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Home > tech blogs > How to Remove Malware from Mac: Complete, Expert-Level Guide
📅 December 27, 2025 👤 Saqib Naveed Mirza 📁 tech blogs

How to Remove Malware from Mac: Complete, Expert-Level Guide

Malware on Mac can be removed by disconnecting from the internet, starting Safe Mode, deleting suspicious apps, clearing caches, checking Activity Monitor, and running a trusted malware scanner. For persistent threats, reinstalling macOS ensures a clean system.

This guide explains how to remove malware from Mac safely and completely, while also showing you how infections happen, how to spot early warning signs, and how to protect your Mac long-term. By the end, you will know exactly what to do without confusion, fear, or unnecessary tools.

What Is Malware on a Mac?

Malware is any software designed to damage your system, spy on activity, steal personal data, or disrupt normal performance. On macOS, malware often hides behind apps that appear legitimate.

Common Mac malware types include:

  • Adware that floods your browser with ads
  • Spyware that tracks activity and passwords
  • Trojans disguised as media files or installers
  • Browser hijackers that change search engines
  • Background miners that slow your Mac silently

Unlike obvious viruses, modern macOS malware often works quietly, making early detection critical.

How Macs Get Infected with Malware

Most Mac infections happen because of unsafe actions, not system weaknesses. Malware usually enters through user interaction.

Your Mac is at risk if you:

  • Download cracked or pirated software
  • Install apps from unknown websites
  • Click fake security warnings or pop-ups
  • Open phishing emails or unexpected attachments
  • Use torrent or file-sharing platforms
  • Plug in unknown USB drives or external storage
  • Click malicious ads on compromised websites

Even a single unsafe click can allow malware to install in the background.

How to tell if your Mac has a virus

Sometimes, malware will do its best to remain undetected. Other times it will be more obvious, and that can be by design or a side effect that the virus coders never intended. Either way, there may be warning signs that help you delete viruses on your trusty Macintosh.

Signs of malware on Mac

Whether you have an iMac, MacBook, or Mac mini, malware can result in these kinds of symptoms:

  • An unusually slow Mac, particularly if the slowdown happens suddenly
  • Your Mac freezes up or restarts unexpectedly
  • Your web browser changes its home page and/or search engine
  • Files and folders won’t open
  • Frequent error messages pop up on your Mac
  • One or more processes take up all your RAM and/or CPU resources
  • Disk space mysteriously disappears.

These symptoms can be caused by legitimate things, like background downloads or software conflicts. If you’re looking to clean viruses from your Mac, you need a reliable way of checking the cause of unwanted behavior.

How to Remove Malware from Mac (Step-by-Step)

Removing malware correctly prevents reinfection and protects your data. Follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Disconnect from the internet

By disconnecting from the internet, you prevent your data from being transmitted back to the malware server and protect your other devices from also being infected. If you need to go online to download a tool, disconnect as soon as it’s downloaded and avoid reconnecting once you have what you need. It may help to print these instructions before disconnecting.

Step 2: Go into safe mode

Isolate any issues with your device by entering safe mode. To enter safe mode on a Mac:

  • Start your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key
  • Release the key as soon as the login window pops up

Step 3: Avoid logging into accounts 

Many forms of malware aim to access your sensitive information. They do this by stealing your login credentials after tracking your keystrokes or lifting your password from your screen or clipboard. Prevent losing your login information by avoiding logging into any of your accounts.

Step 4: Delete temporary files

Malware may install temporary files on your device, so it’s important you delete them.

  • Quit all active apps
  • Open Finder in the menu bar, click on GoGo to Folderthen type in ~/Library/Caches/
  • Highlight the temporary files you want to delete and move the selected files to Trash
  • Empty the Trash folder

Step 5: Check your Activity Monitor

The Activity Monitor shows the processes running on your computer, so you can see how they affect your computer’s activity and performance. To check your Activity Monitor on a Mac:

  • Go to Finder and select Applications 
  • Click Utilities 
  • Go to the Activity Monitor 

Once you are looking at the Activity Monitor, look for any suspicious applications in the Processes Area. You can also check the CPU tab to check for apps using a lot of processing power. If you find any suspicious applications, close them through the monitor, then delete them from the Finder menu.

