How to remove BasicLocator (Mac)

What is BasicLocator

BasicLocator is an adware-type application that poses a significant threat to macOS users. Discovered by security researchers, it is part of the AdLoad malware family, which is notorious for generating revenue through intrusive advertisements. This adware typically manifests as pop-ups, banners, and other forms of unwanted content that can disrupt the user experience. Beyond merely displaying ads, BasicLocator can also track user data, including browsing histories and personal information, which raises serious privacy concerns. Furthermore, it is often bundled with free software installers, making it easy for unsuspecting users to inadvertently install it on their devices. Removing BasicLocator is crucial to safeguarding both system performance and personal data security. Users are advised to utilize reputable antivirus solutions to ensure complete removal and protection against future threats.

How BasicLocator infects Mac computers

BasicLocator typically infects Mac systems through deceptive distribution methods, primarily utilizing a technique known as software bundling. This involves packaging the adware with legitimate software installers, which unsuspecting users download from freeware sites or peer-to-peer networks. During the installation process, users often overlook crucial steps, such as opting out of additional unwanted applications, due to rushed or inattentive behavior. Additionally, BasicLocator can infiltrate systems via intrusive advertisements or redirects, often leading users to malicious websites that prompt downloads. Once installed, the adware begins to generate revenue for its developers by displaying unwanted ads and potentially compromising user privacy through data tracking. Therefore, maintaining vigilance while downloading software and carefully reviewing installation options is essential to avoid such infections.

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

Remove BasicLocator manually for free

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

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

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

Remove BasicLocator from Applications

Remove BasicLocator from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall BasicLocator

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

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

Remove BasicLocator add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish BasicLocator 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 BasicLocator


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


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

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 BasicLocator in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like BasicLocator

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