UC Browser Adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is UC Browser?
According to its developers, UC Browser is a lightweight web browser that offers a faster browsing experience. UC Browser is developed using Chromium project, a legitimate open-source project.
Despite this, other people can develop modified versions by changing the code - this is the case with UC Browser developers. Some examples of similar adware browsers are WebDiscover, Ad Expert Browser, Dash Browser, amongst many others.
Many users install UC Browser unintentionally without direct permission. Therefore, it is categorized as a potentially unwanted application (PUA). After installation, it delivers intrusive advertisements (coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, and so on) that are usually displayed via tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any visited website.
These ads can be very annoying and, if clicked, might redirect users to other untrustworthy sites that could also be malicious. Some of these ads might even run scripts that download and install other PUAs. The UC Browser application itself also causes redirects to uc123.com without requesting permission.
Furthermore, apps such as UC Browser often collect data (IP addresses, search queries, keystrokes, URLs of visited websites, geo-locations, etc.) that might include personal details. These are shared with third parties (potentially cyber criminals) who misuse private information to generate revenue.
Data tracking can cause problems relating to privacy or browsing safety, and some users might have their identities stolen. Therefore, we strongly advise that you uninstall these applications immediately.
| Name | Ads by UC Browser |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Symptoms | Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers. |
| Damage | Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
There are many adware-type applications available, most of which share similarities: they offer users 'useful features' (enhanced browsing experience, faster and more accurate results, and so on), however, these are merely attempts to trick users into downloading and installing them.
Most potentially unwanted applications do not deliver the features promised and are designed only to generate revenue for their developers and/or third parties.
How did UC Browser install on my computer?
UC Browser can be downloaded from its official website, however, it is more commonly installed stealthily without users' knowledge.
Software developers often use the "bundling" method, a deceptive marketing method employed to trick users into installing potentially unwanted applications with regular software by hiding them in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar options or settings of the installation processes.
As a rule, information regarding included/bundled PUAs is not properly disclosed, and thus they often go unnoticed during the installation processes. Most apps such as UC Browser are generally installed when users skip installation steps without checking the settings and when they fail to deselect unwanted applications.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Download software (especially if it is free) from official and trustworthy/reliable sources only. Avoid using third party software downloaders/installers and torrents. Check "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings and deselect offers to install unknown/unwanted software. Only then, finish the installation process.
Be careful when browsing the internet, especially when clicking intrusive ads - many seem legitimate (developers - potentially, cyber criminals - invest time and money into their design), however, once clicked, they redirect to untrustworthy websites, such as gambling, adult dating, pornography, and so on.
If you encounter these ads and redirects, check installed extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins on your browser, and programs on your computer. Uninstall all unknown/unwanted applications and programs immediately. If your computer is already infected with UC Browser, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of a redirect to uc123.com caused by UC Browser:
Screenshot of the official UC Browser installer:
Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Quick menu:
- What is UC Browser?
- STEP 1. Uninstall UC Browser application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove UC Browser adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove UC Browser ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove 'Ads by UC Browser' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove UC Browser extension from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
UC Browser adware 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 "UC Browser", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application that causes UC Browser ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove UC Browser adware from Internet browsers:
At time of research, UC Browser did not install its browser plug-ins on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it was bundled with other adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your Internet browsers.
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" icon 
(at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by uc browser, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.
Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by uc browser, 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 plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by uc browser 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, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
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 upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by uc browser, 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:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
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Outstanding!
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