How to remove FlowSurplus (Mac)

What is FlowSurplus

FlowSurplus is an advertising-supported application that falls under the category of adware, specifically targeting macOS systems. It generates intrusive advertisements, often in the form of pop-ups, banners, and coupons, which can disrupt the user experience and lead to potential security risks. Typically, FlowSurplus is distributed through deceptive methods, such as bundled software installations or misleading ads on dubious websites. Once installed, it can hijack web browsers by altering default settings, including search engines and homepages, redirecting users to untrustworthy sites. The presence of FlowSurplus can significantly slow down system performance and compromise personal information due to its tracking capabilities. To mitigate the risks associated with this adware, users are advised to employ reputable antivirus software for removal and preventive measures against similar threats.

How FlowSurplus infects Mac computers

FlowSurplus typically infects Mac systems through deceptive distribution methods, often bundled with legitimate software installers. Users may unknowingly download this adware when they opt for quick or default installation settings, bypassing the opportunity to deselect unwanted applications. Additionally, the adware can be introduced via fake pop-up ads, which entice users to install seemingly harmless software, like Flash Player, from untrustworthy sources. Once installed, FlowSurplus hijacks web browsers, changing default search engines and displaying intrusive advertisements, leading to a compromised browsing experience. This adware may gather sensitive information, posing potential privacy risks while simultaneously redirecting users to dubious websites. To avoid such infections, users should always download software from official sources and carefully review installation options.

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

Remove FlowSurplus manually for free

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

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

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

Remove FlowSurplus from Applications

Remove FlowSurplus from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall FlowSurplus

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

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

Remove FlowSurplus add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish FlowSurplus 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 FlowSurplus


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


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

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 FlowSurplus in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like FlowSurplus

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