How to remove the SmartLauncher application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is SmartLauncher?
Our team has discovered the SmartLauncher while examining shady websites that displayed deceptive content to trick visitors into downloading questionable applications. Once installed, SmartLauncher started to generate advertisements. Thus, we have concluded that SmartLauncher is a typical advertising-supported app (adware).
SmartLauncher adware in detail
Adware generates unwanted advertisements. For example, pop-ups, banners, coupons. Pretty often, clicking on those ads opens questionable/potentially malicious pages (various scams, pages used to promote shady apps, and even malicious websites). Also, it can cause unexpected downloads and installations.
Another reason not to have SmartLauncher and similar apps installed is that they can be used to promote fake search engines. In certain cases, such apps hijack web browsers by changing their settings (default search engine, homepage, new tab page). Fake search engines can promote shady websites and show results generated by unreliable search engines.
| Name | Ads by SmartLauncher |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to Adload malware family. |
| Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious 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. |
Adware in general
Adware displays unwanted advertisements used to promote various websites. Sometimes, promoted pages can be malicious. Additionally, such software can be used to collect various information and (or) promote fake search engines. More examples of apps similar to SmartLauncher are EmergingZip, LocatorUpdate, AlgorithmFormula.
How did SmartLauncher install on my computer?
Adware is distributed using deceptive web pages, advertisements, downloaders, or installers for other software. Deceptive websites used to distribute adware often display fake messages as a lure. Ads can download or install adware when designed to run certain scripts (they cannot download or install unwanted software without being clicked).
Downloaders and installers containing adware have "Custom", "Advanced", or other settings. Adware gets installed when those settings are left unchanged during the installation processes.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Avoid clicking on advertisements, fake "Download" or similar buttons, and notifications displayed on or by shady websites. Download apps (and files) from legitimate sources such as official pages and platforms. Do not use unofficial pages, third-party downloaders, P2P networks, etc., as sources for downloading them.
Also, deselect unwanted applications before downloading/installing software (it can be achieved by changing the available settings). If your computer is already infected with SmartLauncher, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A pop-up that appears after the installation of SmartLauncher adware:
SmartLauncher's Contents folder:
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:
- What is SmartLauncher?
- STEP 1. Remove SmartLauncher related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SmartLauncher ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SmartLauncher adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SmartLauncher ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SmartLauncher adware using Combo Cleaner:
SmartLauncher adware removal:
Remove SmartLauncher-related potentially unwanted applications from your "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
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/
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.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/
In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
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.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:
In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/
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.
Scan 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.
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.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers
Remove malicious Safari extensions:
Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".
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.
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 extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(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".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Having adware installed on a computer or browser can negatively impact the web browsing experience and computer performance. In some cases, it can invade privacy, modify the browser's settings.
What does adware do?
Adware displays intrusive advertisements. Also, adware-type apps can be designed to promote fake search engines and gather data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
They generate revenue by promoting various products, websites, and (or) services. It is common for adware to be monetized through various affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SmartLauncher adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and get rid of adware. It removes adware without leaving any of its files or other components, which can be difficult to do manually.
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