How to remove MetroBrowser adware-type application from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is MetroBrowser?
Our research team discovered MetroBrowser while reviewing new file submissions to the VirusTotal site. Upon examination, we determined that this application is advertising-supported software (adware) belonging to the AdLoad malware family. MetroBrowser runs intrusive advertisement campaigns, and it may have other undesirable/harmful abilities.
MetroBrowser adware overview
Adware usually operates by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., overlays, banners, pop-ups, etc.) on visited websites or different interfaces. These advertisements can endorse various scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and potential malware. Some can even perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is pertinent to mention that while genuine products or services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. This promotion is most likely undertaken by scammers motivated to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed content's affiliate programs.
Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system or user geolocation, particular sites are not visited, etc.). Regardless of whether MetroBrowser displays adverts – its presence on a device threatens system and user safety.
Furthermore, MetroBrowser might have browser-hijacking functionalities since they are standard for AdLoad applications; however, we did not observe these qualities during our analysis.
What is more, adware usually possesses data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to MetroBrowser. Software within this classification tends to target browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like MetroBrowser on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by MetroBrowser |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AB [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.29), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.g), 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), 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 investigated numerous adware samples; SyncProcess, IndexerTask, and DynamicPositive are merely a couple of our latest finds. Advertising-supported software rarely appears suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and innocuous.
Users may be enticed to download/install it by promises of various handy features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be stressed that even if an app or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did MetroBrowser install on my computer?
The bundling marketing tactic, which involves packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to proliferate adware.
Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – pose a threat of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, adware can have "official" download pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Users primarily access these webpages via redirects generated by intrusive ads, sites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive advertisements. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is essential to research software and download it only from official/trustworthy sources. When installing, we recommend reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
Fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous – therefore, we advise exercising caution when browsing. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with MetroBrowser, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once MetroBrowser adware's installation is over:
MetroBrowser 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 MetroBrowser?
- STEP 1. Remove MetroBrowser related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove MetroBrowser ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove MetroBrowser adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove MetroBrowser ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove MetroBrowser adware using Combo Cleaner:
MetroBrowser adware removal:
Remove MetroBrowser-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 diminish the browsing experience and performance. Serious threats are posed by the content endorsed through adware-displayed ads (e.g., system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is considered a threat to user privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. The software's primary functions can include displaying third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and collecting sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit mainly through affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., sites, apps, extensions, tools, products, services, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove MetroBrowser adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all adware-type applications present. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might be ineffective. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers remain hidden within the system. What is more, these components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, adware and other undesirable software must be eliminated thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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