How to get rid of MacShiny on Mac

Is MacShiny harmful to your computer?

MacShiny is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and adware that pretends to be a macOS optimizer. It promises to clean up your Mac from junk and boost performance. Looks like a useful tool, right? But what makes Mac users want to get rid of it? Its deceptive distribution methods is what raises red flags.

Generally, MacShiny gets onto a computer by ‘bundling’ with other software. It could be freeware or apps downloaded from torrent sites. To play it safe:

• Download programs from reliable sources only.
• Opt for custom installation to uncheck all unwanted options that may hide in software packages.
• Never rush the process and skip steps.

Once installed, MacShiny carries out a system scan reporting about hundreds of purported issues. It claims that ‘Your system is at risk!’ and the more you use it, the more threats it’s going to find.

The problem is: no-one knows about MacShiny in the Mac world. There are legitimate Mac maintenance apps, like OnyX, Malwarebytes, and CleanMyMac X — these tools have industry ratings, reviews, and years of expertise in the field. But the MacShiny tool is virtually unknown.

As we’ve said, the program bombards you with alerts, but they all likely fake. The program tries to scare you into buying its license to unlock all features. 

What’s worse, MacShiny tends to hijack browsers. It’s responsible for delivering intrusive adverts and causing unwanted redirects. And since you are reading this guide on how to remove it, it’s not easy-to-delete either.

How to completely remove MacShiny from your Mac

So, how to delete MacShiny once and for all?

Quick tip: Automatic removal

MacShiny turns out to be a hard nut to crack when it comes to manual removal. Some of its components lurk deeply in Library and Applications, and you won’t spot them with ease.

Luckily, a legit Mac cleaner app, CleanMyMac X will safely inspect each folder, one by one. It finds and eliminates every malicious file associated with MacShiny, leaving system-forming ones untouched. Best of all, the app is notarized by Apple and available for a free download. Try it out!

Here’s how to remove MacShiny with CleanMyMac X:

1. Grab your copy of this anti-malware tool for free.
2. Install and launch the app.
3. Once done, go to the Malware Removal tab.
4. Press Scan.
5. If CleanMyMac X detects any hazard, press Remove. Easy as pie!

Do you prefer manual removal? Check out the detailed guide below!

How to delete MacShiny from your Mac manually*

Step 1. Get rid of the MacShiny app

1. Go to the Applications folder > Utilities.
2. From there, launch Activity Monitor.
3. Search for processes related to MacShiny and quit them.
4. Go back to Applications and trash the MacShiny app.

Step 2. Remove suspicious login items

1. Click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
2. Head over to Users & Groups > Login Items.
3. See an entry that shouldn’t be there? Check it and click the ‘–’ button.

Step 3. Find and delete malware roots

1. Use Go > Go to Folder in the Finder.
2. Go to the following paths associated with MacShiny, one by one:
   
   /Library/LaunchAgents
~/Library/LaunchAgents
~/Library/Application Support
   
   Look for and delete any suspicious files added about the same time you got the PUP installed on your Mac. They might look like this:
   
   com.MacShiny.agent.plist
   com.MacShiny.mcphlpr
   
   Be especially careful deleting files from these locations. There is a risk of trashing some system-forming ones by accident.
   
   
3. Go to the Trash and empty it.
4. Finally, restart your Mac.

*Please note that the article is provided “as is” for informational purposes only. We do not make any warranties regarding the manual removal of the virus. You have to understand that as a user, you are fully responsible for changing your Mac’s configuration.

Has your data been compromised?

While pretending to protect your computer, MacShiny collects sensitive data from your system. It may track:

• Browsing history and search queries
• IP address, location, and cookies
• macOS preferences
• Information about apps installed on your Mac

Since the malware prompts you to pay for a premium license, you risk sharing your payment details with online criminals. The best thing you can do to protect your privacy is to remove MacShiny from Mac as soon as you detect it.

How to check if PUP is removed?

Make sure the rogue app is no longer located in Applications. Check your Login Items for any unknown elements. Also, there should be no fake alerts and annoying ads showing up out of nowhere.