How to remove AssistSync (Mac)

What is AssistSync

AssistSync is an advertising-supported software (adware) that belongs to the AdLoad malware family. This application is designed to generate revenue for its developers by running intrusive ad campaigns, often displaying unwanted advertisements such as pop-ups and coupons across various platforms. Users may experience a significant decline in system performance, as AssistSync can slow down Mac devices and redirect users to dubious websites. Additionally, the adware may track user data, gathering sensitive information like browsing histories and personal details, which can lead to serious privacy concerns. While some ads may appear legitimate, they often promote unreliable services or scams aimed at exploiting users. Removal of AssistSync is crucial to ensure a safer browsing experience and protect personal information from potential threats.

How AssistSync infects Mac computers

AssistSync adware typically infects Mac systems through deceptive marketing techniques, primarily bundling with legitimate software. Users often unknowingly install it by downloading free applications from unreliable sources, such as third-party websites or peer-to-peer networks, where the adware is packaged alongside the desired software. During installation, users may overlook additional components, opting for “Easy” or “Express” settings rather than scrutinizing the “Custom” options, which would allow them to deselect unwanted applications. Once installed, AssistSync can generate intrusive advertisements, redirect users to dubious websites, and potentially harvest sensitive data, posing significant privacy and security risks. Additionally, unwanted pop-ups and browser redirects can further entrap users into a cycle of adware infections. To prevent such infections, it is crucial to download software only from verified sources and carefully review installation prompts.

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

Remove AssistSync manually for free

Note: AssistSync 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 “AssistSync” entry. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove it.

Note 2: AssistSync 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 AssistSync in the list.
3. Click Force Quit button.

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

Remove AssistSync from Applications

Remove AssistSync from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall AssistSync

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

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

Remove AssistSync add-on from your browsers

Removing AssistSync 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 AssistSync 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 AssistSync 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 AssistSync 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 AssistSync extension.
4. Click Disable or Remove button.

Reset browser settings

To finish AssistSync 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 AssistSync


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


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

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 AssistSync in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like AssistSync

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