Remove MacVX Ads from Apple Mac OS X (Removal Guide)

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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MacVX is an adware program for Apple Mac OS X, that displays pop-up ads and advertisements on web pages that you visit. These advertisements will be shown as boxes containing various coupons that are available, as underlined keywords, pop-up ads or advertising banners.
Ads by MacVX on Mac OS X

What is MacVX?

The MacVX adware infection is designed specifically to make money. It generates web traffic, collects sales leads for other dubious sites, and will display advertisements and sponsored links within your web browser.

When installed, the MacVX application will display advertising banners, pop-up advertisements and in-text ads, stating that they are brought to you by “MacVX”.
These ads are aimed to promote the installation of additional questionable content including web browser toolbars, optimization utilities and other products, all so the MacVX publisher can generate pay-per-click revenue.
When infected with MacVX the common symptoms include:

  • Advertising banners are injected with the web pages that you are visiting.
  • Random web page text is turned into hyperlinks.
  • Browser popups appear which recommend fake updates or other software.
  • Other unwanted adware programs might get installed without the user’s knowledge.

How did got MacVX on my computer?

MacVX is an adware program that is commonly bundled with other free programs that you download off of the Internet.
Unfortunately, some free downloads do not adequately disclose that other software will also be installed and you may find that you have installed MacVX without your knowledge. MacVX is typically added when you install another free software that had bundled into their installation this adware program. Most commonly MacVX is bundled within the installers from Cnet, Softonic or other similar custom third-party installers.

You should always pay attention when installing software because often, a software installer includes optional installs, such as this MacVX adware. Be very careful what you agree to install.
Always opt for the custom installation and deselect anything that is not familiar, especially optional software that you never wanted to download and install in the first place.
It goes without saying that you should not install software that you don’t trust.

MacVX Overview:

  • MacVX will inject pop-up ads, advertising banners and in-text ads within your web browser
  • Adware detected in the MacVX program
  • Integrates into the web browser via the MacVX browser extension
  • Typically distributed through a pay-per-install bundle or with third-party software (example: CNET installer, Softonic Installer, InstallRex installer and many more)
  • MacVX has a poor reputation within the MalwareTips Community

How to remove “Ads by MacVX” from Mac OS X (Removal Guide)

This page is a comprehensive guide, which will remove “MacVX” virus from your computer, and any other adware program that may have been installed during the setup process.
Please perform all the steps in the correct order. If you have any questions or doubt at any point, STOP and ask for our assistance.
STEP 1: Uninstall MacVX application from your MAC OS X
STEP 2: Remove “Ads by MacVX” from Safari, Google Chrome and Firefox
STEP 3: Remove “Ads by MacVX” adware with avast! Free Antivirus for Mac

STEP 1: Uninstall MacVX application from your MAC OS X

In this first step, we will search and remove all the MacVX files from your machine.

  1. Click on the “Go” button, then select “Applications”.
    Applications on Mac OS X
  2. When the Application folder will open, search for the MacVX application. Either drag the application icon to the Trash, or right-click and select “Move to Trash”.
    Delete MacVX application
If your having issues finding the MacVX malicious application, you can perform a scan with the “Adware Removal Tool (Download Link)” from The Safe Mac.

STEP 2: Remove “Ads by MacVX” from Safari, Google Chrome and Firefox

If you are still experiencing issues with “Ads by MacVX” virus within Safari, Firefox or Chrome, we will need to remove the MacVX browser extension. This step needs to be performed only if your issues have not been solved by the previous steps.

