How to remove iMacCleaner

What is iMacCleaner

iMacCleaner is a potentially unwanted application (PUA) that masquerades as a legitimate system optimization tool for macOS. It promises to enhance system performance and remove unnecessary files, but in reality, it often generates false positives to coerce users into purchasing the full version. Once installed, iMacCleaner can modify system settings, display intrusive pop-up ads, and collect user data without explicit consent. This software is typically distributed through deceptive advertising, bundled software installations, or misleading download sites. Removal of iMacCleaner is recommended to protect your system’s integrity and maintain your privacy. Users are advised to rely on reputable security tools and to be cautious when downloading applications from unverified sources.

How iMacCleaner infects Mac computers

iMacCleaner typically infiltrates Mac systems through deceptive software bundles and misleading advertisements. Users often unwittingly download this potentially unwanted application (PUA) when it is bundled with legitimate software obtained from unofficial sources. Once installed, iMacCleaner masquerades as a system optimization tool, claiming to enhance Mac performance by removing junk files and optimizing settings. However, it primarily aims to generate revenue through intrusive ads and scare tactics, prompting users to purchase the full version of the software. Additionally, it may alter browser settings, redirecting searches to dubious sites and further compromising the user’s security. To avoid such infections, it is crucial to download software only from reputable sources and to be vigilant during the installation process, carefully unticking any unwanted bundled applications.

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

Remove iMacCleaner manually for free

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

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

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

Remove iMacCleaner from Applications

Remove iMacCleaner from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall iMacCleaner

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

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

Remove iMacCleaner add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish iMacCleaner 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 iMacCleaner


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


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

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 iMacCleaner in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like iMacCleaner

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