How to remove MacKeeper

What is MacKeeper

MacKeeper by Kromtech is one of the most widespread and controversial optimization and security applications for Mac OS. Currently, it is considered a legitimate and practicable program for performing Mac OS maintenance. However, due to questionable methods of distribution and obsessive behavior when installed on Mac machines, it is determined by some reputable antivirus products as a potentially unwanted application (PUA) or rogue programs. For example, SpyHunter for Mac and CleanMyMac detect and offer to remove MacKeeper on our test MacBook Pro. After installing MacKeeper starts showing alerts, reminders, and warnings, claiming, that your Mac is “severely infected”, “has serious performance issues”, or “needs deep clean up”. Annoying windows force some users to buy this application. The scale of the problems is exaggerated, MacKeeper is acting as “scareware”. Some users complain, that they can’t uninstall MacKeeper from Applications, or it keeps coming back. This removal guide will assist you in eliminating MacKeeper and cleaning leftover files in Mac OS Mohave, High Sierra, Sierra, and earlier versions of the operating system.

How MacKeeper infected your Mac

MacKeeper is known for using very aggressive advertising techniques for distribution. In most cases, this is unscrupulous affiliates and partners, who implement dishonest methods to get sales. MacKeeper is advertised via phishing pages in Safari (on the picture below), it is promoted via “bundled installers” along with programs like media players, archivers, fake Adobe updates. So in most cases, the appearance of MacKeeper becomes a surprise for Mac users. Fortunately, we did some research and found out, that MacKeeper can be completely uninstalled manually or using great anti-malware utilities like SpyHunter for Mac or CleanMyMac.

Remove MacKeeper manually for free

Note: MacKeeper sets up to start on Mac OS startup. Therefore, before starting 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 “MacKeeper” entry. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove it.

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

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

Remove MacKeeper from Applications

Remove MacKeeper from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall MacKeeper

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

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

Remove following files and folders of MacKeeper


~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.MacKeeper.Helper.agent.plist
~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.SoftwareUpdater.agent.plist
~/Library/Application Support/MacKeeper/
~/Library/Caches/MacKeeper.MacKeeper


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

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 MacKeeper in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware like MacKeeper

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 to Mac users. We recommend you to use the most advanced antivirus for Mac available – BitDefender Antivirus.