How to remove ExplorerRecord (Mac)

What is ExplorerRecord

ExplorerRecord is a type of adware that specifically targets Mac computers, presenting a significant nuisance for users by injecting unwanted advertisements into websites, redirecting search queries, and potentially compromising user privacy and system security. This adware operates by installing a browser extension or program that hijacks the browser’s homepage and search engine, redirecting to ExplorerRecord Search, which then redirects to search results from search.yahoo.com, likely to generate advertising revenue. The symptoms of an ExplorerRecord infection include changes to the web browser’s default search engine to ExplorerRecord Search, redirection of browser search queries through ExplorerRecord Search, and the presence of the “ExplorerRecord” browser extension or program on the Mac. These changes can lead to an increase in unwanted advertisements, including banners, toolbars, pop-ups, and plugins, which not only disrupt the user experience but can also slow down the system and pose security risks. To remove ExplorerRecord from a Mac, users are advised to follow a multi-step process that includes removing malicious profiles, deleting malicious apps, resetting browsers back to default settings, and running a scan with reputable anti-malware software such as Spyhunter for Mac. This comprehensive approach helps ensure that all components of the adware are removed and that the system is protected against future infections.

How ExplorerRecord infects Mac computers

ExplorerRecord is typically installed by users, either knowingly or unknowingly, often through advertisements or bundled with other software. This bundling practice can lead to confusion about the origin of the software and may result in additional unwanted programs being installed without the user’s consent. Preventative measures against adware like ExplorerRecord include downloading software from official and verified sources, paying close attention during the installation process to avoid inadvertently installing bundled software, and employing reputable anti-malware tools to provide real-time protection. Additionally, maintaining cautious online habits, such as avoiding clicking on suspicious advertisements and not downloading software from unreliable sources, can further reduce the risk of adware infections

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

Remove ExplorerRecord manually for free

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

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

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

Remove ExplorerRecord from Applications

Remove ExplorerRecord from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall ExplorerRecord

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

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

Remove ExplorerRecord add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish ExplorerRecord 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 ExplorerRecord


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


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

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 ExplorerRecord in browsers.

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like ExplorerRecord

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.