How to remove Mac Adware Cleaner virus

So, you’ve got a new app called Mac Adware Cleaner or Advanced Mac Cleaner, but you’re unsure if you need it. Perhaps an ad claims you’ve got a virus, and it's the best solution? Or maybe you don’t even remember downloading it in the first place?

Whether it appeared unexpectedly or you chose to install it, the app is likely a scam. It doesn’t actually fix any issues with your device; instead, it’s scareware – a type of malware designed to manipulate users into downloading or purchasing potentially harmful software.

In this article, I’ll explain what Mac Adware Cleaner is, how it might have ended up on your system, the problems it causes, and the most effective methods for removing it.

What is Mac Adware Cleaner?

Mac Adware Cleaner is software that claims to remove unwanted apps to keep your device safe and running smoothly. But, when you install it, your MacBook becomes noticeably slower. Then your device is plagued with pop-ups and browser redirects – the very issues it purports to protect you from.

Despite its professional-looking dashboard, Mac Adware Cleaner is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that doesn’t actually care about your device’s health. Its primary goal is to extract money from you. When you run a scan with the app, it generates a list of supposed infections and issues that are entirely fictitious. Even if your device is completely secure, the app tries to convince you otherwise to scare you into purchasing its services.

Threat name	Mac Adware Cleaner
Type	PUP (potentially unwanted program)
Devices	MacOS
Symptoms	Slower Mac performance, unwanted pop-up ads, browser redirects
Damage	Online browsing tracking, potential personal information loss, displaying unwanted ads, potential financial loss

Get TotalAV protection

Why am I seeing Mac Adware Cleaner pop-ups

You’re seeing Mac Adware Cleaner pop-ups because you’ve installed, most likely by accident, the Mac Adware Cleaner app. You can get tricked into downloading in many ways such as:

• Misleading advertisers. Some browser ads claim your device has issues. Whether it's problems with speed, viruses, or vulnerabilities – these ads are lying to you. There’s no way for an online advertisement to scan your device and determine problems. If the ad is a lie, what it’s telling you to download is probably also a lie.
• Free software bundles. It’s common for developers to get paid to bundle third-party software into their app installers. But some less-trustworthy development companies don’t care whether the third party’s code is safe or if it’s a PUP like Mac Adware Cleaner.
• Fake updates. Updating your MacOS and favorite apps is important. It maximizes your security and keeps everything running smoothly. But you should act cautiously because these update requests are sometimes fake and trick you into downloading malicious code.
• Malicious links and attachments. Clicking on an unknown link or attachment is always a risk. Cybercriminals often use links and attachments to secretly install viruses, and other malware on your device.
• Remote desktop protocol. Allowing an untrusted party remote access to your Mac gives them full control over your device. Control that they can use to install programs such as Mac Advanced Cleaner or Mac Adware Cleaner without your permission.

How to get rid of Mac Adware Cleaner with antivirus

Removing the Mac Adware Cleaner is straightforward and takes only one step using a trustworthy antivirus. Here's how you can remove the Mac Adware Cleaner within a few minutes:

1. Subscribe to a trustworthy MacOS antivirus program. I recommend TotalAV.
2. Download and install the antivirus software on your Mac.
3. Launch the antivirus and perform a full system scan.
4. Follow the antivirus instructions to remove unwanted programs.
5. Enable real-time protection to safeguard your device in the future.

Remove Mac Adware Cleaner with TotalAV

Remove Mac Adware Cleaner from your MacOS manually

To get rid of Mac Adware Cleaner manually, you need to feel comfortable deleting files and changing your settings. But unlike some viruses, it doesn’t try to hide and isn’t that hard to remove – even if you aren’t an advanced Mac user.

1. Remove malicious applications

1. Open the Go menu and click on Applications.
2. Find the app in the applications list, and double-click uninstall Mac Adware Cleaner.
3. Follow the uninstaller’s instructions and drag any remaining files associated with the PUP to trash.
4. Right-click empty trash/bin in the Finder drop-down menu.

2. Remove malicious profiles

PUPs like Mac Adware Cleaner often create custom Mac profiles. These profiles are malicious and cause numerous problems such as preventing malware removal and disallowing you from changing your browser settings.

