How to remove BinaryInitiator (Mac)

What is BinaryInitiator

BinaryInitiator is a type of adware that specifically targets Mac computers. It falls under the broader category of potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) and is part of the AdLoad malware family. Adware, in general, is designed to display intrusive advertisements and collect user data without consent. BinaryInitiator is no exception, as it not only bombards users with unwanted ads but may also track personal information and browsing habits. The presence of BinaryInitiator on a Mac can lead to several noticeable symptoms. Users may experience an increased number of ads, such as pop-ups and banners, that do not originate from the websites they are visiting. There might be browser redirects where clicking on links or opening new tabs redirects users to unfamiliar websites often filled with more ads or potentially malicious content. The adware can change the homepage, search engine, or new tab settings to point to its preferred advertising or phishing sites. This can significantly slow down browsing speed and overall browser performance. Additionally, BinaryInitiator may collect data on browsing habits, search queries, and even personal information, which could be shared with third parties without user consent.

How BinaryInitiator infects Mac computers

The infection process of BinaryInitiator typically involves deceptive techniques to trick users into downloading and installing the adware. It can be bundled with free software, hidden within fake updates, or distributed through compromised websites. Users might install it unknowingly when they fail to opt-out of additional offers while installing other software or when they click on misleading advertisements that prompt the download of the adware. Once installed, BinaryInitiator may modify browser settings to display ads, redirect searches to advertising platforms, and inject sponsored links into search results. It can affect various browsers on the Mac, including Safari, Chrome, and Firefox. To prevent the installation of BinaryInitiator and similar adware, a cautious approach to downloading and installing software is essential. It is advisable to always download apps and software from the official App Store or directly from the developer’s website. Paying attention during the installation process, opting for custom installation when available, and unchecking any offers for additional software can also help.

1. Download BinaryInitiator Removal Tool
2. Remove BinaryInitiator from Login Items
3. Remove/Uninstall BinaryInitiator from Applications
4. Remove BinaryInitiator from browsers
5. Reset browser settings
6. Remove BinaryInitiator files and folders
7. Block BinaryInitiator ads and pop-ups
8. How to protect from threats, like BinaryInitiator

Remove BinaryInitiator manually for free

Note: BinaryInitiator sets up to start on macOS startup. Therefore, before starting the removal, perform these steps:

1. Open System Preferences, choose Users & Groups.
2. Choose your account (set up as Current User).
3. Click Login Items tab.
4. Find “BinaryInitiator” entry. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove it.

Note 2: BinaryInitiator won’t quit just by closing it, therefor use Force Quit to end the process.

1. Press 3 buttons at the same time: Option, Command, and Esc (Escape). This is similar to Control-Alt-Delete on a Windows PC.
2. Choose BinaryInitiator in the list.
3. Click Force Quit button.

Here is a manual step-by-step tutorial for full BinaryInitiator removal from your computer. This works 99% and was checked with the latest versions of BinaryInitiator installer on operating systems with the latest updates and browser versions.

Remove BinaryInitiator from Applications

Remove BinaryInitiator from Mac:

1. In the Finder sidebar, click Applications.
2. BinaryInitiator might have an Uninstaller. If you see Uninstall BinaryInitiator or BinaryInitiator Uninstaller, double-click it and follow the onscreen instructions.
3. Otherwise, drag BinaryInitiator from the Applications folder to the Trash (located at the end of the Dock).
4. Then choose Finder > Empty Trash.

Cannot uninstall BinaryInitiator

If you can’t uninstall BinaryInitiator using instructions above, or it keeps coming back, you can use free AppCleaner for Mac to remove all residual data and libraries of BinaryInitiator. Follow instructions below:

1. Download free AppCleaner.
2. Drag BinaryInitiator from Applications folder to AppCleaner window.
3. Choose files and folders you want to remove along with BinaryInitiator.
4. Click Delete button.

Remove BinaryInitiator add-on from your browsers

Removing BinaryInitiator from Applications often does not bring the desired effect. It is a browser extension, and it may still be active in Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Here are instructions on how to remove the BinaryInitiator extension from your browsers manually.

Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Click Extensions tab.
3. Find BinaryInitiator extension.
4. Click Uninstall button to remove it.

Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://extensions.
3. Find BinaryInitiator extension.
4. Click the trash can icon to remove it.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:addons.
3. Choose BinaryInitiator extension.
4. Click Disable or Remove button.

Reset browser settings

To finish BinaryInitiator removal, reset your browser settings to make sure, there are no leftover items in browser folders.

Reset Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Go to the Privacy section of Safari’s preferences.
3. Click Remove All Website Data button.
4. In the opened window, click Remove Now button to remove data stored by websites in Safari.
5. Go to the Advanced section of Safari’s preferences.
6. Click the Show Develop menu in menu bar option.
7. In the menu, click Develop and select Empty Caches from this menu.
8. Again, go to Safari menu and choose Clear History….
9. Choose to clear all history and click Clear History button.

Reset Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://settings.
3. Scroll down and find Show advanced settings link.
4. Click on it and scroll down to the bottom again.
5. Click Reset settings button and click Reset to confirm.

Reset Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:support.
3. Click Refresh Firefox… button.
4. Click Refresh Firefox to confirm.

Remove following files and folders of BinaryInitiator


~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.BinaryInitiator.service.app
~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.BinaryInitiator.service.plist
/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.BinaryInitiator.system
/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.BinaryInitiator.system.plist


Download AdGuard for Mac to block malicious pop-ups, that promote BinaryInitiator

AdGuard is the best ad-blocker, internet filtering, and internet security application for macOS. It can cut out unwanted banners from site pages, block pop-ups, stop redirects, and prevent users from visiting potentially dangerous resources. Use it to stop ads promoting BinaryInitiator in browsers.

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like BinaryInitiator

Mac OSX is known to be one of the safest operating systems, and for a long time, there was no need for antivirus products for Mac. But with the growing popularity of Mac computers and notebooks and evolving technology, viruses, trojans, adware, toolbars, hijackers, and other malware paved the way for Mac users. We recommend you to use one of the best anti-malware for Mac available — Malwarebytes for Mac.