Remove UnitHandlerfld from Mac

For a suitable browser like Safari or Google Chrome, UnitHandlerfld may seem like a reliable browser extension. However, there has been speculation that once installed, it causes a number of interruptions to web users’ internet browsing. Additionally, it routinely enters Mac computers without the user’s permission. Based on our observations, malicious software installers that users can freely obtain from a variety of sources allow UnitHandlerfld, or similar adware as BrowserActivityfld and Pipidae to access the target browser.

How does UnitHandlerfld get into a Mac?

As was already indicated, malicious file installers distributed as shareware or freeware are the main cause of the UnitHandlerfld infection. Mac users are generally directed to the host websites by aggressive ads that start browser redirects. The freeware is often marketed as a practical utility, creative program, media player, file converter, or software update. After a Mac user downloads and launches this bundle’s setup, UnitHandlerfld won’t show any indication that it has been installed. It was specifically designed to achieve a covert installation to prevent any disruption from users or security programs.

Clearly, malicious software bundles are insufficient to swiftly install UnitHandlerfld. Therefore, the creators of this adware require another way to spread the program, and they see promise in taking advantage of aggressive advertising, which is a common method for spreading adware. The host software on this campaign frequently requires a software update. In an effort to sway web users, the pop-up advertisement serves as a system alert that indicates the presence of outdated software that is currently incompatible with other programs. It suggests that the online user should download the software update as a fix, which really installs UnitHandlerfld on the computer.

Screenshot of UnitHandlerfld

The “UnitHandlerfld will damage your computer” pop-up

There is a good chance that Mac OS will respond as soon as UnitHandlerfld enters the browser software and starts the attack. The user may also get the same pop-up message that says something along the lines of “UnitHandlerfld will damage your computer” on comparable malicious software on Mac. This warning urges you to remove the infection as soon as you can.

Conclusion

In summary, we now understand that UnitHandlerfld is a malicious Mac application that intrudes into the computer without warning. Therefore, in order to prevent more damage to the computer, we advise deleting this browser extension. Because of the pop-ups and redirections that come from its aggressive advertising system, leaving it on the internet software may be the first step toward future infection with malware or adware.

Procedures to Remove UnitHandlerfld from Mac

In this part, we will present practical recommendations for removing the malware from an infected Mac computer. You can download the suggested scanner to automatically remove UnitHandlerfld. For further instructions, please follow the manual step-by-step processes.

Instant Removal : Scan the Mac computer with antivirus program

Combo Cleaner is a trusted Mac utility application with complete antivirus and optimization features. It is useful in dealing with adware, malware, and PUP's. Moreover, it can get rid of adware like UnitHandlerfld.

1. Download the tool from the following page:

2. Double-click the downloaded file, combocleaner.dmg and proceed with the installation.

3. The installation window will open. Please double-click or drag the Combo Cleaner icon to the Applications folder.

Screenshot of Installer

4. Proceed with the installation. When it displays the Software License Agreement, please click Continue, and then click on Agree in the confirmation window. Continue with the default installation.

5. The program should run automatically after installation. If not, open your Launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon.

6. Wait until antivirus downloads its latest virus definition updates and click on "Start Combo Scan" to start removing UnitHandlerfld and other issues on the Mac computer.

Screenshot of Dashboard

7. After the virus and disk scan processes, the tool will display the results. Click on Remove Selected to start cleaning the computer.

To fully optimize the features of antivirus and privacy scanners, users may have to upgrade to the premium version.

If you are comfortable manually removing the adware and other malicious objects associated with it, please proceed with the remaining steps.

Manual Removal : Step-by-step guide to get rid of UnitHandlerfld

This area contains comprehensive procedures to help you remove adware and potentially unwanted program from the Mac computer. Guide on this page are written in a manner that can be easily understood and executed by Mac users.

The procedure may require you to close the browser or restart the computer; therefore, we are suggesting to Bookmark or Print this page.

