How to remove the Moon Browser adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Moon Browser?
Moon Browser is the name of a Chromium-based browser. After testing this browser, we found that it promotes the feed.moonbrowser.com address. Feed.moonbrowser.com is a fake search engine. Thus, it is recommended not to use it as a tool to browse the Internet and avoid using browsers (and other apps) used to promote fake search engines.
More about Moon Browser
Moon Browser has the feed.moonbrowser.com address as the default search engine in its settings. Feed.moonbrowser.com shows results generated by Google (redirects to google.com) when a search query is entered into the URL bar. It shows results generated by Yahoo (redirects to search.yahoo.com) when a search query is entered into the search bar.
Fake search engines cannot be trusted because they can generate misleading results and display results generated by untrustworthy search engines. In some cases, they can display ads among their search results. Either way, it is advisable to use only legitimate search engines.
| Name | Ads by Moon Browser |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names (Installer) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (Application) | N/A (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. |
| Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Apps of this kind in general
Applications like Moon Browser usually are distributed and promoted using deceptive techniques. Thus, they get downloaded and installed unknowingly. Also, they can be used to collect information about users. If Moon Browser is already installed on the operating system, then we strongly advise removing it as soon as possible.
More examples of applications designed to promote fake search engines are Bar1 New Tab, OriginType, PlatformDeploy.
How did Moon Browser install on my computer?
Questionable applications often are distributed via fake Adobe Flash Player installers/updaters. These fake installers are promoted on deceptive websites. Also, these apps can be distributed using shady advertisements, downloaders, and installers for other software.
Unwanted apps get installed alongside other software after finishing the installation processes without changing certain settings. Typically, installers (and downloaders) containing adware have "Custom", "Advanced", or similar settings (or ticked checkboxes).
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download applications and files from trustworthy sources like official pages and legitimate platforms. Do not trust apps (or files) downloaded from shady websites or via third-party downloaders, P2P networks, etc. Check downloaders and installers for optional downloads and installations. Deselect unwanted apps before downloading or installing programs.
Do not click on advertisements appearing on questionable websites or allow such pages to show notifications. If your computer is already infected with Moon Browser, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Feed.moonbrowser.com redirects to google.com (GIF):
The installer for Moon Browser:
Moon Browser's description:
Screenshot the settings of the Moon Browser where feed.moonbrowser.com is the default search engine:
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 Moon Browser?
- STEP 1. Remove Moon Browser related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove Moon Browser ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove Moon Browser adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Moon Browser ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Moon Browser adware removal:
Remove Moon Browser-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 harm can adware cause?
The most common problems with having adware present are diminished browsing experience, manipulated web browser settings, decreased computer performance, and invaded privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware bombards users with unwanted advertisements. In some cases, it can operate as a browser hijacker (promote a fake search engine) and collect various information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
They use adware to promote various websites, services, products, and so forth. Typically, their primary source of income is affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Moon Browser?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will remove adware from the operating system (and a web browser). It is worth mentioning that manual removal does not always work because files belonging to adware remain in the system even when the adware itself is no longer present. Thus, it is advisable to remove such apps using software like Combo Cleaner.
Outstanding!
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