PropellerAds.com is a website for a monetization platform. Although, the site can spread advertisements and you can be redirected to more, similar advertising networks. That is why it is regarded as adware. The owners of that ad network make some of their revenue from adverts and some from monetizing Web traffic generated by them. To remove all the advertisements and the adware platform, you should read the article to the end.
Threat Summary
| Name | PropellerAds.com |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | The site generates advertisements, which can show on other websites when you browse. |
| Symptoms | You will see advertisements all over your browsers, like pop-ups, message boxes, in-text links or other ad types. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss PropellerAds.com. |
PropellerAds.com – Spread
The PropellerAds.com website is generally spread through third-party installation setups. Without your awareness, the adware could be put in your computer machine with third-party installer setups via bundled programs and freeware. Installers could be set by default to include components with the main software being installed. To prevent any undesired components from getting to your PC can be done if you find a Custom or an Advanced settings.
PropellerAds.com promotes itself across the Internet and a lot of websites display its advertisements. Be it banners, pop-ups or pop-under ads used for the spreading of the adware, they all can infiltrate your computer machine. Upon visiting websites with an origin that is not known or other ones which seem dubious is another way to spread this adware. A different way of spreading it will be by using redirects on websites with related content. Browsers that can get affected are the following: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer and Safari.
PropellerAds.com – In Depth
PropellerAds.com is the main Web page of a platform for advertising, named with the same name. A multitude of advertising content and hundreds of redirects can be pushed from it. Those circumstances can occur even while you are casually browsing the internet and in case you have a program connected to PropellerAds on your computer machine. This platform, together with each of its related applications, is considered adware. In the screenshot displayed below you can see the PropellerAds.com website:
By looking into the description of the platform, you can see that it can bring up ad campaigns on a worldwide scale. On top of that it can do so not only on computers but utilizing mobile devices as well. Targeted advertising content is more than likely to appear from customers of this service.
If your personal computer is affected by software, which is related to the PropellerAds.com platform, you will experience bulks of advertisements on each of the online pages that you visit. In case your browsers have an extension, add-on or a plug-in connected to this adware, you will see more advertisements. You can be redirected to sites with similar content, like advertisement networks, which can be partnered or affiliated with the owners of Propeller Ads.
Advertisements spread by the platform can show one of these texts:
- Ads by PropellerAds.com
- Advertisement by PropellerAds.com
- Ad by PropellerAds.com
- Advert from PropellerAds.com
- Powered by PropellerAds.com
- Brought to you by PropellerAds.com
Every redirect could show in the form of in-text advertisements, links, and buttons. The PropellerAds.com website will spread these and place them on websites to increase Web traffic. The result will be the distribution of targeted adverts and sponsored content by the website owners. Multiple redirects can open at the same time, for instance – one on a new page, one on a new tab, and one in the same tab that initiated the redirect. The online traffic which is acquired can be turned into real money by using a pay-per-click plan.
The advertisements can vary in types, although all of them are to serve one and the same goal – that of making revenue for the adware owners. Adverts connected to PropellerAds.com can be displayed across the World Wide Web as pop-ups, in-text links, pop-unders, banners, interstitial or transitional ads. Different kinds of advertising are not absolutely excluded from appearing, as well.
PropellerAds.com – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of the PropellerAds.com platform is found on its main domain. The website will collect both personally identifying and non-personally identifying information. Part of the information will be disclosed to third parties, advertisement networks, and similar websites tied to this platform.
You can view the Privacy Policy right here:
Information that can be collected from you:
Personally identifying information:
- Your email address
- Information you provide
Non-personally identifying information:
- The type of Internet browser
- The type of computer operating system
- The domain name of the website visited
- Information related to websites and web pages a user is viewing when an advertisement is shown
Browser cookies, including many more different tracking technologies, like pixel tags, will track your interaction with advertisements, this and other websites you can end up on.
The following quote from the Privacy Policy sounds like it is untrue:
We do not collect PII via our Services, and therefore, we do not sell, rent, or share PII collected on our customer’s websites to non-affiliated third parties.
So, the owners of the Propeller Ads service gather personally identifying information, from their contact line, as it’s admitted after that quote in the Policy. This means that they indeed collect PII, and may disclose it or do other things with it as long as it is between affiliated third parties, and the selling, renting and sharing of the data happens outside the “customer’s websites.” Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean affiliates cannot gather the whole information.
Here is another interesting quotation from the Policy:
The use of cookies by our affiliates, service providers or tracking utility company is not covered by our Privacy Policy. We do not have access or control over these cookies. These third parties use session ID cookies to make it easier for you to navigate our site.
The quotation above says that cookies of PropellerAds.com which are used by whatever other site could collect your personal information. All despite Propeller Ads owners have agreed to the information collection by signing a contract with the other websites.
The recommended action for you to take is to remove the adware and everything that is associated with it, as you do not know what information could be collected about you and where it could be sent.
Remove PropellerAds.com Fully
To remove PropellerAds.com manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal tutorial provided below. In case this manual removal does not get rid of the ads completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such an application can keep your computer secure in the future.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove PropellerAds.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for PropellerAds.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall PropellerAds.com and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by PropellerAds.com on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by PropellerAds.com there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for PropellerAds.com (Windows).
Get rid of PropellerAds.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall PropellerAds.com and remove related files and objects
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 PropellerAds.com. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- 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 PropellerAds.com 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:
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 2: Scan for and remove PropellerAds.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as PropellerAds.com, 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.
Video Removal Guide for PropellerAds.com (Mac)
Remove PropellerAds.com from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase PropellerAds.com from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall PropellerAds.com from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove PropellerAds.com from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the PropellerAds.com will be removed.
Eliminate PropellerAds.com from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
PropellerAds.com-FAQ
What Is PropellerAds.com?
The PropellerAds.com threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of PropellerAds.com?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like PropellerAds.com?
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 email 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 activities 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 recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does PropellerAds.com Work?
Once installed, PropellerAds.com can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
PropellerAds.com can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is PropellerAds.com Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the PropellerAds.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this PropellerAds.com how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on PropellerAds.com?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the PropellerAds.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.