How to remove WebProtocol (Mac)

What is WebProtocol

WebProtocol is a type of adware that primarily targets macOS systems, displaying intrusive advertisements and redirecting users to questionable websites. This application is known for generating various forms of ads, including pop-ups, banners, and coupons, often leading users to deceptive sites that may compromise their personal information. Security vendors have flagged WebProtocol as malicious due to its capability to collect browsing data and display misleading alerts, which can result in privacy issues and system slowdowns. Users typically encounter this adware through bundled software installations, where it is disguised as a legitimate application. Once installed, it can be challenging to remove entirely, necessitating the use of reliable antivirus solutions like Combo Cleaner for thorough eradication. Overall, WebProtocol poses significant risks and should be avoided to maintain a secure browsing experience.

How WebProtocol infects Mac computers

WebProtocol typically infects Mac systems through deceptive practices that exploit user behavior during software installation. Often, users unknowingly install this adware by choosing to download free software from untrustworthy sources or by bypassing critical installation options. During the setup process, additional applications like WebProtocol can be bundled with legitimate software, and users may inadvertently give permission for these unwanted programs to install by selecting default settings instead of opting for custom or advanced installation options. Additionally, aggressive advertising tactics, such as pop-ups or misleading software update alerts, can lure users into downloading WebProtocol directly. Once installed, this adware can generate intrusive advertisements, track browsing habits, and redirect users to potentially harmful websites, thereby compromising their online security and privacy. To mitigate the risk of such infections, users should always download software from reputable sources and remain vigilant during the installation processes.

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

Remove WebProtocol manually for free

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

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

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

Remove WebProtocol from Applications

Remove WebProtocol from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall WebProtocol

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

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

Remove WebProtocol add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish WebProtocol 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 WebProtocol


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


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

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 WebProtocol in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like WebProtocol

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