Step 1 : Delete UnitHandlerfld from Mac Applications

1. Go to Finder.

2. On the menu, click Go and then, select Applications from the list to open Applications Folder.

3. Find UnitHandlerfld or any unwanted program.

Screenshot of Deleting App

4. Drag UnitHandlerfld to Trash Bin to delete the application from Mac.

5. Next, go to the Dock, right-click on the Trash icon, and click on Empty Trash.

Step 2 : Remove Browser Extensions that belong to UnitHandlerfld

Most adware and unwanted programs use an application called a "browser extension" to be able to take over the settings of internet applications. Therefore, we highly recommend checking and removing the extension that is closely related to UnitHandlerfld. If it is not present, look for and delete any suspicious browser extension.

Remove the UnitHandlerfld Extension from Google Chrome

1. Open the Google Chrome browser on you Mac device.

2. Input the strings below in the address bar and press Enter on the keyboard:

chrome://extensions/

Screenshot of Chrome Extensions in PC

3. Find UnitHandlerfld or a relevant entry and remove it from Google Chrome.

Remove Malicious Extension from Safari

1. Open the Safari browser.

2. On the top menu, click Safari > Settings or Preferences.

3. The Safari settings window will open. Please select the Extensions tab.

Screenshot of Safari Extension Removal

4. Locate the suspicious extension and click the Uninstall button to remove it from Safari.

5. You may now close the window and restart Safari.

Remove UnitHandlerfld from Mac's Microsoft Edge Browser

1. Open the Microsoft Edge program on your Mac.

2. Input or copy and paste the following string in the address bar. Press press Enter on the keyboard:

edge://extensions/

Screenshot of Edge Extension on Mac

3. Look for and Remove or Disable entries for UnitHandlerfld from the Installed Extensions area.

Screenshot of Edge Extension Removal - Mac

4. You may now close the window and restart the Microsoft Edge browser.

Uninstall the UnitHandlerfld Extension from Mozilla Firefox

1. Open the Mozilla Firefox browser.

2. Type or copy and paste the strings below in the address bar and press Enter on the keyboard:

about:addons

Screenshot of Firefox Extension

3. Click on Extensions from the sidebar menu.

4. Look for an entry that pertains to UnitHandlerfld and Disable or Remove it from the browser using the options button.

Step 3 : Delete Malicious Files that have installed UnitHandlerfld

1. Go to your Finder. From the menu bar, please select Go > Go to Folder.

2. Input the following string and press Enter on the keyboard.

~/Library/LaunchAgents

Screenshot of Go To Folder

3. You will now see a hidden folder named LaunchAgents. Take note of the following files inside the folder:

  • com.UnitHandlerfld.plist
  • unknown.service.plist
  • unknown.system.plist
  • unknown.download.plist
  • unknown.update.plist

4. The term unknown is just a representation of the actual malware name. Attackers may use the following file names:

- UnitHandlerfld, (random characters).plist

If you cannot find the specified file, please look for any unfamiliar or suspicious entries. It may be the one causing UnitHandlerfld to be present on your Mac. Arranging all items to see the latest ones may also help you identify recently installed unfamiliar files.

5. Please click on "Show items as..."

Screenshot of LaunhAgents Folder

6. To arrange the items in chronological order, click Date Modified.

7. Drag all suspicious files that you may find to Trash.

Take note of all the suspicious files, as you may also delete the same item in another folder as we go on.

8. Please restart the Mac computer.

9. Open another folder using the same method as above. Copy and paste the following string to easily locate the folder:

~/Library/Application Support

Screenshot of Go to Folder

10. Select any suspicious items that you have noted previously. Drag them to the Trash.

11. Repeat the process in the following non-hidden folders (without ~):

/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
/Library/Application Support

12. Lastly, go to your Finder > Go and open the Applications folder. Look for subfolders with the following names and drag them to Trash.

- UnitHandlerfld, (random characters)

Optional : For locked files that cannot be removed, do the following:

1. Go to Launchpad > Other folder, open the Activity Monitor.

2. Select the process you want to quit.

3. In the upper part of the window, click the Stop button.

Screenshot of Force Quit

4. Click on Force Quit button.

5. You may now delete or remove the locked file that belongs to UnitHandlerfld homepage hijacker.

Step 4 : Double-check with Malwarebytes for Mac

Use Malwarebytes for Mac to do another scan to make sure the machine is already clear of viruses, malware, and adware. This efficient anti-malware application allows you to detect things that other security software was unable to recognize.

