If you’ve noticed any of the things happening when browsing the internet on your Mac, you’re almost certainly dealing with adware.

Unwanted toolbars appearing in your browser.

Mac performance seems much slower than usual.

The link that you click in search results redirects to a different website.

Your homepage redirects to another website.

More ads than you’re used to in search results and webpages - particularly banner ads or in-text advertisements in content.

Several pop-ups appearing when you click on links that advertise fake updates or software.

Take a look at these symptoms to see if any are familiar: It may even sell your data to third parties and put your computer at risk. Adware may turn your browsing experience into complete chaos opening pages you didn't intend to visit and showing ads non-stop.

It is a type of malicious software responsible for those unwanted pop-up ads you see when you're online.

What is adware, and what does it do to your MacĪdware is not necessarily a virus. We’ll take you through each of these methods to help you get rid of adware on your Mac for good. Some versions of ad software also contain hidden viruses, posing a serious risk to your Mac and the data it contains.įortunately, there are ways to remove this rogue software manually via your browser and your system files, and with a cleaner tool like CleanMyMac X.

It attempts to trick or force you into clicking through to a website you weren't planning on visiting to generate revenue for the company that produced it. The app will detect potential ad threats and show their real location on your Mac.įeatures described in this article refer to the MacPaw site version of CleanMyMac X.Īdware is an unwelcome intrusion in many browsers. CleanMyMac X is notarized by Apple and has a large database of macOS-specific viruses. So here’s a tip for you: Download CleanMyMac X to check your macOS for hidden ad scripts.

Mac adware cleaner popup