How to remove SmartOperator (Mac)

What is SmartOperator

SmartOperator is an adware application that falls under the AdLoad malware family, primarily targeting macOS systems. This software generates revenue for its developers by displaying intrusive advertisements, including pop-ups, banners, and coupons, during browsing sessions. Its presence can lead to a compromised browsing experience, causing users to be redirected to dubious websites promoting scams or untrustworthy software. Additionally, SmartOperator may engage in data tracking, collecting sensitive information such as browsing history and personal credentials, which poses significant privacy risks. Although it might not exhibit browser-hijacking capabilities, the potential for stealthy downloads and installations remains a concern. Users encountering SmartOperator are advised to take immediate action to remove it and protect their devices from further threats.

How SmartOperator infects Mac computers

SmartOperator typically infects Macs through deceptive methods that exploit user behavior and software bundling. Often, it is bundled with legitimate applications downloaded from unreliable sources, such as free software sites or peer-to-peer sharing networks. Users may inadvertently install SmartOperator by selecting “Easy” or “Express” installation options, which can lead to the inclusion of unwanted software without their knowledge. Additionally, intrusive advertisements may redirect users to malicious download pages, where SmartOperator can be installed. Once on the system, it operates by displaying intrusive ads and potentially tracking user data, posing privacy and security risks. Awareness and cautious installation practices are crucial in preventing SmartOperator infections on Macs.

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

Remove SmartOperator manually for free

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

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

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

Remove SmartOperator from Applications

Remove SmartOperator from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall SmartOperator

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

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

Remove SmartOperator add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish SmartOperator 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 SmartOperator


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


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

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 SmartOperator in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like SmartOperator

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