This article explains the issues that occur in case of infection with MPlayerX and provides a complete guide on how to remove harmful files and how to restore affected browsers.
MplayerX is a deceptive program that could affect Mac users without their knowledge. MplayerX is presented as a useful program which enhances your video watching experience on channels like YouTube. However, once started on the device it starts generating various online ads in affected browsers and system. As long as this program is running on your Mac you could witness browser slowdowns, system freezes and a lot bogus ads.
Threat Summary
| Name | MPlayerX |
| Type | Adware |
| Short Description | A potentially undesired program with rogue functionalities. It claims to be able to enhance video quiality and speed on channels like YouTube. |
| Symptoms | This rogue program could load on each system start. Its real purpose is to generate annoying pop-ups and other kind of advertisements. |
| Distribution Method | Software bundling; Corrupted freeware installers; Open source communities |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Combo Cleaner
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss MPlayerX. |
MPlayerX – How Did I Get It
Software bundling seems to be the primary spread technique that delivers the unwanted MplayerX program on Mac devices. With the help of this technique, owners of this suspicious app are able to bundle their deceptive program to various free third-party apps and release them across the web.
How they can trick you to run the configuration code of their app on your Mac, is by concealing it in the installers of other supposedly useful apps. They hope that you will choose the default installation approach as there you will not find any details about its presence. One way to prevent the installation of undesired apps like MplayerX is hidden in the Advanced/Custom configuration step that is presented in almost all app installers. Usually, there you could reveal the presence of bundled undesired programs and opt out their installation.
Another distribution channel is its official website that is hosted on the domain mplayerx.org. Here is how its main page looks like:
The suspicious program MplayerX could be also downloaded from various open source communities and other platforms for software downloads.
We believe that this unwanted and potentially harmful program could affect almost all of your installed web browsers. Among affected could be Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge and Safari.
MPlayerX – More Information
MplayerX is presented as a useful program which enhances your video watching experience on channels like YouTube. However, soon after it is running on your Mac it could start generating constant pop-ups and other types of ads.
Some of these ads could offer you to buy applications with a discount but it is yet another scam that attempts to trick you into installing rogue programs that expose your Mac at risk of serious malware infections.
Traits of ads generated by MplayerX rogue application could be some of the following phrases displayed on the ad formats:
- Ads by MplayerX
- Promoted by MplayerX
- Ads generated by MplayerX
- Promotions by MplayerX
Another issue that may occur after MplayerX gains access to your Mac is collection of sensitive data. Since its primary purpose is to generate revenue for its owners its goal is to obtain certain details from affected systems and then send them to its connected servers. Collected details could be related to you and your browsing behavior. They could serve adware owners for the optimization of advertising campaigns.
So as long as this undesired program is running on the system it may be able to obtain details like:
- Browsing history
- Browser’s home page
- Search queries
- Type of used browser
- Operating system type
- Internet protocol (IP) address
- Geographic location
- The domain name of current Internet service provider (ISP)
Unfortunately, the data could be also disclosed to third-parties of unknown origin that could easily misuse it and cause some privacy and security related issues.
If you want to clean your Mac device and prevent all issues caused by MplayerX you need to remove all files associated with the program from the system and then reset the settings of affected browsers. See how to go step-by-step through the removal of this adware in the guide below.
Remove MPlayerX
In order to remove MPlayerX adware and all files that support its persistent presence on your Mac, you should complete all steps listed in the removal that follows. In it, you will find both manual and automatic removal instructions that could help you to remove this undesired program in full. In case that you have further questions or need additional help, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or contact us via email.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Steps to Prepare Before Removal:
Before starting to follow the steps below, be advised that you should first do the following preparations:
- Backup your files in case the worst happens.
- Make sure to have a device with these instructions on standy.
- Arm yourself with patience.
- 1. Scan for Mac Malware
- 2. Uninstall Risky Apps
- 3. Clean Your Browsers
Step 1: Scan for and remove MPlayerX files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as MPlayerX, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Quick and Easy Mac Malware Video Removal Guide
Bonus Step: How to Make Your Mac Run Faster?
Mac machines maintain probably the fastest operating system out there. Still, Macs do become slow and sluggish sometimes. The video guide below examines all of the possible problems that may lead to your Mac being slower than usual as well as all of the steps that can help you to speed up your Mac.
Step 2: Uninstall MPlayerX and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to MPlayerX:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to MPlayerX. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to MPlayerX. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any leftover files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove MPlayerX via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1. Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2. Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3. Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as MPlayerX. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3: Remove MPlayerX – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
MPlayerX-FAQ
What is MPlayerX on your Mac?
The MPlayerX threat is probably a potentially unwanted app. There is also a chance it could be related to Mac malware. If so, such apps tend to slow your Mac down significantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
Can Macs Get Viruses?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get malware. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that almost all of the Apple devices can become infected with a threat.
What Types of Mac Threats Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the types of threats that can currently infect your Mac can be rogue antivirus programs, adware or hijackers (PUPs), Trojan horses, ransomware and crypto-miner malware.
What To Do If I Have a Mac Virus, Like MPlayerX?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One recommended way to do that is by using a reputable malware removal software that can take care of the removal automatically for you.
There are many Mac anti-malware apps out there that you can choose from. SpyHunter for Mac is one of the reccomended Mac anti-malware apps, that can scan for free and detect any viruses. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to Secure My Data from MPlayerX?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your e-mail passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activiites with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these reccomendations, your network and Apple devices will become significantly more safe against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
More tips you can find on our MacOS Virus section, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
About the MPlayerX Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MPlayerX how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific macOS issue.
How did we conduct the research on MPlayerX?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of Mac threats, especially adware and potentially unwanted apps (PUAs).
Furthermore, the research behind the MPlayerX threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.