How to remove FocusGuide (Mac)

What is FocusGuide

FocusGuide is an adware-type application known for its intrusive advertising practices and browser hijacking capabilities. This software typically infiltrates Mac systems through deceptive methods such as bundled software installations, fake download links, or malicious pop-up ads. Once installed, FocusGuide can significantly degrade the user experience by displaying unwanted advertisements, including pop-ups, banners, and coupons, on various websites. Additionally, it may redirect users’ search queries to fraudulent search engines, which can lead to further exposure to untrustworthy content. Privacy concerns also arise, as this adware tracks user data, including browsing habits and personal information, which is often sold to third parties. Overall, FocusGuide poses a medium-level threat, and users are advised to take immediate action to remove it from their systems and protect their privacy.

How FocusGuide infects Mac computers

FocusGuide typically infects Macs through deceptive tactics that exploit users’ inattention during software installation. One common method is software bundling, where FocusGuide is packaged alongside legitimate applications, often found on untrustworthy download sites. Users who opt for quick installations without reviewing the installation settings increase the risk of inadvertently allowing adware into their systems. Additionally, users may encounter FocusGuide through intrusive pop-up ads that prompt downloads or fake updates, such as for Flash Player. Once installed, FocusGuide alters browser settings, hijacking search engines and displaying intrusive advertisements, further compromising the user’s experience and privacy. Awareness and cautious behavior during downloads are crucial in preventing such infections.

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

Remove FocusGuide manually for free

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

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

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

Remove FocusGuide from Applications

Remove FocusGuide from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall FocusGuide

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

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

Remove FocusGuide add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish FocusGuide 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 FocusGuide


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


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

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 FocusGuide in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like FocusGuide

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