How to remove ConnectedApp (Mac)

What is ConnectedApp

ConnectedApp is a type of adware specifically designed for macOS systems, identified as part of the AdLoad malware family. This advertising-supported software primarily functions by delivering intrusive advertisements across various web browsers and applications, impacting user experience and system performance. Often, it collects sensitive data such as browsing history and personal information, posing significant privacy risks. Users typically encounter ConnectedApp through bundled software installations or deceptive pop-up ads. As a result, it can lead to unwanted redirections to dubious websites and promote potentially harmful content. Addressing ConnectedApp promptly is crucial to maintaining device security and safeguarding personal information. Effective removal often requires the use of specialized antivirus tools to ensure comprehensive elimination of the adware.

How ConnectedApp infects Mac computers

ConnectedApp typically infects Mac systems through a deceptive distribution method known as software bundling. This technique involves the inclusion of adware alongside legitimate software in installers that users download from unreliable sources, such as third-party websites or peer-to-peer networks. When users opt for quick installation settings, they often overlook the additional components being installed, inadvertently allowing ConnectedApp onto their systems. Additionally, intrusive pop-up ads can trigger automatic downloads when clicked, further facilitating the infection process. Once installed, ConnectedApp may begin displaying unwanted advertisements, redirecting users to dubious websites, and tracking browsing behavior, leading to potential privacy and security risks. Users are therefore advised to exercise caution when downloading software and to rigorously inspect installation options to avoid falling victim to such adware.

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

Remove ConnectedApp manually for free

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

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

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

Remove ConnectedApp from Applications

Remove ConnectedApp from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall ConnectedApp

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

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

Remove ConnectedApp add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish ConnectedApp 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 ConnectedApp


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


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

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 ConnectedApp in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like ConnectedApp

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