In this article we are looking to help you remove the Mac Adware Cleaner “bogus” message that keeps popping-up on your screen. There are a lot of software programs out there that are legit and legal but are regarded as unwanted due to different unpleasant features that they might posses. One such program is the so called Advanced Mac Cleaner.
What is Similar Photo Cleaner?
Similar Photo Cleaner is a bogus software which main aim is to make user buy paid version as well as flood system with sponsored advertisements. It generally gets on user’s PC together with other freeware programs and then starts annoying users with its pop-ups. Once launched, it offers you to scan the system to find similar photos in order to free space on your hard disk.
The most interesting begins when you want to close Similar Photo Cleaner – it just won’t allow to do this, instead, it will display another window offering to buy a license:
This PUP also hijacks all of your web browsers on Mac computers, whether it is Safari, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox. Once installed, it corrupts the browser’s settings in such a way that user will face a huge amount of intrusive pop-up ads. Moreover, it can cause redirects to predetermined websites, which can pose a threat to system security. In order to avoid landing on these pages, you need to remove Similar Photo Cleaner, as it is the only method to stop its activity.
How to remove Similar Photo Cleaner?
To make sure that the it won’t appear again, you need to delete Similar Photo Cleaner completely. For this, you need to remove the application then check the drives for such leftovers as Similar Photo Cleaner files and registry entries. We should warn you that performing some of the steps may require above-average skills, so if you don’t feel experienced enough, you may apply to automatic removal tool.
Combo Cleaner Antivirus is a powerful tool that is able to keep your Mac clean. It would automatically search out and delete all elements related to Similar Photo Cleaner. It is not only the easiest way to eliminate Similar Photo Cleaner but also the safest and most assuring one.
The full version of Combo Cleaner costs $39,95 (you get 6 months of subscription). By clicking the button, you agree to EULA and Privacy Policy. Downloading will start automatically.
Steps of Similar Photo Cleaner manual removal
Uninstall Similar Photo Cleaner from the system
As it was stated before, more likely that the hijacker appeared on your system brought by other software. So, to get rid of Similar Photo Cleaner you need to call to memory what you have installed recently.
Remove Similar Photo Cleaner from Applications
Open a Finder window
Click Applications line on the sidebar
Select the application related to Similar Photo Cleaner right-click it and choose Move to Trash
Remove Similar Photo Cleaner from Library and Cache
Also, we advise you to delete Similar Photo Cleaner all related items from Library and Cache. Here’s list of files to be deleted:
Hold the Option/alt key, then right click on the Finder icon in the dock and click Relaunch
Navigate to: /Users/yourmacname/Library/Application Support/
Delete Folder: Agent
Go back to Terminal and copy/paste: defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles NO
Press Return
Hold the Option/alt key, then right click on the Finder icon in the dock and click Relaunch
Remove Similar Photo Cleaner from browsers
Since most of the hijacker threats use a disguise of a browser add-on, you will need to check the list of extensions/add-ons in your browser.
How to remove Similar Photo Cleaner from Safari
Start Safari
Click on Safari menu button, then go to the Extensions
Delete Similar Photo Cleaner or other extensions that look suspicious and you don’t remember installing them
How to remove Similar Photo Cleaner from Google Chrome
Start Google Chrome
Click on Tools, then go to the Extensions
Delete Similar Photo Cleaner or other extensions that look suspicious and you don’t remember installing them
How to remove Similar Photo Cleaner from Mozilla Firefox
Start Mozilla Firefox
Click on the right-upper corner button
Click Add-ons, then go to Extensions
Delete Similar Photo Cleaner or other extensions that look suspicious and you don’t remember installing them
If the above-mentioned methods didn’t help in eliminating the threat, then it’s better to rely on an automatic way of deleting Similar Photo Cleaner. We also recommend to download and use Combo Cleaner Antivirus to scan the system after Similar Photo Cleaner removal to make sure that it is completely gone. The antimalware application will detect any vicious components left among system files and registry entries that can recover Similar Photo Cleaner.
Use Launchpad to delete an app
Launchpad offers a convenient way to delete apps that were downloaded from the App Store.
To open Launchpad, click it in the Dock or open it from your Applications folder. You can also pinch closed with your thumb and three fingers on your trackpad.
If you don't see the app in Launchpad, type its name in the search field at the top of the screen. Or swipe right or left with two fingers on your trackpad to show the next or previous page.
Press and hold the Option (⌥) key, or click and hold any app until the apps jiggle.
Click next to the app that you want to delete, then click Delete to confirm. The app is deleted immediately. Apps that don't show either didn't come from the App Store or are required by your Mac. To delete an app that didn't come from the App Store, use the Finder instead.
Deleting an app doesn't cancel any subscription you may have purchased with that app. Learn how to cancel subscriptions for apps that were downloaded from the App Store.
Use the Finder to delete an app
Locate the app in the Finder. Most apps are in your Applications folder, which you can open by clicking Applications in the sidebar of any Finder window. Or use Spotlight to find the app, then press and hold the Command (⌘) key while double-clicking the app in Spotlight.
Drag the app to the Trash, or select the app and choose File > Move to Trash.
If you're asked for a user name and password, enter the name and password of an administrator account on your Mac. This is probably the name and password you use to log in to your Mac.
To delete the app, choose Finder > Empty Trash.
Learn more
To use an app again after deleting it, either reinstall it or restore it from a backup.
To reinstall apps that were installed as part of macOS, reinstall macOS. This applies to apps such as Safari, iTunes, Books, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime.
You can also redownload apps, music, movies, TV shows, and books that were installed from the App Store, iTunes Store, or Apple Books.
Learn how to delete apps on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Learn what to do if the Dock contains an icon with a question mark.