How to remove MyCouponSmart adware from Chrome, Safari, and Firefox

Adware is the most common type of malware currently attacking users. It can track your browsing experience and transfer collected data to third parties for revenue. MyCouponSmart is one of such scammers. Once installed, it immediately hijacks your browser and changes the settings in a way hard to reset.

Fortunately, you can get rid of this culprit, both manually and automatically. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove MyCouponSmart from your Mac.

What is MyCouponSmart?

MyCouponSmart seems to be a helpful software that provides coupons for special deals and discounts. In fact, it’s deceptive adware that displays intrusive pop-ups and unwanted ads, turning your browsing experience into a living hell.

The common signs that your Mac’s infected with MyCouponSmart include:

• Ads turn up in many shapes and forms and are hard to close. They usually promote fake updates or other questionable apps.
• Web pages are not displayed as they should be.
• Browser’s homepage and search engine have been mysteriously changed without your permission.
• Links lead to websites different from the ones you expect to visit.
• Other potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) got into your computer without your knowledge.

How did MyCouponSmart get on your Mac?

You may not know that MyCouponSmart is already on your computer until you notice tons of intrusive pop-ups. That’s because of the sneaky ways it uses to spread. Generally, this adware comes bundled with other software, leaving you puzzled about where it came from.

To avoid downloading and installing MyCouponSmart, be careful about what you agree to install. Download apps from the App Store or the original developer’s websites only. Also, check each step of the installation to make sure nothing else will be installed alongside. But if adware has already made its way to your computer, remove it immediately.

How to get rid of MyCouponSmart manually

There are several steps to removing MyCouponSmart from your Mac. First, eliminate malicious Profiles, then delete the application and all the associated files. Finally, remove a shady extension from each browser you use.

Step 1. Remove Profiles from Mac

Configuration profiles help users define settings and restrictions for macOS computers. For instance, a system admin can set up profiles on several Macs to connect them with a corporate network and control their behavior.

Speaking about adware, it exploits profiles to prevent users from changing hijacked browser settings. Let’s check if MyCouponSmart has installed any configuration profiles on your computer:

1. Go to the System Settings in the Apple menu ().
2. Go to Privacy & Security > Profiles and choose a suspicious one.
3. Hit the “–” button to delete it from the list.

Step 2. Get rid of the app and associated files

Now let’s go through your Applications folder, Library, and Login Items and search for anything that seems out of place. But be careful not to delete files vital for your system performance. Follow these steps:

1. Head over to Applications and look for the MyCouponSmart app or anything you don’t remember downloading lately. Drag it to the Trash and click the Empty button.
2. Choose Go to Folder from the Go menu in the Finder. Paste the following location ~/Library/LaunchAgents in the box, one by one, and press Return.
3. Search for any files related to the MyCouponSmart adware and trash them.
4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 for the following locations:
   /Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
/Library/Application Support

   

   
   
5. To check for Login Items, go to the Apple menu > System Settings > General. Go to Login Items. If you find anything that shouldn’t be there, select it and click the “–” button to remove it.

Step 3. Remove malicious extension from browser

Check each browser you have on your Mac to make sure you delete every trace of the malware.

Remove extension from Chrome

1. Paste this text to the address bar: chrome://extensions.
2. Look for the suspicious extension.
3. Hit the Remove button next to it.

Uninstall extension from Safari

1. Go to the Safari menu > Settings.
2. Choose the Extensions tab.
3. Select the extension you want to delete.
4. Click Uninstall.

Remove extension from Firefox

1. Click three horizontal lines (the menu button) at the right of the address bar.
2. Head over to Add-ons and themes > Extensions.
3. Find the extension and click the ellipsis (three-dot menu).
4. Hit Remove.

All these look like a lot of work, right? Luckily, there is an easier way.

How to delete MyCouponSmart quickly and safely

Another way to get rid of MyCouponSmart is to use a dedicated malware removal tool. My personal favorite is CleanMyMac X by MacPaw. It not only deals with Mac-specific viruses but also improves system performance with a bunch of useful tools.

Here is how to use CleanMyMac X to destroy adware:

1. Download CleanMyMac X for free — here’s the direct link.
2. Choose the Malware Removal tab.
3. Click Scan.
4. Click Remove to vanish all threats and malware-related files, deleting nothing important.

Now that you have done the malware scan, it makes sense to use the Maintenance feature of CleanMyMac X to restore your Mac after the adware attack. It helps you run a list of maintenance tasks, free up RAM, and perform other system-optimizing processes with a few clicks.

MyCouponSmart appears legitimate, but it’s an adware. It quickly takes control over your browser and starts spamming your Mac with pop-ups. I hope this guide helped you identify the threat and get rid of it for good!