Removing the VixPlayer unwanted app from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is VixPlayer?
VixPlayer developers present this app as a free, powerful, easy-to-use media player for Mac computers that is capable of playing the most popular video formats. In fact, this application is classified as a potentially unwanted app (PUA) and is used to promote other apps of this type (adware and so on).
VixPlayer is promoted via a website and the "bundling" method. Therefore, the VixPlayer app is often installed on a Mac computers without users' knowledge. These apps record data and serve users with intrusive ads.
VixPlayer overview
As mentioned, VixPlayer is categorized as a PUA, an app that most users are likely to install inadvertently. Apps that are promoted using the "bundling" method usually record browsing-related data. For example, IP addresses, URLs of visited websites, geo-locations, search queries, and so on. These apps might also record personal details.
To generate revenue, developers share the data with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue. Therefore, using apps of this type can result in various problems relating to privacy, browsing safety, or even identity theft. They also feed users with ads such as coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, etc.
Furthermore, these ads conceal underlying content and are displayed using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site.
By clicking them, people are redirected to dubious (possibly malicious) websites or inadvertently execute scripts designed to download and install even more unwanted apps. VixPlayer is used to distribute unwanted apps and fake search engines such as Mac Cleanup Pro, Weknow.ac, and so on.
| Name | Ads by VixPlayer |
| Threat Type | Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Symptoms | Your Mac became slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you get redirected to shady websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Potentially unwanted application examples
Apps such as VixPlayer are promoted as useful and capable of providing tools, features, and so on, however, they deliver none of the promised functionality. Developers often present them as legitimate simply to trick people into downloading, installing, and using them. Some examples of other apps categorized as PUAs include My Best Year, Video Monkey, and BeeAware.
How did VixPlayer install on my computer?
A website (screenshot above) is used to promote this app, however, people mostly install PUAs through intrusive ads capable of downloading/installing them, or when software developers use a deceptive method called "bundling". Developers hide unwanted apps in "Custom", "Advanced and other similar settings of the installation/download set-ups.
They bundle PUAs into the install/download set-ups of other software. Nevertheless, these installations could not be achieved without the manual intervention of users. People cause unwanted installations by skipping installation/download steps without checking the settings. In doing so, they grant permission to install various PUAs.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To prevent computer or browser installation of PUAs, download software using official, trustworthy and safe websites (or other sources). Avoid downloading software using third party downloaders, unofficial websites, torrents (and other Peer-to-Peer networks), and so on.
Check all available "Custom", "Advanced", "Manual" or other similar options when installing (or downloading) software. Do not to allow potentially unwanted applications to be installed and decline any offers mentioning unwanted installations. Do not visit untrustworthy websites, especially those with ads displayed.
Clicking these ads risks redirects to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other untrustworthy (potentially malicious) sites - this risks system infiltration by PUAs or even malware.
If you encounter these redirects (they occur randomly), check for unwanted applications (extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins) installed on your browser or suspicious programs installed on the computer. Remove all unknown/unwanted applications and software immediately.
If your computer is already infected with VixPlayer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Deceptive application installer promoting VixPlayer adware:
VixPlayer application:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac
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Quick menu:
- What is VixPlayer?
- STEP 1. Remove VixPlayer related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove VixPlayer ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove VixPlayer adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove VixPlayer ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove VixPlayer adware using Combo Cleaner:
VixPlayer adware removal:
Remove VixPlayer-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX", "NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Remove adware-related files and folders
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/
In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:
In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/
In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers
Remove malicious Safari extensions:
Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".
In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of an unwanted application?
Unwanted applications are designed to generate revenue through dubious means. This purpose may be achieved by forcing users to buy fake activation keys, promoting in-app purchases, collecting/selling private information, endorsing content (via ads, redirects, etc.), and so forth.
Is VixPlayer unwanted application legal?
Unwanted applications are usually considered legal due to their EULAs (End User License Agreements) informing users of the apps' potential behavior.
Is having VixPlayer installed on my computer dangerous?
The threats associated with any piece of software depend on its capabilities and goals. Unwanted apps typically possess harmful functionalities, such as displaying ads (adware), modifying browsers (browser hijackers), gathering sensitive information, etc. Generally, the presence of unwanted software on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove VixPlayer unwanted application?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and remove detected unwanted/malicious applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security programs) might be ineffective. After an application has been manually removed – various components (files) can stay hidden in the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate undesirable software thoroughly.
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