How to remove FormatSync adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is FormatSync?
We discovered FormatSync while inspecting shady websites distributing fake Adobe Flash Player installers. After downloading and installing this app, we learned that it displays annoying advertisements. Apps like FormatSync are classified as advertising-supported applications.
FormatSync adware in detail
FormatSync generates banners, coupons, pop-ups, surveys, etc., that promote questionable (potentially malicious) pages. Clicking on those ads can open technical support scam pages, phishing sites, websites promoting/distributing shady applications, etc. Another reason not to click on those ads is that it can cause unexpected downloads and installations.
Our malware researchers tested many apps similar to FormatSync. Some of those apps can read passwords, credit card details, and other personal/sensitive information. It is not safe to have adware that can read such information installed on the operating system. It can lead to monetary loss, identity theft, loss of access to personal accounts, and other issues.
| Name | Ads by FormatSync |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to 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. |
Adware in general
Typically, adware bombards users with unwanted (intrusive) advertisements. It can also be capable of hijacking a web browser and collecting information. It is very common for adware to be promoted and distributed using deceptive methods. Thus, users tend to download and install adware inadvertently.
More adware examples are RoundEmporium, ActivateOptimization, and HelperProtocol.
How did FormatSync install on my computer?
Applications similar to FormatSync are often installed via fake installers for the Adobe Flash Player. Those installers are distributed mainly through deceptive websites (e.g., pages claiming that the Adobe Flash Player is out of date). Also, adware installs via shady advertisements and software bundles.
Software bundled with adware has "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings in its installer (or its downloader). Users end up having adware installed on computers after finishing installations without deselecting optional installations (changing the settings provided in installers).
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download applications from legitimate/official websites and stores. Using third-party downloaders, P2P networks, questionable pages, etc., can lead to unwanted downloads and installations. Also, do not trust advertisements appearing on torrent sites, illegal movie streaming pages, etc.
Examine downloaders and installers before downloading or installing software. Check them for unwanted apps and deselect them. If your computer is already infected with FormatSync, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A pop-up that appears after the installation of FormatSync adware:
FormatSync's 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 FormatSync?
- STEP 1. Remove FormatSync related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove FormatSync ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove FormatSync adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove FormatSync ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove FormatSync adware using Combo Cleaner:
FormatSync adware removal:
Remove FormatSync-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?
Usually, adware diminishes the web browsing experience by displaying advertisements that conceal the contents of visited pages. It is also common for adware to be slowing down computers. Sometimes, adware can invade privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware bombards users with unwanted advertisements (e.g., banners, coupons, pop-ups). Additionally, it can promote fake search engines by hijacking a web browser. Also, it can collect sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
They use adware to promote various web pages, products, services, etc. Typically, they participate in affiliate programs to monetize adware.
Will Combo Cleaner remove FormatSync adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will remove adware from the operating system. It is recommended to use Combo Cleaner for adware removal since it can be difficult to remove adware manually without leaving any files belonging to adware in the system.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion