How to remove RefreshMate from your browser
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is RefreshMate?
After downloading and testing RefreshMate, we found that it is a browser extension that shows annoying advertisements. Therefore, we classified RefreshMate as adware. Typically, users download apps of this kind from unreliable sources and (or) unintentionally.
RefreshMate in detail
RefreshMate is advertised as an app that enables users to refresh all tabs with just one click. However, it displays ads. These ads may promote various scams, shady apps, and even pages hosting malicious content. It is noteworthy that clicking those ads may download or install unwanted software.
Another detail about advertising-supported apps (especially the ones downloaded from untrustworthy sources) is that they can be capable of accessing personal information. They can be designed to gather browsing history and search queries, email addresses and contact lists, system and device information, and more.
It is important to note that not all adware collects this information, but some may do so in order to display targeted ads or to sell the data to third-party advertisers. Thus, adware can cause issues related to online privacy and other problems.
| Name | Ads by RefreshMate |
| Threat Type | Adware |
| Symptoms | Your computer 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), torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
More about adware
In some cases, adware can have the qualities of a browser hijacker. Software of this type modifies the user's web browser settings. This can include changing the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page. Typically, browser-hijacking apps promote untrustworthy (or fake) search engines that may provide inaccurate/misleading results.
Examples of different advertising-supported apps are Player, Ads Blocker Pro, and Tabs Organizer for Chrome.
How did adware install on my computer?
RefreshMate is promoted on a web page claiming that a security extension update is available and instructing to click "Install", then "GET", and then "Add extension" to continue. RefreshMate appears on a web browser after completing the provided steps.
Also, adware is distributed through bundling with other software. Adware is often installed alongside the desired software when users leave "Custom", "Advanced", "Manual" or similar settings unchanged during installation processes.
Adware may also be installed through malicious advertisements that run certain scripts or through fake installers. As a result, many users unknowingly download and install adware.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download applications solely from trustworthy sources like official websites and reputable stores, and refrain from getting them from untrustworthy sources such as P2P networks, third-party downloaders, and dubious web pages.
Be vigilant while browsing, avoid clicking on suspicious advertisements on questionable pages, and never allow them to show notifications. Carefully review downloaders and installers for optional downloads and installations, and uncheck any undesired apps. Do not proceed with downloads or installations until you have deselected any unwanted applications.
If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Deceptive website promoting RefreshMate:
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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
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. 7 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 RefreshMate?
- STEP 1. Uninstall adware applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue plug-ins from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove adware-type extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove malicious extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
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 any unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove unwanted browser add-ons:
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 "RefreshMate" and other suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by refreshmate, 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 plug-ins 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 all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by refreshmate 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 refreshmate, 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.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on ads by refreshmate or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
If adware is present on your computer, it can result in a subpar web browsing experience and may also cause a reduction in the performance of your system.
What does adware do?
Adware is short for advertising-supported software, whose main purpose is to bombard users with intrusive advertisements.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers usually earn money by promoting products, websites, or services, with the majority of their revenue coming from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove RefreshMate adware?
Combo Cleaner has the ability to scan your computer and remove any adware-type applications that are installed. It is important to note that manual removal may not always be a complete solution, as there may still be hidden file leftovers in the system. Even if the adware software is deleted, some of its components could still be present and operational.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion