How to remove ServiceOptimizer (Mac)

What is ServiceOptimizer

ServiceOptimizer is an adware application that belongs to the AdLoad malware family, primarily targeting macOS systems. Its main function is to generate revenue by displaying intrusive advertisements, which can manifest as pop-ups, banners, and surveys. Users may experience a decline in system performance, as their devices become slower and more cluttered with unwanted ads. Furthermore, ServiceOptimizer can track sensitive user information, including browsing habits and personal details, posing significant privacy risks. Often bundled with legitimate software, it infiltrates systems without consent, exploiting users’ inattentiveness during installations. To protect against such threats, vigilance during software downloads and using reputable antivirus solutions are crucial.

How ServiceOptimizer infects Mac computers

ServiceOptimizer, a type of adware from the AdLoad malware family, typically infects Macs through deceptive bundling methods. This occurs when users download free software from unreliable sources, often overlooking additional components that may come packaged with the desired application. During installation, if users choose “Easy” or “Express” settings instead of “Custom” or “Advanced,” they may inadvertently allow ServiceOptimizer or similar unwanted programs to install. Additionally, intrusive pop-up ads and misleading advertisements can redirect users to malicious websites that promote the adware. Once installed, ServiceOptimizer can display unwanted ads, track user behavior, and potentially compromise sensitive information, posing significant privacy and security risks. To avoid such infections, users should always download software from reputable sources and carefully review installation options.

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

Remove ServiceOptimizer manually for free

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

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

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

Remove ServiceOptimizer from Applications

Remove ServiceOptimizer from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall ServiceOptimizer

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

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

Remove ServiceOptimizer add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish ServiceOptimizer 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 ServiceOptimizer


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


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

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 ServiceOptimizer in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like ServiceOptimizer

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