1. Download Malwarebytes for Mac from the link below.

2. Locate the downloaded Malwarebytes-Mac.pkg and install it with the default settings.

3. Run Malwarebytes for Mac. It will check for updates and download the most recent version if one is available. This is necessary for finding recent malware threats, including UnitHandlerfld.

4. Once you are on the Malwarebytes dashboard, please click on the Scan button to start scanning your Mac computer.

Screenshot of Malwarebytes Dashboard

5. After the scan, Malwarebytes for Mac will display a list of identified threats, and UnitHandlerfld is surely part of it. Be sure to select all items in the list. Then, click the Remove button to clean the computer.

Step 5 : Fixing the Homepage and Search Engine

Remove UnitHandlerfld from the Homepage and Search of Chrome

1. Open the Google Chrome browser and type the following on the address bar and press Enter on the keyboard:

chrome://settings

Screenshot of Chrome Settings

2. Go to the left sidebar and click On Startup.

3. Select "Open a specific page or set of pages" in the right panel.

Screenshot of Chrome Startup

4. Locate the unwanted Homepage URL, click on More Actions (3-dot icon), and select Edit.

5. Enter the desired web address as your home page, replacing UnitHandlerfld. Click Save.

6. To set the default search engine, go to the sidebar, and this time, select Search Engine.

Screenshot of Default Search

7. Click on the Manage search engines and site search button in the right panel.

8. Find the unwanted Search Engine in the list. Click on More Actions, and then click Delete.

9. Go back to the left side bar and click Search Engine.

Screenshot of Search Engine Address Bar

10. In the right panel, choose a valid entry from the "Search engine used in the address bar."

You can now restart the Google Chrome browser to see if the unwanted homepage and search engine related to UnitHandlerfld are gone.

Get Rid of UnitHandlerfld from Safari's Homepage and Search

1. Open your Safari browser.

2. Go to the Safari Menu located in the upper left-hand corner, and then select Settings or Preferences.

3. In the General tab, remove the UnitHandlerfld item or unwanted URL from the Homepage section. Replace it with your preferred URL to be set as your default homepage.

Screenshot of Safari Home Settings

4. Next, be sure that the "New windows open with" and "New tabs open with" fields are set to "Homepage".

5. Please click on the Search tab, and in the "Search engine" section, select Google or any valid search engine.

Screenshot of Safari Search Settings

6. You may now restart the Safari browser.

Remove UnitHandlerfld from the Homepage of Edge Browser

1. Open the Microsoft Edge browser on your Mac computer.

2. In the address bar, type or copy and paste the string below, then press Enter on the keyboard:

edge://settings/startHomeNTP

Screenshot of Edge Homepage Settings on Mac

3. Go to the "When Edge Starts" area. Under the "Open these pages" section, click More Actions (3-dot).

4. Select Edit to open the Edit Page window.

5. Input your desired address to replace the homepage settings of UnitHandlerfld.

Screenshot of Edge for Mac Default Homepage

6. Click the Save button. You may now restart Microsoft Edge for Mac.

Delete UnitHandlerfld from the Homepage and Search of Firefox.

1. Open the Mozilla Firefox browser on your Mac computer.

2. Type the following on the address bar, then press Enter on the keyboard:

about:preferences

3. Click Home in the sidebar area.

Screenshot of Firefox Homepage Settings

4. Under "Homepage and new windows", you may choose Firefox Home (Default) or Custom URLs.

5. If you chose Custom URLs, input the desired URL to replace UnitHandlerfld settings.

6. To configure the default search engine, select Search in the sidebar to display the settings.

Screenshot of Firefox Search Settings

7. Under the Default Search Engine list, please select a legitimate one (i.e., Google).

8. Scroll down to "Search Shortcuts" and select an unwanted search engine.

Screenshot of Deleting Search

9. Click on the Remove button to delete the unwanted search engine. You may now restart the Mozilla Firefox for Mac.

System Compatibility Notice

Logo of Macs

To provide you with easy and accurate methods, the commands used in the guide are common, useful, and tested. We ensured that our tutorial to get rid of UnitHandlerfld is compatible with the majority of Mac operating systems. Please let us know via email or the comment section below if you run into any incompatibility when using this tutorial. We will be pleased to reply and make the required corrections.

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