How to remove the AdminHelper adware-type app from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is AdminHelper?
AdminHelper is a rogue application, which we determined to be adware. Our examination revealed that this piece of software operates by running intrusive ad campaigns. It is noteworthy that AdminHelper is part of the AdLoad malware family.
AdminHelper adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functionality is to display advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, banners, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
However, certain conditions may be necessary for adware to work as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to specific websites, etc.). Even if AdminHelper does not display ads – the application's presence on a system threatens device/user safety.
In addition to diminishing the browsing experience and/or system performance, these adverts promote deceptive/dangerous content. Intrusive ads commonly endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Some may be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products or services may be encountered through these adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
While we have found in many instances of AdLoad adware-type apps possessing browser-hijacking functionalities, AdminHelper did not exhibit these qualities during testing.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking abilities, and this might be true of AdminHelper. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. This sensitive data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like AdminHelper on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by AdminHelper |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| 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), 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
Illation.app, LogicalAnalog, Finless.app, and app_assistant are but a few examples of adware-type applications we have examined recently. Advertising-supported software seldom appears suspicious; it tends to look legitimate and innocuous. Adware may also offer various useful features, which are rarely operational.
Note that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did AdminHelper install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. The threat of inadvertently permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most users enter these pages via redirects generated by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Additionally, advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive adverts. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We also advise being vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with AdminHelper, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once AdminHelper adware's installation is over:
AdminHelper 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 AdminHelper?
- STEP 1. Remove AdminHelper related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AdminHelper ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AdminHelper adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AdminHelper ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove AdminHelper adware using Combo Cleaner:
AdminHelper adware removal:
Remove AdminHelper-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 may diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software displays ads that can promote harmful content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, adware is classed as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns. Primary functionalities can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily by promoting content. They may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove AdminHelper adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might be ineffective. In some cases, various file remnants stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. Additionally, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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