This article explains how to remove existing adware from your Mac using Malwarebytes. It also covers how to use a pop-up blocker to prevent new adware. Information in this article applies to Macs running macOS Catalina (10.15) through OS El Capitan (10.11).

What to Know

  • Go to Malwarebyte’s website. Download and install the program on your Mac.Open Malwarebytes and select Scan Now to generate a list of malware or a message that the Mac is free of malware.If adware is found and quarantined, select Clear Quarantine to remove it from the Mac.

How to Remove Adware From Mac Using Malwarebytes

Are you tired of random programs hijacking your Mac with unasked-for adware such as pop-up ads and toolbars? Good news: There’s a way to remove adware from a Mac and prevent it from reaching your computer.

To get rid of the adware already on your Mac, you need an anti-malware tool such as Malwarebytes for Mac or some other antivirus software.

  • Launch your preferred browser. Go to Malwarebytes’ site and click FREE DOWNLOAD.
  • Once the download completes, click the Malwarebytes-Mac.pkg file in your Downloads folder to expand it.
  • An Install Malwarebytes for Mac window opens. Click Continue to advance.
  • Click Agree to agree with the license terms and Continue.
  • Click Install. Enter the local administrator credentials and select Install Software to proceed.
  • Click Close when the installation is complete.
  • Click Not Now when you are prompted to enable the premium (paid) version 14-day trial.
  • If you enable the trial but don’t purchase the premium version, the application continually prompts you to upgrade to the paid version whenever you launch it.
  • Click Scan Now to begin scanning for malware.
  • When the scan completes, you’ll see a list of found malware or a message stating your Mac is free of malware.
  • If any adware was found and quarantined, it is in the quarantined section. Click Clear Quarantine to remove any quarantined files.

Enjoy an adware- and malware-free Mac.

Malwarebytes offers a free version, but you have to run it manually to remove adware and malware. The paid version automatically blocks any type of malware trying to access your device.

Launch your preferred browser. Go to Malwarebytes’ site and click FREE DOWNLOAD.

Once the download completes, click the Malwarebytes-Mac.pkg file in your Downloads folder to expand it.

An Install Malwarebytes for Mac window opens. Click Continue to advance.

Click Agree to agree with the license terms and Continue.

Click Install. Enter the local administrator credentials and select Install Software to proceed.

Click Close when the installation is complete.

Click Not Now when you are prompted to enable the premium (paid) version 14-day trial.

If you enable the trial but don’t purchase the premium version, the application continually prompts you to upgrade to the paid version whenever you launch it.

Click Scan Now to begin scanning for malware.

When the scan completes, you’ll see a list of found malware or a message stating your Mac is free of malware.

If any adware was found and quarantined, it is in the quarantined section. Click Clear Quarantine to remove any quarantined files.

Use a Pop-Up Blocker on Mac to Prevent More Adware

You can either block pop-up windows in your preferred browser or install the Adblock Plus browser extension.

  • Launch Safari and navigate to the Adblock Plus website.
  • Click Agree and Install for Safari. The Mac App Store launches automatically.
  • Click Get in the top right corner and then click Install. Enter your Apple ID credentials to allow the installation.
  • When the installation completes, click Open in the top right corner.
  • An Adblock Plus window opens with instructions to enable the extension. Click Launch Safari Preferences near the bottom of the window.
  • Click the extension check boxes to enable them and then close the extensions window.
  • Click Finish in the Adblock Plus window.
  • Close the Adblock Plus Settings window.
  • Refresh your Safari browser and see a new Adblock Plus icon next to the URL bar.

Enjoy a pop-up free experience in your browser.

These instructions apply to the Safari browser. However, one of the advantages of using Adblock Plus is it’s also compatible with other browsers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Edge.

Launch Safari and navigate to the Adblock Plus website.

Click Agree and Install for Safari. The Mac App Store launches automatically.

Click Get in the top right corner and then click Install. Enter your Apple ID credentials to allow the installation.

When the installation completes, click Open in the top right corner.

An Adblock Plus window opens with instructions to enable the extension. Click Launch Safari Preferences near the bottom of the window.

Click the extension check boxes to enable them and then close the extensions window.

Click Finish in the Adblock Plus window.

Close the Adblock Plus Settings window.

Refresh your Safari browser and see a new Adblock Plus icon next to the URL bar.

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