How to remove LocalAgent (Mac)

What is LocalAgent

LocalAgent is a form of adware that specifically targets Mac users, falling under the broader category of the Adload malware family. This type of malicious software is notorious for its ability to bypass macOS’s security mechanisms, engaging in a variety of harmful activities once it infiltrates a system. The primary goal of LocalAgent, like other adware, is to generate revenue for its creators through the display of unwanted advertisements, redirection of browser searches to generate ad revenue, and potentially the theft of sensitive user information. Once installed, LocalAgent begins its intrusive operations by injecting advertisements into websites visited by the user, hijacking the browser to redirect searches through its own search engine to generate ad revenue, and opening new tabs that display ads or push fake software updates and tech support scams. The adware modifies browser settings without permission, changing the default search engine to LocalAgent Search and redirecting search queries through it, often to Yahoo Search results, to monetize the user’s online activities.

How LocalAgent infects Mac computers

Infection by LocalAgent can occur through several vectors. One common method is through the bundling of the adware with other software, a deceptive practice where users inadvertently install the adware while installing another piece of software. This often happens during rushed installations where users do not thoroughly review the terms and conditions or fail to notice additional bundled software offers. Other infection methods include downloading infected files, visiting malicious websites, or being tricked into installing the adware under the guise of a legitimate software update.

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

Remove LocalAgent manually for free

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

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

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

Remove LocalAgent from Applications

Remove LocalAgent from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall LocalAgent

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

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

Remove LocalAgent add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish LocalAgent 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 LocalAgent


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


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

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 LocalAgent in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like LocalAgent

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