How to remove CommonMethod (Mac)

What is CommonMethod

CommonMethod is an adware-type application that primarily targets macOS systems, belonging to the notorious AdLoad malware family. This software is designed to generate revenue for its developers by displaying intrusive advertisements, including pop-ups, overlays, and banners, often leading users to dubious websites. Users may experience decreased system performance and unwanted redirects, compromising their browsing experience. Additionally, CommonMethod has the potential to track personal data, including browsing history and sensitive information, which may be sold to third parties. While it may appear harmless, the presence of this adware poses significant risks to user privacy and security. Removal of CommonMethod typically requires a combination of manual and automated methods, and security experts recommend using specialized antivirus tools to ensure complete eradication.

How CommonMethod infects Mac computers

CommonMethod adware typically infects Mac systems through deceptive distribution methods that exploit user behavior. One common avenue is bundling, where the adware is packaged with legitimate software downloaded from unreliable sources, such as third-party websites or peer-to-peer sharing networks. Users often inadvertently permit the installation of CommonMethod by selecting “Quick” or “Easy” installation settings, which do not reveal the presence of additional unwanted applications. Furthermore, intrusive advertisements and rogue websites can lead users to click on malicious links that trigger the download and installation of CommonMethod without their consent. The adware may also promote itself through misleading advertisements on various platforms, enticing users to install it under the guise of offering useful features. Once installed, CommonMethod can compromise system performance and privacy, making it essential for users to remain vigilant during software installations and browsing activities.

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

Remove CommonMethod manually for free

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

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

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

Remove CommonMethod from Applications

Remove CommonMethod from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall CommonMethod

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

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

Remove CommonMethod add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish CommonMethod 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 CommonMethod


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


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

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 CommonMethod in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like CommonMethod

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