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Mac Adware Cleaner Unwanted Application (Mac)

Also Known As: Mac Adware Cleaner potentially unwanted program
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Severe

What is Mac Adware Cleaner?

Related to Advanced Mac Cleaner, Mac Adware Cleaner is a rogue application that supposedly enhances system performance by cleaning junk files, removing potentially malicious apps, and enabling other similar functions.

Judging on appearance alone, Mac Adware Cleaner may seem legitimate, however, it is categorized as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) - it often infiltrates systems without consent and gives no real value for regular users.

Mac Adware Cleaner unwanted application

Mac Adware Cleaner allows users to perform a full system scan. Once the process is over, users are presented with many 'issues' that supposedly must be resolved and files that must be removed. Mac Adware Cleaner's free version is apparently incapable of doing this and, therefore, users are encouraged to purchase the 'full' version.

Be aware, however, that this is a scam. The entire list of infections/errors is false - Mac Adware Cleaner's developers attempt to scare and trick users into purchasing the full version, which is useless. It simply cleans the list - all claims to enable useful functions are merely attempts to give the impression of legitimacy.

Uninstall the Mac Adware Cleaner app and certainly do not pay for the full version. As mentioned above, Mac Adware Cleaner typically infiltrates systems without users' consent.

Therefore, there is a high probability that it came together with a number of other potentially unwanted programs, such as adware or browser hijackers. As with Mac Adware Cleaner, these apps should also be uninstalled as soon as possible.

Threat Summary:
Name Mac Adware Cleaner potentially unwanted program
Threat Type Mac malware, Mac virus
Symptoms Your Mac became slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you get redirected to shady websites.
Distribution methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads.
Damage Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites, loss of private information.
Malware Removal (Mac)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac
To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

There are dozens of potentially unwanted programs that offer similar functions to Mac Adware Cleaner. The list of examples includes (but is not limited to) Free Malware Removal Tool, System Healer, and Dr. Clean Pro 2018

All of these apps may seem legitimate and useful, however, the only purpose of PUPs such as Mac Adware Cleaner is to generate revenue for the developers.

Rather than giving any real value for regular users, potentially unwanted programs deliver intrusive advertisements (adware), cause unwanted redirects (browser hijackers), record personal information (virtually all), and, in this case, promote in-app purchases.

How did Mac Adware Cleaner install on my computer?

Developers proliferate Mac Adware Cleaner using two methods: 1) fake errors, and; 2) "bundling". Fake errors are displayed by various deceptive websites. They state that the system is damaged/infected and encourage users to download a repair tool - Mac Adware Cleaner. "Bundling" is stealth installation of potentially unwanted programs together with regular software.

Developers know that users are very likely to rush download/installation processes and skip steps. Therefore, they hide "bundled" apps within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes. Clicking various download links and skipping download/installation steps often leads to inadvertent installation of rogue applications.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

The main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior. The key to safety is caution. Therefore, be very careful when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Never trust errors displayed by a web browser. Most are false (they encourage users to download various apps or call fake tech support).

You are advised to simply close the browser - it is better to be safe than sorry. Furthermore, carefully analyze each download/installation step and opt-out of all additionally-included programs.

Download your programs from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers are used to promote PUPs, and thus should never be used. If your computer is already infected with PUPs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them

Deceptive application installer promoting Mac Adware Cleaner PUP:

Delusive installer used to promote Mac Adware Cleaner

Fake error promoting Mac Adware Cleaner:

Dubious website used to promote Mac Adware Cleaner

IMPORTANT NOTE! Mac Adware Cleaner adds itself to the list of applications that automatically run upon each user log in. Therefore, before commencing, perform these steps:

  • Go to System Preferences -> Users & Groups. 
  • Click your account (also known as Current User).
  • Click Login Items.
  • Look for the "Mac Adware Cleaner" entry.  Select it, and click the "-" button to remove it.

Mac Adware Cleaner PUP system preferences

Instant automatic Mac 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 Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac 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. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

Mac Adware Cleaner PUP removal:

Remove Mac Adware Cleaner-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

mac adware removal from applications folder

Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select “Applications”. In the applications folder, look for “MPlayerX”,“NicePlayer”, or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.

Remove adware-related files and folders

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

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Removal Instructions in other languages
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.