How to remove FormatLocator (Mac)

What is FormatLocator

FormatLocator is a type of adware that targets macOS systems, delivering intrusive advertisements and potentially harmful content. It is known for generating various forms of ads, such as pop-ups, banners, and coupon offers that can mislead users into clicking on dubious links. This adware can significantly disrupt the user experience by slowing down system performance and redirecting browsers to untrustworthy websites, posing risks such as identity theft and financial loss. Furthermore, FormatLocator often tracks users’ online activities without their consent, harvesting personal information for malicious purposes. Its installation typically occurs through deceptive software bundling, where users overlook the inclusion of unwanted applications during the installation process. To mitigate its impact, immediate removal is recommended, preferably using reliable antivirus software.

How FormatLocator infects Mac computers

FormatLocator typically infects Macs through deceptive methods that exploit user behavior and software bundling practices. Often bundled with free software or shared via torrent downloads, users inadvertently install this adware by overlooking installation settings or failing to deselect unwanted offers during the setup process. Additionally, it can infiltrate systems via misleading pop-up ads or through untrustworthy websites that prompt users to download malicious applications. Once installed, FormatLocator can alter browser settings, redirect users to dubious websites, and display intrusive ads, creating a frustrating and potentially harmful user experience. To mitigate the risk of such infections, users should always opt for “Custom” or “Advanced” installation options, carefully review what is being installed, and download applications solely from reputable sources. Regularly updating software and employing reliable antivirus tools can further enhance protection against adware like FormatLocator.

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

Remove FormatLocator manually for free

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

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

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

Remove FormatLocator from Applications

Remove FormatLocator from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall FormatLocator

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

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

Remove FormatLocator add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish FormatLocator 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 FormatLocator


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


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

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 FormatLocator in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like FormatLocator

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