How to remove MethodOnline adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is MethodOnline?
Our research team discovered MethodOnline while checking out new submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Upon inspection, we determined that this application is advertising-supported software (adware) belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
MethodOnline adware overview
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with unwanted and potentially dangerous advertisements. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, surveys, banners, overlays, coupons, etc.) is displayed on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
These ads predominantly promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and potential malware. Some can even be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent. Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered via these adverts is most likely endorsed by scammers seeking to acquire illegitimate commissions through the abuse of its affiliate programs.
Advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, regardless of whether MethodOnline displays ads – its presence on a device remains a threat.
While we have found many AdLoad applications with browser-hijacking capabilities in the past, MethodOnline did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.
It must be mentioned that adware usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of the MethodOnline app. Information of interest can include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable data can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, software like MethodOnline may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by MethodOnline |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchprox), 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
PixelMegabyte, DisplayProcess, and VisionCoordinator are just a couple examples of adware we have examined recently. Advertising-supported software seldom appears suspicious; it tends to look legitimate and innocuous.
Users may be enticed into downloading/installing adware by promises of various handy functionalities. However, these functions rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It has to be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that does not guarantee its legitimacy or safety.
How did MethodOnline install on my computer?
Adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Most visitors access these pages via redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Additionally, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. These advertisements are also used to spread advertising-supported software.
Adware can be bundled with regular programs as well. The threat of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping steps/sections, ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, inspect available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, and so forth.
Fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless – therefore, we advise exercising caution while browsing. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with MethodOnline, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once MethodOnline adware's installation is over:
MethodOnline 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 MethodOnline?
- STEP 1. Remove MethodOnline related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove MethodOnline ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove MethodOnline adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove MethodOnline ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove MethodOnline adware using Combo Cleaner:
MethodOnline adware removal:
Remove MethodOnline-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?
Adware is designed to display advertisements, which may promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Due to its data-tracking functionalities – it is also considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces (e.g., visited sites, desktops, etc.), causing redirects, and collecting vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue through content promotion. They may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove MethodOnline adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning computers and eliminating detected adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, various components (files) remain hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. Furthermore, the remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, thorough software removal is paramount.
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