How to remove DefaultLocator (Mac)

What is DefaultLocator

DefaultLocator is categorized as adware, specifically designed to bombard users with intrusive advertisements while they browse the internet. This software often installs on macOS systems without user consent, typically bundled with free applications or downloaded from unreliable sources. Once active, DefaultLocator displays various types of ads, including pop-ups, banners, and coupons, which can lead users to potentially harmful websites or phishing scams. Beyond just annoying advertisements, it may also collect sensitive data such as browsing habits and personal information. Users impacted by DefaultLocator often experience degraded system performance and browser redirects to dubious sites. Prompt removal is essential to safeguard privacy and restore optimal device functionality. Utilizing reputable antivirus solutions, like Combo Cleaner, can effectively eliminate DefaultLocator and any traces it leaves behind.

How DefaultLocator infects Mac computers

DefaultLocator typically infects Macs through deceptive practices, often bundled with free software downloads. Users frequently unwittingly install this adware when they overlook options during the installation process, particularly in “Advanced” or “Custom” settings where such offers are usually disclosed. Additionally, DefaultLocator can be introduced via clickbait ads or pop-ups that lead users to malicious websites. Once installed, it can manipulate browser settings, display intrusive advertisements, and track user behavior, potentially compromising privacy. The adware’s developers often exploit these tactics to generate revenue through affiliate marketing, making it crucial for users to remain vigilant while downloading software and to be cautious of suspicious online content. Regularly updating security software and adhering to safe browsing practices can help mitigate the risk of DefaultLocator and similar threats.

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

Remove DefaultLocator manually for free

Note: DefaultLocator 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 “DefaultLocator” entry. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove it.

Note 2: DefaultLocator 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 DefaultLocator in the list.
3. Click Force Quit button.

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

Remove DefaultLocator from Applications

Remove DefaultLocator from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall DefaultLocator

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

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

Remove DefaultLocator add-on from your browsers

Removing DefaultLocator 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 DefaultLocator 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 DefaultLocator 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 DefaultLocator 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 DefaultLocator extension.
4. Click Disable or Remove button.

Reset browser settings

To finish DefaultLocator 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 DefaultLocator


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


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

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 DefaultLocator in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like DefaultLocator

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.

Download Malwarebytes for Mac