How to remove Mac Ads Cleaner (Virus Removal Guide)

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Mac Ads Cleaner is a potentially unwanted program, which is advertised as a system optimizer, and once installed it claims that several issues were been detected on your Mac. However, if you try to fix these issues, Mac Ads Cleaner will state that you need to buy the full version before being able to do so.

Image: Mac Ads Cleaner
Image: Mac Ads Cleaner

Mac Ads Cleaner is bundled with other free software 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 adware without your knowledge.

You should always pay attention when installing software because often, a software installer includes optional installs, such as this Mac Ads Cleaner potentially unwanted program. 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.

How to remove Mac Ads Cleaner (Virus Removal Guide)

This malware removal guide may appear overwhelming due to the number of steps and numerous programs that are being used. We have only written it this way to provide clear, detailed, and easy to understand instructions that anyone can use to remove malware for free.
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.
To remove Mac Ads Cleaner from your device, follow these steps:

STEP 1: Remove Mac Ads Cleaner from Mac

In this first step, we will try to identify and remove any malicious app that might be installed on your device.

  1. Open “Finder”

    Click the Finder application on your dock.
    Click on Finder

  2. Click on “Applications”

    In the Finder left pane, click on “Applications“.
    Click Applications macOS

  3. Find and remove the malicious app.

    The “Applications” screen will be displayed with a list of all the apps installed on your device. Scroll through the list until you find the Mac Ads Cleaner app, right-click it, and then click “Move to Trash”.

    The malicious app may have a different name on your device. If you cannot find any malicious apps, you can proceed with the next step.

    Find The Malicious App and Remove It

  4. Click “Empty Trash”

    On the dock, right-click on the trash icon and select “Empty Trash”. Doing so deletes the Trash contents, including the program that you just sent to the Trash.
    Right-click on Trash and select Empty Trash MacOS

This program may add a widget on the menu bar, if you see the Mac Ads Cleaner icon in the right end of the menu bar, click on it and then select “Close”.
Next, click the desktop to make sure you’re in the Finder, choose Go > Go to Folder, then go to the below folders and delete the Mac Ads Cleaner files or folders./Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/Application Support
~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons

Some types of malware may also create a new group policy for your device, so before we proceed with the other steps we need to remove these unwanted changes.

  1. Go to System Preferences.
  2. Click Profiles.
  3. The list will include an item “AdminPrefs“. Select this and click the remove “–” button in the lower-left corner.

STEP 2: Use Malwarebytes for Mac to remove Mac Ads Cleaner

Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and most used anti-malware apps, and for good reasons. It is able to destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss, without costing you absolutely nothing. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.

The first time you install Malwarebytes, you’re given a free 30-days trial of the premium edition, which includes preventative tools like real-time scanning and specific protection from ransomware. After 30 days, it automatically reverts to the basic free version that will detect and clean up malware infections only when you run a scan.

  1. Download Malwarebytes.

    You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.

    MALWAREBYTES FOR MAC DOWNLOAD LINK
    (The above link will open a new page from where you can download Malwarebytes for Mac)

  2. Double-click on the Malwarebytes setup file.

    When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the Malwarebytes-Mac-3.x.y.zzz.pkg file to install Malwarebytes on your device. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
    Double-click on the Malwarebytes setup file Mac

  3. Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.

    When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through the installation process. The setup wizard displays an introduction to Malwarebytes for Mac. Click on “Continue” to complete the installation process.

    Malwarebytes for Mac - Install

    Malwarebytes for Mac - Install Part 2

    Next, click on “Install“.

    Malwarebytes for Mac - Install Part 3

    Malwarebytes for Mac - Install Part 4

  4. Click on “Scan Now”.

    Once installed, Malwarebytes will automatically start and update the antivirus database. To perform a system scan, click on the “Scan Now” button.

    Malwarebytes for Mac Scan Now

  5. Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.

    Malwarebytes will now start scanning your Mac for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
    Malwarebytes for Mac scanning for Mac Ads Cleaner virus

  6. Click on “Confirm”.

    When the scan has completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Confirm” button.
    Malwarebytes for Mac Remove Mac Ads Cleaner Malware
    Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.

Mac Ads Cleaner should have now be competently removed from your device. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove Mac Ads Cleaner, please ask for help in our Malware Removal Assistance for Mac 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.

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