How to remove ElementFormula (Mac)

What is ElementFormula

ElementFormula is a potentially unwanted application (PUA) designed to generate revenue through deceptive advertising practices. Primarily targeting Mac OS computers, this adware infiltrates web browsers and modifies their settings, often resulting in unwanted homepages and search engines. Once installed, it floods the user’s browser with intrusive ads, many of which can lead to malicious websites. ElementFormula is typically distributed through bundled software, fake updates, and aggressive pop-up advertisements, making it essential for users to remain vigilant during software installations. Its invasive nature not only compromises user privacy by collecting browsing data but also creates a frustrating online experience. Removing ElementFormula requires a thorough cleaning process, including uninstalling the application, deleting related browser extensions, and running specialized malware scanners. Failure to address this threat can lead to further issues, including additional malware infections and privacy violations.

How ElementFormula infects Mac computers

ElementFormula primarily infects Mac systems through deceptive distribution methods, often bundled with legitimate software as a potentially unwanted application (PUA). Users may unknowingly install it while downloading free software or through fake software updates that are promoted through aggressive pop-up advertisements. Once installed, ElementFormula integrates itself as a browser extension, altering browser settings such as the default homepage and search engine, which compromises user privacy by monitoring online activities. The adware generates revenue by flooding the browser with intrusive advertisements, some of which may lead to malicious sites. Its presence can lead to a significant degradation of the browsing experience, making it crucial for users to recognize and remove it promptly to restore their system’s integrity. Understanding these infection vectors is essential for users to adopt safer browsing habits and minimize the risk of such adware infiltrating their Mac systems.

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

Remove ElementFormula manually for free

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

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

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

Remove ElementFormula from Applications

Remove ElementFormula from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall ElementFormula

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

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

Remove ElementFormula add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish ElementFormula 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 ElementFormula


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


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

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 ElementFormula in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like ElementFormula

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