How to remove the Audio Player adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Audio Player?
Audio Player is a rogue browser extension that our researchers discovered while inspecting dubious software-promoting websites. This extension is endorsed as a tool capable of reading text in multiple languages and voices. However, our analysis revealed that Audio Player operates as adware instead.
Audio Player adware overview
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive ad campaigns. In other words, advertising-supported software displays advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
These adverts endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive ads can be triggered (by being clicked) to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is noteworthy that any legitimate products encountered via these advertisements are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
It has to be mentioned that advertising-supported software might not run intrusive advert campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, regardless of whether Audio Player displays ads - its presence endangers device and user safety.
Furthermore, Audio Player has data tracking functionalities. Adware usually collects visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, financial/banking data, and so on. The gathered information can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like Audio Player on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Audio Player |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Audio Player |
| Supposed Functionality | Text reading tool |
| Symptoms | Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed. |
| Distribution Methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers. |
| Damage | Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Adware examples
We have analyzed thousands of adware samples; Mobile, Webpage Text Reader, Movie Database, and EyeEase are merely some of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and innocuous. Users are enticed into download/installation with promises of various "useful" and "advantageous" functions. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did Audio Player install on my computer?
We obtained Audio Player from its "official" promotional webpage, and we also found a deceptive site promoting this rogue browser extension. Most users access pages of this kind via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Additionally, advertising-supported software can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official and verified channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We advise being vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Audio Player, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of Audio Player adware's "official" promotional website:
Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote Audio Player adware:
Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Quick menu:
- What is Audio Player?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Audio Player application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Audio Player ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Audio Player' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Audio Player extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Audio Player adware removal:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window, look for "Audio Player", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Audio Player ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Audio Player adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Audio Player adware using Combo Cleaner:
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 "Audio Player" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by audio player, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate "Audio Player" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by audio player removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon 
(at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by audio player, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware delivers advertisements that promote hazardous content, which can cause severe problems, e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc. This software usually has data tracking functionalities - hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (ads) on visited sites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some adware-type can force-open websites and collect sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Audio Player adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate all adware-type applications detected. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed - various components (files) remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Hence, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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