How to remove TheorySeek (Mac)

What is TheorySeek

TheorySeek is an adware-type application that belongs to the notorious AdLoad malware family, primarily targeting macOS systems. This advertising-supported software generates revenue for its developers by displaying intrusive advertisements, such as pop-ups, banners, and coupons, on users’ browsers. While it may occasionally show legitimate ads, the presence of TheorySeek poses significant risks, as it can lead users to dubious websites and promote scams. Furthermore, this adware typically has data-tracking capabilities, potentially compromising users’ privacy by collecting sensitive information, including browsing habits and personal details. Users may notice a decline in system performance, including slower processing speeds and unwanted redirects when navigating the web. Removal of TheorySeek is essential to restore a secure browsing experience and protect against further privacy invasions.

How TheorySeek infects Mac computers

TheorySeek adware typically infects Mac systems through deceptive practices that exploit user behavior and software distribution methods. One common avenue of infection is through bundled software, where users inadvertently install TheorySeek alongside legitimate applications downloaded from dubious sources, such as free software sites or peer-to-peer sharing networks. During the installation process, users often overlook crucial options, opting for “Easy” or “Quick” settings that conceal additional, unwanted software. Furthermore, malicious advertisements or rogue websites can redirect users to download pages that promote TheorySeek, making it seem like a legitimate tool. Once installed, TheorySeek begins displaying intrusive ads and can track user activity, leading to potential privacy issues. This highlights the importance of vigilance when downloading software and carefully reviewing installation prompts to avoid inadvertently allowing adware onto the system.

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

Remove TheorySeek manually for free

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

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

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

Remove TheorySeek from Applications

Remove TheorySeek from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall TheorySeek

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

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

Remove TheorySeek add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish TheorySeek 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 TheorySeek


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


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

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 TheorySeek in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like TheorySeek

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