How to remove HandlerRecord (Mac)

What is HandlerRecord

HandlerRecord is a type of adware associated with the AdLoad malware family, primarily targeting macOS systems. This rogue application is designed to generate revenue for its developers by displaying unwanted advertisements across various platforms, including browsers and desktop interfaces. Users often encounter intrusive pop-up ads, redirects to dubious websites, and a noticeable decline in system performance as a result of its installation. HandlerRecord can also pose significant privacy threats, as it may track sensitive data such as browsing history, cookies, and personal information. While it aims to deliver advertisements, the content it promotes can often lead to scams or the installation of malicious software. Effective removal typically requires the use of dedicated antivirus tools, as manual elimination may leave remnants that continue to affect system performance. Awareness of its distribution methods, such as bundled software and deceptive ads, is crucial for avoiding future infections.

How HandlerRecord infects Mac computers

HandlerRecord, a type of adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family, typically infects Mac systems through deceptive methods such as software bundling and manipulative advertising techniques. Users often unknowingly download this adware when they install free software from unofficial or suspicious sources, where it is packaged alongside legitimate applications. Bundling exploits the tendency of users to opt for quick installations without reviewing the additional components, leading to the inadvertent inclusion of unwanted malware. Furthermore, HandlerRecord can be propagated through intrusive pop-up ads and misleading clickbait on websites, which may redirect users to malicious download links. Once installed, it begins to display unwanted advertisements and could potentially track user data, posing significant privacy risks and compromising system security. Effective prevention requires vigilance during software installation and careful scrutiny of browser extensions and plug-ins.

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

Remove HandlerRecord manually for free

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

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

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

Remove HandlerRecord from Applications

Remove HandlerRecord from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall HandlerRecord

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

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

Remove HandlerRecord add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish HandlerRecord 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 HandlerRecord


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


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

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 HandlerRecord in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like HandlerRecord

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