, you can remove it from your Preferences section.

1. From your Safari drop-down menu, go to Preferences and click Extensions.
2. Look for Y2mate.com and click Uninstall.

Remove from Microsoft Edge

1. From the Edge browser, click the three-dots menu and go to Settings.
2. Scroll down and click Advanced settings.
3. Click Manage permissions under Website permissions.
4. Under Notifications, click Remove for all suspicious websites.

For browser extensions:

1. Click the three-dots menu and click Extensions.
2. Right-click any suspicious extensions and choose Uninstall. To confirm, click Uninstall again.

Remove from Internet Explorer

1. Go to the Gear icon in Internet Explorer.
2. Select Internet Options and go to the Privacy tab.
3. From Settings, under the Pop-up Blocker section, choose all suspicious URLs (websites) and click Remove for each one.

To remove any extensions, follow the steps below:

1. In Internet Explorer, go to the gear icon at the top-right of your browser, then select Manage Add-ons.
2. Select Toolbars and Extensions.
3. Click Disable for the Y2mate extension, and all other suspicious extensions you find.

How to remove the Y2mate virus from your operating system

Using Y2mate, you’re bound to be prompted to enable push notifications from the Y2mate.com website. That feature allows Y2mate to send you ads and PUPs. If you’ve clicked on any of these, your operating system could’ve gotten infected. You can remove the Y2mate virus from your operating system with a few simple steps.

Remove from Windows 11

1. Right-click the Start button and choose Settings.
2. On the Apps tab, click Apps & features and locate the Y2mate program.
3. Click the 3-dots icon and click Uninstall.

Remove from Windows 8 and 10

1. Click on the Windows logo to open the menu. Type “control panel” and select it.
2. Go to Programs and Features. Look through the Installed programs and right-click on any suspicious files.
3. Choose Uninstall, then click Next and Finish.

Remove from macOS

1. Click Finder, then go to the Applications folder.
2. Look for the application you want to remove.
3. Right-click the application and select Move to Trash.
   

   

How to prevent the Y2mate virus from infecting your device

The best way to prevent a nasty virus from infecting your device is to have the right software in place as a safeguard. You can install antivirus software and anti-malware tools to help protect your security. There are plenty of antivirus products that help ensure device security, including these three that impressed us during our hands-on testing:

• Bitdefender: Offering a full range of security tools, including a VPN, ransomware protection, a password manager, and parental controls, Bitdefender aims to provide comprehensive device protection. All of this comes at a reasonable price as well, making Bitdefender one of our favorite antivirus programs.
  
  Get Bitdefender | Read Our Bitdefender Review
• McAfee: You can't talk about antivirus without mentioning McAfee. This trusted product earned high scores during third-party protection tests and comes with bonus features like parental controls and a file shredder. We especially like that its lowest-cost plan, McAfee Antivirus Basic, still comes with security features like phishing and ransomware protection.
  
  Get McAfee | Read Our McAfee Review
• TotalAV: Another top performer when it comes to third-party protection tests, TotalAV offers a free plan so you can try it out before you commit. As we always say, free protection is better than no protection. If you do choose to upgrade to a paid plan, you'll get real-time protection against ransomware and phishing scams, as well as device optimization tools.
  
  Get TotalAV | Read Our TotalAV Review

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Bitdefender

• Antivirus software offering reliable security
• Simple yet powerful interface tools
• Perfect protection score in third-party tests
• Premium features incur additional subscription fees

You should also use caution when you see any ads or pop-ups because these could lead to malware installs. Don’t allow the Y2mate.com site to send you any notifications if you use the app. An ad blocker, like Total Adblock, is a popular extension that helps block malware and unwanted ads.

An easy way to prevent the Y2mate.com virus from infecting your device is to not download the app. Only install software from trustworthy websites using direct links. Don’t trust third-party software downloads. You can also opt out of bundled apps that you don’t want. If you get redirected to unwanted websites, check your browser for suspicious extensions.

Y2mate FAQs

Bottom line

There are some significant dangers with using Y2mate.com. If you allow notifications, you may get nasty malware on your device. You may also get a hijacked browser or redirects that lead to malicious websites.

Rest assured, if you have the Y2mate virus on your operating system or browser, there are ways to remove it. Our virus removal guide walks you through which antivirus software is best to use and the steps you can take to restore your settings to their previous versions. 

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On McAfee's website

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McAfee

• All-in-one protection for your personal info and privacy
• Excellent antivirus protection
• Additional features like a file shredder and parental controls
• Multiple pop-ups for text notifications can be annoying

Author Details

Patti Croft

About the Author

Patti Croft is a freelance writer who specializes in all things technology. Her expertise includes antivirus software, online security strategies, and safety practices. She has a degree in Computer Information Systems and extensive experience working in the IT field. In her spare time, Patti is an avid reader and researcher, and loves spending time with her pets. She currently shares an office with her cat, Beau.