Remove “Ads by MacVX” from Safari

  1. From the Safari menu, select “Preferences”.
    Safari Mac OS X Preferences
  2. In the Safari Preferences window, click the “Extensions” tab. Find the “MacVX” plugin, then click on the “Uninstall” button.
    Delete MacVX extension

Remove “Ads by MacVX” from Google Chrome

  1. In Chrome adress bar, type chrome://extensions
    Mac OS X Chrome extensions
  2. On the Extensions window, remove the MacVX and any other unknown extensions by clicking the trash can [Image: Remove an extension from Chrome] icon.
    MacVX Chrome Mac OS X extension

Remove “Ads by MacVX” from Firefox

  1. In Firefox, click the “Tools” menu, then click “Add-ons“.
  2. Select the Extensions tab, then remove MacVX and any other unknown extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
    MacVX extension Mac OS X Firefox

STEP 3: Remove “Ads by MacVX” adware with avast! Free Antivirus for Mac

Avast Antivirus is a a powerful antivirus for Mac which will detect and remove the MacVX adware from your Apple Mac OS X.

  1. You can download avast! Free Antivirus for Mac utility from the below link.
    AVAST FREE ANTIVIRUS FOR MAC DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a new web page from where you can download “avast! Free Antivirus”)
  2. After downloading avast Antivirus for Mac, double-click the downloaded file ‘avast_free_antivirus_mac_setup.dmg‘.
  3. In the new window double-click on ‘avast!.pkg’ file and follow the instructions on the displayed window ( read AVAST End User License Agreement, click ‘Agree‘, and then click ‘Install’ to complete the installation then press ‘Close’.
  4. When the Avast Antivirus will start, perform a “Full System Scan” to remove MacVX adware from your Mac OS X.
    Avast for Mac Scan
  5. Avast will remove MacVX virus from Apple Mac OS X, and furthermore Avast Antivirus will protect your Mac OS X from future infection.
Your Apple Mac OS X should now be free of any adware infection. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove adware from your machine, please start a new thread in our Malware Removal Assistance forum.
How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

142 thoughts on “Remove MacVX Ads from Apple Mac OS X (Removal Guide)”

  3. This removal guide worked! soo happy!
    i had trouble finding the MacVX extensions in safari and Firefox. it was called “macfest”, I removed it and now its all fixed. :D

  4. Thanks so much I have a 2015 mac book pro and it was slowing it down so much a website would use 80% of my CPU:(

  7. THANKS, THERE WAS A FUCK CALLED MaxVX, AND I FUCKING REMOVED IT, THANK YOU SO FUCKING MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  11. SEASON FINALE of OITNB and it could not load due to this virus (Not from Netflix). However, thanks to this – – – – IT WORKED! Finally finished and was in AWE with how GOOD it is!

  12. This REALLY helped me :) My Safari was running soooooo slow and I was getting really frustrated. Thanks :)

  13. I had an extension called macfest and downloaded the ‘adwaremedic’ thing from step 1 which deleted app files from my mac (also couldn’t find a macvx app) and now all is working fine! thanks :) :)

  14. Had this happen to me after installing media hint. I wasn’t able to find macvx in my applications folder, but I was able to remove macfest extension from my chrome and firefox browsers. Haven’t had any issues yet, but I’m not sure if they might come back somehow

  17. Thank you for this! My extension was called macfest but the instructions still worked.

    Somewhat unrelated, but I downloaded an extension called ‘Ghostery’ in chrome for on-page ads and it works really well. Hope this helps someone!

  19. Hello,
    Did you scan with AdwareMedic? Please keep in mind that this add-on may have a different name… The best way to remove it is to go to the Safari extensions, and uninstall all of them!

  28. Thank you these ads are soooo annoying i cant stand them. I found about 7 extensions that i didnt know of and it got rid of it all

  29. I can finally access my school work in google drive! Thank you thank you sooooooo much!

  42. Thanks a lot!!!!! I was going to give someone to fix my laptop but these instructions saved me time and moneyyyy thank youuuuu

  43. They changed the extension name to macfest. Thanks to the information on this website I was able to remove the macfest extension from Safari, Google Chrome, and Firefox and eliminate the annoying AD popups.

  52. I almost cried. I have dealt with this for months and was super nervous to do anything because i didn’t want to loose any data

  59. Thank you for this information. I have been plagued by this stuff. I clean it up and then again, it comes back. Can’t there be a class action suit against these people. Obviously they have a “business” and it sounds like we as the general group should consider this as a response.

