How to remove HelperFormat (Mac)

What is HelperFormat

HelperFormat is an adware application targeting macOS systems, designed to generate intrusive advertisements that disrupt user experience. Often bundled with legitimate software, it can be unwittingly installed by users during the installation process. Once active, HelperFormat can lead to unwanted pop-ups, browser redirects, and potentially malicious websites, posing risks to users’ privacy and security. Additionally, it may collect sensitive data, including browsing habits and personal information, which can be exploited for targeted advertising or sold to third parties. Addressing HelperFormat promptly is crucial to maintain system performance and safeguard personal data. Users are advised to utilize reputable antivirus solutions, such as Combo Cleaner, to effectively remove this adware and mitigate its effects.

How HelperFormat infects Mac computers

HelperFormat primarily infects Macs through deceptive software bundling, where adware is packaged with legitimate applications during installation. Users often unknowingly install HelperFormat when they accept the default settings without carefully reviewing the installation process. Additionally, it can be distributed via misleading advertisements, where users are tricked into clicking on fake download buttons or links that lead directly to the adware. Malicious websites and social engineering tactics, such as fake system alerts or tech support scams, further facilitate its spread. Once installed, HelperFormat generates unwanted advertisements and can track user data, leading to privacy concerns and potential security risks. To avoid infection, users should only download software from reputable sources and remain vigilant during installations.

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

Remove HelperFormat manually for free

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

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

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

Remove HelperFormat from Applications

Remove HelperFormat from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall HelperFormat

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

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

Remove HelperFormat add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish HelperFormat 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 HelperFormat


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


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

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 HelperFormat in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like HelperFormat

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