How to remove AppRecognition from computers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is AppRecognition?
During our analysis of AppRecognition, we observed that the application generates intrusive advertisements. These ads can disrupt the user experience. Therefore, our team classified AppRecognition as adware. Users often install such apps on their computers unknowingly.
AppRecognition adware in detail
AppRecognition can display various ads, including pop-ups, coupons, banners, and other types of annoying ads designed to open unreliable websites. Clicking these ads might lead to web pages hosting fake lotteries, giveaways, technical support scams, phishing websites, etc. On these sites, users may be tricked into disclosing sensitive information (e.g., passwords or credit card details).
Also, users might be lured into paying for unnecessary (or fake) services or products, providing scammers remote access to computers, or even downloading malicious software. In some cases, clicking ads displayed by AppRecognition may trigger unexpected downloads and installations of apps like browser hijackers.
Additionally, AppRecognition can be designed to gather a range of user data, including browsing history, search queries, and visited websites. It may also collect other information, such as IP addresses and location data. Adware might sometimes access more sensitive data like credit card details, raising privacy and security concerns.
Furthermore, adware can slow down computers by consuming system resources. Thus, it is recommended to avoid installing apps like AppRecognition on computers to avoid exposure to potentially malicious pages, degraded computer performance, and other issues. If AppRecognition (or a similar app) is already installed, it should be removed as soon as possible.
| Name | Ads by AppRecognition |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Agent.gen), 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. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, adware is a type of unwanted software that disrupts user experience by delivering intrusive (and potentially deceptive) advertisements and can affect computer performance. Beyond annoyance, adware poses privacy and security risks by gathering various data. There are numerous examples of apps classified as adware.
Some of them are SectionDesign, AppSection, and InitialInfo.
How did AppRecognition install on my computer?
Adware-type apps are often installed alongside free software. They are often bundled as additional offers within installers. Users typically install adware by proceeding with the default installation settings (by leaving settings like "Advanced" or "Custom" unchanged) during installation.
Also, adware can be unintentionally installed through deceptive advertisements, fake software updates, notifications from untrustworthy sites, P2P networks, unofficial pages (or app stores), and third-party downloaders. Either way, it is uncommon for software of this type to be installed on purpose.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download software from official websites or app stores, avoiding other sources (e.g., P2P networks and third-party app stores). During installation, carefully review all options and deselect any unwanted offers/apps. Do not trust ads, pop-ups, or prompts on suspicious websites, and do not allow pages of this kind to show notifications.
Additionally, use a reputable antivirus or anti-malware tool to scan your system regularly and keep your software up to date. If your computer is already infected with AppRecognition, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A pop-up that appears after the installation of AppRecognition:
AppRecognition'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 AppRecognition?
- STEP 1. Remove AppRecognition related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AppRecognition ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AppRecognition adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AppRecognition ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove AppRecognition adware using Combo Cleaner:
AppRecognition adware removal:
Remove AppRecognition-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?
Installing adware on your computer can disrupt your web browsing experience and may also cause a decline in your system’s performance. Also, it can cause privacy and security issues.
What does adware do?
Adware generates various advertisements. In addition to showing ads, adware might gather data and hijack browsers.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers usually earn revenue by promoting a range of products, websites, or services. The majority of their income comes from affiliate programs, where they receive commissions for driving traffic or generating sales through the ads they display.
Will Combo Cleaner remove AppRecognition adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove all adware-type applications installed on your system. However, manual removal may not always be entirely effective, as some residual files or components could remain hidden in the system. Therefore, it is recommended to remove adware using tools like Combo Cleaner.
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