How to uninstall ChannelSystem from browsers and computers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is ChannelSystem?
ChannelSystem is a potentially unwanted application (PUA) that is classified as adware, however, if also functions as a browser hijacker. This app serves advertisements, promotes a fake search engine, and possibly collects browsing data and various other information.
ChannelSystem is classified as a PUA because users often download and install adware-type apps (including browser hijackers) inadvertently.
Usually, apps such as ChannelSystem serve banners, pop-ups, coupons, surveys and other ads. These commonly promote (open) dubious websites. In some cases, they are capable of causing download/installation of potentially unwanted or even malicious applications.
As mentioned, ChannelSystem functions as a browser hijacker. Therefore, it modifies browser settings. More precisely, it changes the default search engine, homepage, and new tab to the address of a fake search engine so that users are forced to visit this site when they enter search queries into the URL bar, open a browser, or new tab.
Note that most browser hijackers promote search engines, which do not generate any unique results, or they generate results that can include links to untrusted sites.
The unwanted addresses in browser settings can only be removed when the hijacking app responsible is uninstalled from the browser and operating system.
Additionally, it is likely that ChannelSystem will collect browsing data (e.g., IP addresses, geolocations, addresses of opened websites, entered search queries), and private, sensitive information. The gathered information could be sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) or misused to generate revenue in other ways.
Therefore, users with apps such as ChannelSystem installed on the browser and/or computer might encounter issues relating to online privacy, browsing safety, and they might even become victims of identity theft.
Name | Ads by ChannelSystem |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus. |
Additional Information | This application belongs to the Adload malware family. |
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. |
Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
More examples of other apps that are similar to ChannelSystem are CoordinatorData, PublicFraction and AdvancedNetworkSearch. They do not work as advertised - they do not improve the browsing experience or include any useful features.
Furthermore, apps such as ChannelSystem can cause the issues mentioned above and it is therefore not safe to have them installed.
How did ChannelSystem install on my computer?
Unwanted downloads and installations often occur when developers distribute PUAs by integrating them into the download/installation setups of other programs as "extra offers". This distribution method is known as "bundling". The offers can be declined in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings of the setups (or by unticking certain checkboxes).
Many users fail to check and change these settings (or untick the checkboxes), thereby allowing PUAs to infiltrate together with the desired software.
PUAs are also downloaded and installed by clicking deceptive advertisements (usually on untrusted sites) that execute certain scripts.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
You are advised to download files and programs from official websites and via direct download links. Other tools and sources such as third party downloaders and installers, unofficial pages, and Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., eMule, torrent clients) should not be used to download or install software. Check all "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings (or available checkboxes) for offers to download and/or install unwanted apps.
Do not click ads on dubious websites, since they can be designed to open bogus web pages or cause unwanted downloads and installations. Remove any unwanted, suspicious extensions, plug-ins and add-ons installed on the browser, and software of this kind from the operating system.
Pop-up that appears after installation of the ChannelSystem app:
ChannelSystem installation folder:
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 ChannelSystem?
- STEP 1. Remove ChannelSystem related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ChannelSystem ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ChannelSystem adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ChannelSystem ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ChannelSystem adware using Combo Cleaner:
ChannelSystem adware removal:
Remove ChannelSystem-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.
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