How to remove AuraSearch (Mac)

What is AuraSearch

AuraSearch is a type of adware that targets macOS computers, functioning primarily as a browser hijacker. This malicious software alters web browser settings without the user’s consent, leading to unwanted redirects and the display of intrusive advertisements. AuraSearch is part of the Adload family and aims to generate online traffic and advertising revenue by delivering various sponsored content to affected computers. This content often appears in the form of advertisements, pop-up messages, and banners. Removing AuraSearch can be challenging due to its persistence mechanisms. Manual removal involves several steps, including terminating malicious processes using Activity Monitor, removing related files from system folders, deleting the application from the Applications menu, and resetting browser settings. Users should also check for and remove any suspicious items from the Login Items list and configuration profiles. Automated removal tools like CleanMyMac, SpyHunter can simplify the process by detecting and removing all components of AuraSearch, including hidden files and registry entries. AuraSearch is a persistent and intrusive adware that can significantly disrupt browsing experiences and compromise privacy. It is crucial to be cautious when downloading software and to opt for custom installations to avoid bundled adware. If infected, following the manual removal steps or using an automated tool can help effectively remove AuraSearch from a Mac.

How AuraSearch infects Mac computers

AuraSearch typically infiltrates Macs through deceptive software bundles. These bundles are often presented as legitimate software installations but include hidden adware components. Users may inadvertently install AuraSearch by not opting for custom installation settings, which would reveal the additional unwanted programs. Once installed, AuraSearch modifies browser settings to redirect traffic to its own or affiliated websites, changes the browser’s homepage, new tab URL, and default search engine to unsafe addresses, and collects browser-based data and additional private information. The infection process involves several steps. Initially, AuraSearch is hidden within software bundles, which users download from untrustworthy sources. During the installation of the primary software, AuraSearch is installed in the background without explicit user consent. Once installed, it deposits files in various system folders such as LaunchAgents, LaunchDaemons, and Application Support. It also adds itself to the Login Items list and uses configuration profiles to maintain control over browser settings.

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

Remove AuraSearch manually for free

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

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

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

Remove AuraSearch from Applications

Remove AuraSearch from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall AuraSearch

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

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

Remove AuraSearch add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish AuraSearch 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 AuraSearch


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


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

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 AuraSearch in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like AuraSearch

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