How to remove ConnectionHandler (Mac)

What is ConnectionHandler

ConnectionHandler is an adware application primarily targeting macOS systems and is part of the AdLoad malware family. This software is designed to generate revenue for its developers by displaying unwanted advertisements, which can often mislead users into clicking on potentially harmful content. Users may experience a decrease in system performance, frequent pop-up ads, and redirects to dubious websites as a result of this infection. Data-tracking capabilities are also a concern, as the adware may harvest sensitive information such as browsing habits and personal details. Distribution methods typically include bundled software installations and deceptive ads that encourage users to download the application. Removing ConnectionHandler is essential to protect user privacy and maintain system integrity. Using reputable antivirus software, like Combo Cleaner, is highly recommended for effective removal and ongoing protection.

How ConnectionHandler infects Mac computers

ConnectionHandler typically infects Mac systems through deceptive distribution methods, primarily leveraging the bundling technique. This involves packaging the adware alongside legitimate software installers, often found on freeware or torrent websites. Unsuspecting users may inadvertently install ConnectionHandler by rushing through the installation process, opting for “Easy” or “Quick” settings that conceal additional unwanted applications. Additionally, intrusive pop-up ads may lead users to click on malicious links that facilitate the download of the adware without their explicit consent. Once installed, ConnectionHandler can begin displaying unwanted advertisements, redirecting users to dubious websites, and potentially compromising their privacy by tracking sensitive data. Vigilance during software installations and avoiding unverified sources are crucial in preventing such infections.

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

Remove ConnectionHandler manually for free

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

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

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

Remove ConnectionHandler from Applications

Remove ConnectionHandler from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall ConnectionHandler

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

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

Remove ConnectionHandler add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish ConnectionHandler 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 ConnectionHandler


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


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

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 ConnectionHandler in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like ConnectionHandler

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