How to remove SyncUpgrade (Mac)

What is SyncUpgrade

SyncUpgrade is a type of adware specifically targeting macOS systems, designed to inundate users with intrusive advertisements. It can manifest as pop-ups, banners, and video ads, often promoting dubious products or services. Besides disrupting the browsing experience, SyncUpgrade may also collect personal information, potentially leading to privacy breaches. Many security vendors classify it as malicious, highlighting its potential to redirect users to harmful websites or install additional unwanted software. Users often unknowingly install SyncUpgrade through bundled software or deceptive ads. Its presence can significantly slow down system performance and create security vulnerabilities, making it crucial to remove it promptly using specialized anti-malware tools.

How SyncUpgrade infects Mac computers

SyncUpgrade typically infects Mac systems through a deceptive method known as software bundling. This occurs when users unknowingly install SyncUpgrade alongside other legitimate applications, often during the installation process when they fail to deselect optional components. Additionally, SyncUpgrade can be distributed via questionable downloads from unofficial websites, peer-to-peer networks, or through misleading advertisements that entice users to click on links leading to malicious content. Once installed, the adware can display intrusive advertisements, track user behavior, and compromise personal data, making it essential for users to remain vigilant during software installations. Regularly updating security software and carefully reviewing installation options can significantly reduce the risk of such infections. Overall, awareness and cautious online behavior are key defenses against SyncUpgrade and similar adware threats.

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

Remove SyncUpgrade manually for free

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

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

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

Remove SyncUpgrade from Applications

Remove SyncUpgrade from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall SyncUpgrade

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

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

Remove SyncUpgrade add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish SyncUpgrade 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 SyncUpgrade


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


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

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 SyncUpgrade in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like SyncUpgrade

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