How to uninstall the Smart Mac Tuneup unwanted application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "Smart Mac Tuneup"?
According to the developers, Smart Mac Tuneup is a high quality system cleaner that boosts computer performance by deleting junk files, optimizing the hard drive, and so on.
On initial inspection, Smart Mac Tuneup may seem legitimate and useful, however, developers promote this application using the "bundling" method. Therefore, it is categorized as a potentially unwanted application (PUA).
Following infiltration, Smart Mac Tuneup performs a system scan and displays results by listing all 'issues' that must be fixed (e.g., junk files that should be deleted, settings that should be optimized, and so on). To perform these fixes, however, users are encouraged to purchase the full version of Smart Mac Tuneup.
Be aware that system cleaners and other similar applications promoted using the "bundling" method are often fake. Most display false scan results just to scare people and trick them into purchasing the software. Therefore, although it is currently unconfirmed whether Smart Mac Tuneup is one of these rogue apps, you should not risk purchasing this software.
Bear in mind that "bundling" is often used to proliferate multiple unwanted applications at once (typically adware and browser hijackers). Therefore, it is likely that Smart Mac Tuneup is not the only potentially unwanted application present on the system. We strongly recommend that you uninstall Smart Mac Tuneup and all other dubious programs immediately.
| Name | Smart Mac Tuneup potentially unwanted application |
| Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application), Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names (Smart Mac Tuneup.zip) | Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information, financial losses. |
| Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Smart Mac Tuneup is virtually identical to dozens of other applications that also offer system optimization, malware/privacy protection, and other similar features. Some examples include Quick Mac Care, MacEntizer, and Qbit Mac Speedup. Most of these applications are useless and have just one purpose: to help developers extort money from unsuspecting users.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Smart Mac Tuneup is free for anyone to download on its official website, however, it is also distributed using the "bundling" method, which is essentially stealth installation of third party applications together with regular software. Developers know that users often rush these procedures and skip steps.
Therefore, they conceal "bundled" programs within "Custom/Advanced" settings or other sections. By carelessly rushing and skipping steps, many users expose their system to risk of various infections.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To prevent this situation, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Select "Cuustom/Advanced" settings and study each window of the download/installation dialogs. Opt-out of all additionally-included programs and decline offers to download/install them.
We recommend that you download software from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers often include rogue apps, and thus these tools should not be used. Note that PUAs are also distributed using intrusive advertisements, most of which might seem legitimate.
Ads of this type are often delivered by adware-type applications and, thus, if you encounter these ads/redirects, remove all suspicious applications immediately. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.
Screenshot of Smart Mac Tuneup potentially unwanted application:
Appearance of "Smart Mac Tuneup" potentially unwanted application (GIF):
Deceptive website promoting a fake Adobe Flash Player installer, which bundles Smart Mac Tuneup:
Screenshot of Adobe Flash Player installer, which bundles Smart Mac Tuneup:
IMPORTANT NOTE! Smart Mac Tuneup adds itself to the list of applications that automatically run upon each user log in. Therefore, before commencing, perform these steps:
- Go to System Preferences -> Users & Groups.
- Click your account (also known as Current User).
- Click Login Items.
- Look for the "Smart Mac Tuneup" entry. Select it, and click the "-" button to remove it.
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
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is "Smart Mac Tuneup"?
- STEP 1. Remove PUA related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove Smart Mac Tuneup potentially unwanted application using Combo Cleaner:
Potentially unwanted applications removal:
Remove 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.
Outstanding!
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