How to remove CommonValue (Mac)

What is CommonValue

CommonValue is a type of adware that specifically targets Mac systems. It is part of the AdLoad family, known for displaying unwanted ads and collecting user data. This adware is not classified as a computer virus, but it is categorized as a potentially unwanted application (PUA) due to its intrusive behavior. Once installed, CommonValue operates by presenting users with irritating advertisements and may collect diverse information, posing a substantial privacy risk. It alters the settings of popular browsers such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Safari, amplifying the volume of displayed ads. This can lead to a discernible deterioration in Mac performance and speed, while also exposing users to potentially harmful web pages controlled by cybercriminals. The ads displayed by CommonValue often contain malicious links and can lead to the download and installation of other malware such as EditExecute, InteractiveUnited, and SonicsSeek. Furthermore, the extension is designed to harvest personal information, including account and credit card details.

How CommonValue infects Mac computers

CommonValue typically infiltrates Mac systems through deceptive techniques. One common method is software bundling, where the adware is packaged with seemingly legitimate software or free downloads. Users who install software without carefully reviewing the installation settings may unintentionally install the adware. Another method of infiltration is through deceptive advertisements or fake software updates. Clicking on misleading ads or installing updates from untrustworthy sources can lead to the unintentional download and installation of adware. To prevent CommonValue infection, users are advised to remain vigilant and implement strong security measures. This includes avoiding downloading software from untrustworthy sources, carefully reviewing installation settings, and refraining from clicking on suspicious ads or installing updates from unverified sources.

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

Remove CommonValue manually for free

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

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

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

Remove CommonValue from Applications

Remove CommonValue from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall CommonValue

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

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

Remove CommonValue add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish CommonValue 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 CommonValue


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


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

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 CommonValue in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like CommonValue

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