How To Remove ClearBrowser Adware On Mac [Quick Guide]

Adware is a constantly relevant issue for Mac users, and ClearBrowser is one of the latest threats to watch out for.

Posing as a legitimate browser based on Chromium, ClearBrowser might initially seem harmless. However, it’s designed to inject advertisements, compromise your privacy, and collect sensitive data.

If you’re dealing with this unwelcome software, this guide will walk you through what ClearBrowser is, how it can harm your system, and, most importantly, how to remove it effectively from your Mac.

What is ClearBrowser?

ClearBrowser is an adware application that disguises itself as a Chromium-based browser.

Adware like this typically aims to bombard users with intrusive advertisements and redirect web traffic to affiliate links or suspicious websites.

While it might look like a functional browser, ClearBrowser operates to serve the interests of its creators by manipulating your online experience.

ClearBrowser is often distributed through misleading online ads, software bundles, and rogue websites that abuse push notification permissions.

For example, clicking on fake “Download” buttons or agreeing to notifications on dubious sites can lead to installing ClearBrowser and similar adware.

How ClearBrowser affects your Mac

Once installed, ClearBrowser can:

• Inject intrusive ads: Pop-ups, banners, and other advertisements will flood your browsing experience, often leading to untrustworthy websites.
• Hijack your browser settings: It can modify your default search engine, homepage, and new tab settings without your consent.
• Collect sensitive data: ClearBrowser tracks your browsing activity, search queries, and potentially other private information to use for targeted ads or sell to third parties.

If left unchecked, adware like ClearBrowser can compromise your privacy and expose your system to further security risks.

How to remove ClearBrowser adware on Mac

Removing ClearBrowser from your Mac involves a thorough cleanup process to ensure no leftover files or settings persist.

Follow the steps below to remove this adware completely.

1. Uninstall ClearBrowser from Applications

The first step is to remove the ClearBrowser application itself.

1. Open Finder and navigate to the Applications folder.
2. Look for “ClearBrowser” in the list of installed apps.
3. Right-click on the ClearBrowser app and select Move to Trash.
4. Empty your Trash to permanently delete the application.

2. Remove Leftover Files

Adware often leaves residual files behind, so it’s essential to clean these out manually.

1. Open Finder and click on Go in the top menu bar.
2. Select Go to Folder and enter each of the following paths one by one:
   • /Library/LaunchAgents/
   • /Library/Application Support/
   • /Library/LaunchDaemons/
   • ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
   • ~/Library/Application Support/
3. Search for files or folders related to “ClearBrowser” or unfamiliar entries and move them to the Trash, then empty it.

3. Reset your web browsers

ClearBrowser often modifies browser settings, so resetting your browsers is crucial.

Reset Chrome

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Click on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and go to Settings.
3. Scroll down and click Reset settings to their original defaults under Reset settings.
4. Confirm your choice to reset Chrome.

Reset Safari

1. Open the browser and click on Safari in the top menu bar.
2. Select Settings and navigate to the Extensions tab.
3. Remove any suspicious or unfamiliar extensions.
4. Go to the Privacy tab and click Manage Website Data, then remove all data.

Reset Firefox

1. Open Firefox and click the three-line menu in the top-right corner.
2. Go to Help > More Troubleshooting Information.
3. Under Reset Firefox, click Refresh Firefox and confirm.

4. Check login items

Adware can add itself to login items to relaunch when you start your Mac.

1. Open System Settings and go to General > Login Items & Extensions.
2. Look for any suspicious login items related to ClearBrowser and remove them by clicking the minus button.

5. Use SpyHunter for comprehensive Removal

Even after manual removal, leftover files or hidden components can remain. Using anti-malware software like SpyHunter ensures complete cleanup.

1. Download SpyHunter for free hereDownload SpyHunter for free here and install it on your Mac.
2. Open SpyHunter and perform a full system scan to detect any threats.
3. Once the scan is complete, examine the list of detections to make sure all items found are selected for removal.

4. Follow the prompts to remove all identified adware or malware.

Preventing adware like ClearBrowser

Taking steps to prevent adware infections is key to keeping your Mac safe:

• Steer clear of flashy, misleading ads promising free software or rewards.
• Only download software from trusted sources or the Mac App Store.
• During installation, opt for “Custom” or “Advanced” settings to uncheck bundled software.
• Regular updates ensure you’re protected against known vulnerabilities.
• Tools like SpyHunter can provide real-time protection and block potential threats.