How to remove DigitalKey (Mac)

What is DigitalKey

DigitalKey is a type of adware that primarily targets Mac users, generating intrusive advertisements and potentially compromising user privacy. Once installed, it displays a variety of ads, including pop-ups, banners, and coupons, often leading users to unreliable or malicious websites. This adware can significantly degrade system performance, causing slowdowns and lag due to its background processes. Additionally, it may collect personal data, such as browsing habits and location, which can be sold to third parties without user consent. DigitalKey is typically bundled with free software or downloaded from untrustworthy sources, making it crucial for users to be vigilant during installations. Removing this adware often requires specialized tools, as it can be designed to resist straightforward deletion attempts. Users are advised to utilize reputable antivirus software to effectively eliminate DigitalKey and safeguard their devices from further threats.

How DigitalKey infects Mac computers

DigitalKey typically infects macOS devices through deceptive methods that exploit user behavior and software bundling practices. Users often unwittingly install this adware alongside legitimate applications, particularly when they opt for default installation settings without reviewing additional offers. Common distribution channels include free software installers, torrent downloads, and pop-up ads that promise enticing functionality or discounts. Once installed, DigitalKey integrates itself into the system, generating intrusive advertisements and tracking user behavior for profit. Its persistence is a notable characteristic, as it may reinstall itself even after manual removal attempts, making it essential for users to employ robust antivirus solutions for complete eradication. To avoid falling victim to such adware, users should prioritize downloading software from reputable sources and remain vigilant during installation processes.

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

Remove DigitalKey manually for free

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

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

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

Remove DigitalKey from Applications

Remove DigitalKey from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall DigitalKey

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

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

Remove DigitalKey add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish DigitalKey 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 DigitalKey


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


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

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 DigitalKey in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like DigitalKey

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