  65. YESSSSSS! THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOOO SOOOOOOOOOO MUCH MAN FINALLY DONE WITH THE STUPID FREAKIN MACVX BULLSH*T MAN! WOO HOO – sorry caps on but still, thank you so much

  66. Thank you for posting this and I’m so happy it was easy to access. Thank you, thank you, thank you

  69. Thanks so much for helping me get rid of these stupid ads that would never go away. I would press the close button and they would just pop right back up. So annoying. I’m not sure what I downloaded but something came with MacKeeper and I guess the MacVX ads too.

  71. Thanks dude, I got the virus from downloading Max 7, SO if u guys downloaded max 7 then make sure to delete it

  77. Thank you it took away the adds that kept showing up on my blog when I viewed it from Firefox!

    I have shared!

  79. Yeeahhhh i was taking a test and i saw these popping up all over and i just screamed “THATS!!!! ITTTT!!! *Holds up cardboard avast! logo* THE POWER OF AVAST COMPELLS YOU!!!!!!!!” (that wouldn’t work btw don’t do that it’ll make u look like an idiot.)

  81. Really helped me. I thought my computer was being hacked or something when ads started showing up in the middle of my M.I.T. Online Python class but this helped me so much!

  83. OMG THIS WAS SO HELPFUL OH MY GOD THANK YOU SO MUCH I JUST BOUGHT MY COMPUTER AND I THOUGHT MACKEEPER WAS BY APPLE

  89. Thanks so much to this article! I was really worried that I had screwed up my computer and that I wouldn’t be able to get rid of the ads and annoying pop-ups, but then I found this and fixed it. Thanks, it’s a real weight off my shoulders!

  90. When I googling with firefox, I wonder tht this MacVX is something wrong. And then I search about this. Then found your advise. Thank you very much.

  91. I downloaded something else but it came up as MacVX, and Google Chrome was redirecting me to different websites, so I wanted to check if there was a virus. Thankfully, this blog site solved my issues. Thank you!

  94. OHHHHHH reall,y thank you sooo much! I’m a mess with computers and I did it! Yo save my life!! Excellent!!

  100. oh my god you’re like god. thank you so much this is the best thing ever! i wanted to through my computer out the window and now its completely gone just by doing the safari thing!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH

  105. thank you!! i was going mental with the ads everywhere! i clicked safari, and preferences, and went from there because i wasn’t able to find it in my system. just make sure to restart your computer after!

  110. hi this is useful. thank you very much! but I only have that problem on chrome and couldn’t find the app in my application. is this good or bad?

  119. I’m delighted I found this! Was very confused as to why stupid ads kept popping up…thanks a million!

  123. Thank you so much! I was beginning to hate my computer because of those stupid ads and now they are gone. Yay!!!!!!

  124. Thank you so much. I have been searching for such a long time on how to fix the problem. The simple safari extension trick worked

  126. ohhh thanks sooooo much, almost everything i clicked was a add and i was about to throw my mac at something, thank you so much!!!

  131. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! MacVX was the worst!!!!!! Thanks to you it is *finally* gone and off of my GoogleChrome. Wow…thank you!

  132. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! I know this seems slightly over the top, but omg I’m so happy that bastard macvx is gone from my computer. Hopefully forever. I’m wondering where it came from, maybe from a torrent download? I don’t really know what i’m doing at kickass and pirate bay so I’m probably lucky if this is all that happened. LOL. Yeah, thanks :) x

  133. OH MY GOD I LOVE YOU! Thank you so much for posting this! This is what I’ve been dealing with and it was ticking me off soooo much! Don’t mind that it’s LockedCraft and that I’m on my profile page. ;) But yea. Thanks so much!

  134. This helped so much! (I actually had to view this page WITH the ads and oh my gosh did it piss me off) Thank you so much for your help :)

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