How to uninstall the InstantFresh adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is InstantFresh?
Our research team discovered the InstantFresh app while investigating new submissions to VirusTotal. Our inspection of this application revealed that it is advertising-supported software (adware) belonging to the AdLoad malware family. InstantFresh runs intrusive advertisement campaigns and may have additional harmful abilities.
InstantFresh adware overview
Adware operates by delivering intrusive ad campaigns, i.e., it enables the placement of advertisements on various interfaces. These ads endorse online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and malware. Some intrusive adverts are even capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It must be noted that any legitimate products or services encountered through these advertisements are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers/creators. Instead, scammers often abuse affiliate programs of genuine content in order to obtain illegitimate commissions for the endorsement.
Advertising-supported software might need specific conditions to run intrusive advert campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc. However, even if InstantFresh does not display ads – its presence endangers device integrity and user safety.
Additionally, this application might have browser-hijacking qualities since they are common for AdLoad adware, although we did not observe any during testing.
Furthermore, InstantFresh likely gathers private data. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of adware on a device can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by InstantFresh |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Search), 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 examples
We have analyzed thousands of adware-type apps; OperativeQueue, MajorLetterSearch, ExtendedTech, UniversalSource, and EazyBit are merely some examples.
This software typically appears harmless and offers "useful" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Even if such an app operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did InstantFresh install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs. Installers packed with unwanted/malicious additions can be downloaded from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.). Additionally, rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) increases the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Advertising-supported software is also proliferated through fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers. It is distributed by intrusive advertisements as well. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Furthermore, adware can have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on scam sites. These deceptive pages are primarily accessed via redirects caused by websites that use rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. It is just as important to treat installation with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless – however, they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
Should you experience such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with InstantFresh, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once InstantFresh adware's installation is over:
InstantFresh adware'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 InstantFresh?
- STEP 1. Remove InstantFresh related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove InstantFresh ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove InstantFresh adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove InstantFresh ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove InstantFresh adware using Combo Cleaner:
InstantFresh adware removal:
Remove InstantFresh-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?
Adware can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It displays ads promoting deceptive/malicious content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, the software is considered to be a threat to user privacy, as it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open sites and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, products, services, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove InstantFresh adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It must be stressed that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be ideal. Since even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components may continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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