UniversalHelper is offered as a browser tool that makes online browsing and searching easier. It installs its own search engine and also modifies the default homepage, new tab, or search window. Normally, Mac users may acquire this adware via third-party software hosted on various questionable web sites. It is also endorsed on spam email messages and social media sites, so every online user is a target of this UniversalHelper adware.
Where does UniversalHelper come from?
Common sources of Mac adware like UniversalHelper include downloading and installing software from untrusted or unofficial websites. It may also be bundled with free applications or software obtained from less reputable sources. Clicking on deceptive advertisements or links, especially those claiming to offer software updates or security tools, can lead to adware infections. Additionally, pirated content, such as cracked software or media obtained from unauthorized sources, may carry UniversalHelper payloads.
UniversalHelper is an adware
Adware and potentially unwanted programs (PUP) like UniversalHelper can also be installed as browser objects in Google Chrome or Safari. On the compromised internet browser application, UniversalHelper Search will be pushing its own search outcome that showcases different advertisements. The adware is capable of changing settings in order to perform the said task. If installed completely, Mac users will begin to see ads by UniversalHelper, especially when browsing the internet. It can be in the form of pop-up ads, banners, or redirects. Because of these unwanted changes, Mac will display a warning: “UniversalHelper will damage your computer.”
Because the objective of UniversalHelper is to generate online revenue through its own ad scheme, malware researchers preferred it to be called Adware or Ad-Supported software. Keep in mind that the advertisements arising from its existence may cause serious issues. It could redirect the browser to sites that host malware, adware, and viruses.
Getting rid of UniversalHelper app
The adware gets into the Mac computer quickly and easily, with less effort, taking advantage of the Mac user’s lack of knowledge when installing freeware. However, if you decide to remove UniversalHelper from the computer, you will likely deal with lots of complexities. Unlike other normal programs, this adware cannot be removed with a single click.
To perform the effective way of uninstalling UniversalHelper, please follow the guide as instructed on this page. Scan the computer with the suggested tools to ensure that no more entities of the adware will be left inside the Mac system.
Procedures to Remove UniversalHelper 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 UniversalHelper. 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 UniversalHelper.
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.
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 UniversalHelper and other issues on the Mac computer.
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 UniversalHelper
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 UniversalHelper 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 UniversalHelper or any unwanted program.
4. Drag UniversalHelper 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 UniversalHelper
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 UniversalHelper. If it is not present, look for and delete any suspicious browser extension.
Remove the UniversalHelper 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/
3. Find UniversalHelper 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.
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 UniversalHelper 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/
3. Look for and Remove or Disable entries for UniversalHelper from the Installed Extensions area.
4. You may now close the window and restart the Microsoft Edge browser.
Uninstall the UniversalHelper 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
3. Click on Extensions from the sidebar menu.
4. Look for an entry that pertains to UniversalHelper and Disable or Remove it from the browser using the options button.
Step 3 : Delete Malicious Files that have installed UniversalHelper
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
3. You will now see a hidden folder named LaunchAgents. Take note of the following files inside the folder:
- com.UniversalHelper.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:
- UniversalHelperfld, Universalhelper.gqa, (random characters).plist
If you cannot find the specified file, please look for any unfamiliar or suspicious entries. It may be the one causing UniversalHelper 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..."
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
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.
- UniversalHelperfld, Universalhelper.gqa, (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.
4. Click on Force Quit button.
5. You may now delete or remove the locked file that belongs to UniversalHelper 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 UniversalHelper.
4. Once you are on the Malwarebytes dashboard, please click on the Scan button to start scanning your Mac computer.
5. After the scan, Malwarebytes for Mac will display a list of identified threats, and UniversalHelper 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 UniversalHelper 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
2. Go to the left sidebar and click On Startup.
3. Select "Open a specific page or set of pages" in the right panel.
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 UniversalHelper. Click Save.
6. To set the default search engine, go to the sidebar, and this time, select Search Engine.
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.
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 UniversalHelper are gone.
Get Rid of UniversalHelper 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 UniversalHelper item or unwanted URL from the Homepage section. Replace it with your preferred URL to be set as your default homepage.
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.
6. You may now restart the Safari browser.
Remove UniversalHelper 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
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 UniversalHelper.
6. Click the Save button. You may now restart Microsoft Edge for Mac.
Delete UniversalHelper 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.
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 UniversalHelper settings.
6. To configure the default search engine, select Search in the sidebar to display the 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.
9. Click on the Remove button to delete the unwanted search engine. You may now restart the Mozilla Firefox for Mac.
System Compatibility Notice
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 UniversalHelper 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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