Removal instructions for the ClearIndexer adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ClearIndexer?
ClearIndexer is an adware-type app that we discovered during a routine investigation of new submissions to the VirusTotal website. Our examination revealed that ClearIndexer is adware and part of the AdLoad malware family. This application operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns.
ClearIndexer adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays intrusive adverts (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces.
This third-party graphical content endorses online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Some of these ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products and services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may need specific conditions to deliver intrusive advert campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc. Even if ClearIndexer does not display ads – its presence endangers device/user safety regardless.
Additionally, AdLoad software commonly has browser-hijacking abilities, although we did not observe any of these functionalities while testing this application.
Furthermore, ClearIndexer likely collects private user data. Adware typically targets browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like ClearIndexer on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ClearIndexer |
| 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), 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 examples
We have analyzed countless adware samples; LoginPrinterLocator, BrowseFrequency, and DebugRootMouse are merely a couple of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and harmless. Users are enticed into downloading/installing this software by promises of various handy functions. However, these features rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be mentioned that regardless of whether a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did ClearIndexer install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Users mainly enter these webpages via redirects caused by sites that employ rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate this software as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – yet they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).
If you keep encountering these ads and/or redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ClearIndexer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ClearIndexer adware's installation is over:
ClearIndexer adware's installation 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 ClearIndexer?
- STEP 1. Remove ClearIndexer related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ClearIndexer ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ClearIndexer adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ClearIndexer ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ClearIndexer adware using Combo Cleaner:
ClearIndexer adware removal:
Remove ClearIndexer-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?
The presence of advertising-supported software on the device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. The software itself is considered to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking capabilities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns. It displays advertisements on various interfaces. Furthermore, this software may be capable of force-opening webpages and gathering sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, and other content. The developers might earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ClearIndexer adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, various file leftovers remain hidden within the system even after the adware has been manually removed. What is more, the remaining components may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported thoroughly.
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