How to Remove AgileCleared on Mac [Complete guide]

Are you constantly battling with unexpected advertisements and a sluggish Mac performance?

Chances are, you’ve encountered AgileCleared adware, a pesky unwanted app targeting Mac users by bombarding their browsers with unwanted ads and rerouting their searches.

This straightforward guide dives into the depths of AgileCleared, uncovering how it sneaks onto your device and, more importantly, how to kick it to the curb.

What еxactly is AgileCleared?

In simpler terms, AgileCleared is a type of unwanted software that finds its way into your computer and starts showing you advertisements that you didn’t ask for.

This adware specifically targets Mac users, altering the normal operation of their web browsers.

Once AgileCleared finds a spot on your Mac, it begins changing the settings of popular web browsers like Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Edge, and Safari.

You might start to notice that your homepage or search engine has been switched to something you don’t recognize, and your searches are redirected elsewhere, often leading to Yahoo Search results. The goal here is to generate ad revenue through these redirected searches.

But it doesn’t stop there. AgileCleared also sprinkles your browsing experience with numerous ads, which can slow down your browser and interrupt your activities online.

Worse still, some of these ads could lead you to sites compromised by criminals, posing a significant risk to your privacy and computer’s security.

Beyond just showing you unwanted advertisements, AgileCleared employs tracking technologies to observe your online behavior. This data harvesting poses a direct threat to your digital privacy.

How can AgileCleared end up on your Mac?

For those wondering how AgileCleared might’ve landed on your Mac, it often gets bundled with other software.

This means that while downloading and installing something else—maybe something you wanted—AgileCleared sneaked in with it. This stealthy installation often leaves users puzzled about where this adware came from.

Other distribution methods for similar potentially unwanted software are fake software updates like the infamous fake Flash Player updates and malicious mages that attempt to install rogue browser extensions on your system.

Symptoms of AgileCleared adware infection

Here are some common symptoms that may indicate your device has been compromised:

• Unexpected ads and pop-ups: One of the most obvious signs of AgileCleared Adware is the sudden appearance of intrusive advertisements and pop-ups while browsing the internet. These ads are designed to make money for the creators at your expense.
• Browser setting changes: If your homepage, search engine, or other browser settings change without your consent, it could be a symptom of AgileCleared Adware. These modifications are made to direct you towards specific sites, further pushing unwanted advertisements.
• Slow system performance: Adware can significantly slow down your Mac’s performance. You may notice longer loading times, sluggish response times, and overall system lethargy as the adware consumes your device’s resources.

Spotting these telltale signs early can save you from more severe consequences, like stolen personal information or further system compromise. Regularly monitoring your Mac for these symptoms allows you to take action quickly, ensuring your computer’s health and your data’s security.

Remove AgileCleared using SpyHunter

Even with detailed manual steps at your fingertips, removing stubborn malware like AgileCleared from your Mac can sometimes be a challenge. This is where SpyHunter for Mac comes into play.

SpyHunter for MacOS is more than just a malware removal tool. It’s designed to provide comprehensive protection against a wide range of threats while being user-friendly.

1. Download SpyHunterDownload SpyHunter and install the application by following the on-screen instructions.
2. Open SpyHunter and perform a full system scan. The app will scan your entire system for potential malicious files, including AgileCleared.

3. Once the scan finishes, you will see a list of detections. Select all items related to AgileCleared.
4. Proceed to remove them and enjoy a safer Mac.

SpyHunter offers a streamlined, effective, and accessible way to keep your Mac protected.

It not only removes existing infections like AgileCleared but also safeguards your system against future threats, ensuring peace of mind in today’s digital world.

Step-by-step manual removal process for AgileCleared

Removing AgileCleared adware from your Mac requires a systematic approach. By following these steps, you can ensure the complete removal of this unwanted software, restoring your device to its optimal state.

Step 1: Remove malicious profiles linked with AgileCleared

Unwanted programs like AgileCleared may install harmful configuration profiles that alter your browser settings and make these changes hard to undo.

1. Open System Settings from the Dock or the Apple menu.
2. Go to the Privacy & Security section and click on Profiles. If this menu item is missing, it means no profiles are installed.
3. Look for any unfamiliar profiles, especially those mentioning AgileCleared.
4. Select the unwanted profile and click the minus (-) button at the bottom of the window to delete it.

Step 2: Uninstall applications associated with AgileCleared

Next, check your Applications folder for any programs you don’t recognize or remember installing.

1. Go to Finder and choose Applications.
2. Scroll through the list. If you spot anything dubious, right-click on the application and select Move to Trash.

3. Be sure to empty the Trash once you’ve moved all suspicious apps there.

Step 3: Eliminate AgileCleared leftover files

Follow the steps below to eliminate any leftover files linked with AgileCleared:

1. In Finder, click on Go > Go to Folder.
2. Enter the following directories by pasting them in the dialog box, press Return after each one:
   • /Library/LaunchAgents/
   • /Library/Application Support/
   • /Library/LaunchDaemons/
   • ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
   • ~/Library/Application Support/

3. Explore each path for files linked with AgileCleared and delete them manually, then empty the Trash.

Step 4: Restore web browsers to their original state

Lastly, it’s essential to clean your web browsers from any changes AgileCleared might have made. This ensures a safe and ad-free browsing experience.

Reset Safari post-adware removal

• Open the browser and click on Safari in the menu, then choose Preferences.
• Go to the Extensions tab. Remove any extensions that you did not install.
• Select the Privacy tab and click Manage Website Data. Here, remove website data for websites you don’t recognize.
• Finally, go to the Advanced tab and check Show Develop menu in menu bar. In the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.

Chrome reset after AgileCleared removal

• Launch Chrome and open the menu by clicking the three dots in the top-right corner. Select Settings.
• Scroll down and click Reset settings. Click Restore settings to their original defaults.
• Confirm by clicking Reset settings.

Restoring Firefox after clearing AgileCleared

• Open Firefox and click the menu button on the top right. Choose Help and select More Troubleshooting Information.
• Click on Refresh Firefox.
• Confirm the action by clicking Refresh Firefox in the dialog box.

After completing these steps, your Mac should be free from AgileCleared adware.

Safe browsing practices to avoid AgileCleared

Adware such as AgileCleared often infiltrates systems through the web. Adopting safe browsing habits is critical in minimizing your exposure to such threats. Here are tips for safer browsing:

• Update browsers: Just like with your operating system, keeping your web browsers up to date is crucial for security.
• Enable security features: Utilize the security settings in your browser. Many browsers offer settings that can warn you about suspicious sites or block unwanted downloads.
• Be skeptical: Treat unsolicited offers or too-good-to-be-true deals with skepticism. Adware developers often use tempting offers to lure users into clicking on malicious ads.
• Privacy settings: Review and adjust your browser’s privacy settings to limit how much data websites can collect about your browsing habits.

Last thoughts

The battle against programs like AgileCleared is ongoing. Keeping macOS updated, carefully monitoring downloaded applications, and being cautious with websites can strengthen security.

Your Mac’s health depends on your vigilance. These practices, combined with using SpyHunter, can greatly reduce the risk of adware, ensuring a safer, smoother browsing experience.