To remove these profiles:

1. Using the main Apple menu, select System Preferences.
2. Look for a profiles icon – if you can’t find one, there are no malicious profiles on your Mac, and you can skip this section.
3. Click the icon, if it exists, and identify any suspicious profiles you don’t recognize.
4. Select the profile, press the – (minus) button, and press remove.

3. Delete malicious files

Even if you get rid of Mac Adware Cleaner, when you have one unwanted program on your Mac, it’s quite likely there’s more. To make sure your Mac is completely secure, you need to remove any suspicious files with the following steps:

1. Open the Go menu again and select Go to Folder.
2. Type “/Library/LaunchAgents” in the newly-opened search field and click Go.
3. Delete any suspicious files in the folder, recently added or unrecognizable files are a good place to start, and remember PUPs can use genuine-seeming names to trick you.
4. Repeat these steps with: ”/Library/Application Support”, ”~/Library/LaunchAgents”, and ”/Library/LaunchDaemons”.
5. Empty your trash when you’re confident you’ve removed all the dodgy files.

4. Secure your browser

It’s not uncommon for PUPs to install malicious extensions on your browser or change its settings. So, you need to reset your browser and make sure that's secure too.

Reset your Safari settings

1. Clear history. Click on Safari menu -> Clear History. Choose a time period (I recommend choosing “all history”) and click on Clear History.
2. Clear cache. Click on Safari menu -> open Preferences.
3. Go to the Advanced tab and check the box near the Show Develop menu in the menu bar and open Develop menu.
4. Now expand the Develop menu and click Empty Caches.
5. Remove extensions. Click on the Safari menu and open Preferences. Then open Extensions tab and select suspicious extensions and click Uninstall. If you are not sure which could be malicious, just remove all of them.

Reset your Google Chrome settings

1. Launch Google Chrome, click on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner, and select Settings from the drop-down menu.
2. Find and click Reset settings from the sidebar menu.
3. Click Restore settings to their original defaults and hit the Reset settings button to confirm.
4. Restart the Chrome Browser.

Reset your Mozilla Firefox settings

1. Open Mozzila Firefox, select the three horizontal lines in the upper right corner and click Help in the drop-down menu.
2. Click on More troubleshooting information.
3. Click Refresh Firefox in the newly opened tab.
4. Select the Refresh Firefox button to confirm.
5. Restart the Mozilla Firefox browser.

How can I protect my Mac from scareware

Downloading scareware like Mac Adware Cleaner doesn’t just lead to frustrating pop-ups. Some potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) can steal your personal information, introduce additional malware to your Mac, or even result in financial loss.

Thankfully, you can take several steps to prevent getting Mac Adware Cleaner and other dangerous apps:

• Use antivirus software. Macs are well-known for their powerful built-in protection against malware, but it’s not perfect. You can install an antivirus to automatically detect and stop the downloading of unwanted apps that would otherwise go undetected.
• Avoid clicking on pop-up ads. Legitimate Mac optimization tools and security software don’t typically advertise with intrusive pop-ups. Clicking on these suspicious ads can automatically install malicious software on your device without me even noticing.
• Download software from reputable sources. It’s best to avoid downloading applications from third-party websites, as these can distribute malicious software like Mac Adware Cleaner. Stick to developer sites that are well-known and trusted.
• Review installation prompts. Impatience during software installation can lead to unwanted apps being installed. Always read the installation prompts thoroughly and check for any additional software or toolbars bundled with the main application.
• Update regularly. Developers release updates with security patches to address vulnerabilities. Keeping your apps and operating system up to date ensures you the latest protection against malware.
• Browse safely. Avoid risky torrenting and adult sites, which are often sources of adware, spyware, and viruses. Stick to reputable websites and be cautious with links and attachments, only opening those from trusted soutota

Final thoughts

Mac Adware Cleaner is not a useful app. It deceives users with false security reports to persuade them to pay for its premium service, which offers no real benefits beyond fake scans and virus removals.

To remove Mac Adware Cleaner and any other malware you may have unintentionally installed, use a trusted Mac antivirus program like TotalAV.

After removing the PUP, protect your Mac by avoiding suspicious ads and untrusted websites, and ensure your system remains up to date to prevent future infections.

FAQ