How to remove AdminFlow (Mac)

What is AdminFlow

AdminFlow is a type of adware that falls under the AdLoad malware family, primarily targeting macOS systems. This malicious software generates revenue for its developers by displaying unwanted advertisements and redirecting users to dubious websites. AdminFlow can significantly compromise user privacy by tracking browsing activities and collecting sensitive data, such as login credentials and personally identifiable information. Its presence often leads to decreased system performance and an overall deterioration of the browsing experience. Users typically encounter AdminFlow through bundled software installations, deceptive pop-ups, or torrent downloads. Effective removal requires the use of reliable antivirus tools, such as Combo Cleaner, to eliminate its components and restore system integrity. Vigilance during software installations and browsing is crucial to prevent future infections.

How AdminFlow infects Mac computers

AdminFlow typically infects Mac systems through a deceptive technique known as software bundling. This method involves packaging legitimate applications with unwanted software, including adware like AdminFlow, which is often hidden within the installation process. Users may inadvertently install AdminFlow by downloading free software from untrustworthy sources, such as file-sharing sites or third-party download platforms. During installation, the user might overlook options to decline bundled applications, especially if they opt for “Easy” or “Express” settings. Additionally, clicking on intrusive advertisements can trigger the download and installation of AdminFlow without user consent. Once installed, this adware can generate unwanted ads and track user data, posing significant privacy risks and degrading system performance.

1. Download AdminFlow Removal Tool
2. Remove AdminFlow from Login Items
3. Remove/Uninstall AdminFlow from Applications
4. Remove AdminFlow from browsers
5. Reset browser settings
6. Remove AdminFlow files and folders
7. Block AdminFlow ads and pop-ups
8. How to protect from threats, like AdminFlow

Remove AdminFlow manually for free

Note: AdminFlow sets up to start on macOS startup. Therefore, before starting the removal, perform these steps:

1. Open System Preferences, choose Users & Groups.
2. Choose your account (set up as Current User).
3. Click Login Items tab.
4. Find “AdminFlow” entry. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove it.

Note 2: AdminFlow won’t quit just by closing it, therefor use Force Quit to end the process.

1. Press 3 buttons at the same time: Option, Command, and Esc (Escape). This is similar to Control-Alt-Delete on a Windows PC.
2. Choose AdminFlow in the list.
3. Click Force Quit button.

Here is a manual step-by-step tutorial for full AdminFlow removal from your computer. This works 99% and was checked with the latest versions of AdminFlow installer on operating systems with the latest updates and browser versions.

Remove AdminFlow from Applications

Remove AdminFlow from Mac:

1. In the Finder sidebar, click Applications.
2. AdminFlow might have an Uninstaller. If you see Uninstall AdminFlow or AdminFlow Uninstaller, double-click it and follow the onscreen instructions.
3. Otherwise, drag AdminFlow from the Applications folder to the Trash (located at the end of the Dock).
4. Then choose Finder > Empty Trash.

Cannot uninstall AdminFlow

If you can’t uninstall AdminFlow using instructions above, or it keeps coming back, you can use free AppCleaner for Mac to remove all residual data and libraries of AdminFlow. Follow instructions below:

1. Download free AppCleaner.
2. Drag AdminFlow from Applications folder to AppCleaner window.
3. Choose files and folders you want to remove along with AdminFlow.
4. Click Delete button.

Remove AdminFlow add-on from your browsers

Removing AdminFlow from Applications often does not bring the desired effect. It is a browser extension, and it may still be active in Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Here are instructions on how to remove the AdminFlow extension from your browsers manually.

Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Click Extensions tab.
3. Find AdminFlow extension.
4. Click Uninstall button to remove it.

Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://extensions.
3. Find AdminFlow extension.
4. Click the trash can icon to remove it.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:addons.
3. Choose AdminFlow extension.
4. Click Disable or Remove button.

Reset browser settings

To finish AdminFlow removal, reset your browser settings to make sure, there are no leftover items in browser folders.

Reset Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Go to the Privacy section of Safari’s preferences.
3. Click Remove All Website Data button.
4. In the opened window, click Remove Now button to remove data stored by websites in Safari.
5. Go to the Advanced section of Safari’s preferences.
6. Click the Show Develop menu in menu bar option.
7. In the menu, click Develop and select Empty Caches from this menu.
8. Again, go to Safari menu and choose Clear History….
9. Choose to clear all history and click Clear History button.

Reset Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://settings.
3. Scroll down and find Show advanced settings link.
4. Click on it and scroll down to the bottom again.
5. Click Reset settings button and click Reset to confirm.

Reset Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:support.
3. Click Refresh Firefox… button.
4. Click Refresh Firefox to confirm.

Remove following files and folders of AdminFlow


~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.AdminFlow.service.app
~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.AdminFlow.service.plist
/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.AdminFlow.system
/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.AdminFlow.system.plist


Download AdGuard for Mac to block malicious pop-ups, that promote AdminFlow

AdGuard is the best ad-blocker, internet filtering, and internet security application for macOS. It can cut out unwanted banners from site pages, block pop-ups, stop redirects, and prevent users from visiting potentially dangerous resources. Use it to stop ads promoting AdminFlow in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like AdminFlow

Mac OSX is known to be one of the safest operating systems, and for a long time, there was no need for antivirus products for Mac. But with the growing popularity of Mac computers and notebooks and evolving technology, viruses, trojans, adware, toolbars, hijackers, and other malware paved the way for Mac users. We recommend you to use one of the best anti-malware for Mac available — Malwarebytes for Mac.

Download Malwarebytes for Mac