In 2025, our company SafeCare transitioned its design team from Windows laptops to MacBooks. Shortly after the switch, one of our designers, Zakria, noticed unusual behavior on his Mac: sudden slowdowns, unexpected browser redirects, and strange pop-ups. Suspecting malware, he reported the issue to his senior colleague, Haisam, who has been using MacBooks for over 10 years.

Using his experience, Haisam guided Zakria step-by-step: disconnecting from the internet, booting into Safe Mode, checking Activity Monitor for suspicious processes, removing temporary files, and running a trusted malware scanner. Within a few hours, the Mac was fully claned, performance returned to normal, and Zakria’s work could continue without risk.

Step 6: Run a malware scanner

Running a malware scanner should be enough to get rid of most standard infections. If you already have an antivirus program on your device, you should download an on-demand malware scanner different from the one you are using for antivirus. Download a scanner from a reliable source, run it, and install security software that constantly works in the background to protect you from existing and emerging security threats.

Step 7: Double-check your browser extensions  

Most malware and adware enter your system through your internet browser and often install different extensions. They may even distort your browser settings to make it impossible to remove the extensions, though this is rare. In most cases, deleting the browser extension is sufficient.

If you are using Google Chrome, here’s how to check which extensions have been installed and how to remove them if necessary:

  • Select the three vertical dots on the top right of your browser screen.
  • Select Settings from the dropdown menu that appears.
  • Click Extensions to see all.
  • Delete suspicious extensions.
  • Reboot the system for the effect to take place.
  • If you use a different browser, the steps will be similar.

Step 8: Check for malware in Mac login items

Login items include the apps that start every time your launch your OS. Sometimes these apps are needed to run the OS, and other times, they are useless and could house viruses or malware. It’s important to check your login items and disable those that may act as a cover for malware.

To do this:

  • Click on the Apple logo on the menu bar.
  • Click on System Preferences and then Users & Groups.
  • Click on the lock in the lower-left corner.
  • Open Login Items.
  • Disable the ones you do not need.
  • Step 9: Remove all suspicious applications

Finally, go through all the installed apps to check if there are some you never use. Once you have them shortlisted, research each app to find out the usage. Often, a Google search will tell you if an app is useful or merely a cover for malware. If an app is available on the official App Store, then it should be reliable. By contrast, if an app is hard to find and has bad reviews, it may contain malware.

What to Do If Malware Keeps Coming Back

If malware persists after removal:

  • Reinstall macOS using Recovery Mode
  • Restore only clean files from backup
  • Avoid restoring apps automatically

This ensures a clean system with no hidden threats.

For additional official guidance on removing malware and managing Mac security, Apple explains safe practices in its support documentation: Apple Support – Protect your Mac from malware.

How to Protect Your Mac from Malware in the Future

Prevention is more powerful than removal.

Follow these best practices:

Install Apps Only from Trusted Sources

Use the Mac App Store or official developer websites.

Avoid Pirated Software

Cracked apps are one of the largest malware sources on macOS.

Limit Administrator Accounts

Use a standard user account for daily tasks and admin access only when needed.

Keep macOS Updated

Security updates close vulnerabilities malware exploits.

Be Careful with Email and Links

Never click unexpected links or attachments even from known contacts.

Avoid Unknown USB Devices

External storage can carry hidden malware.

Use Reliable Antivirus Protection

Real-time protection stops threats before they execute.

Why Malware Removal Matters More Than You Think

Malware is not just annoying it can:

  • Steal passwords
  • Track keystrokes
  • Access personal files
  • Hijack browsers
  • Slow your Mac permanently

Early removal protects both your data and device lifespan.

Final Thoughts

Removing malware from Mac is not about panicit is about precision. When you understand how infections happen, recognize early signs, and follow proven removal steps, you stay in control.

A clean Mac runs faster, stays secure, and lasts longer. Bookmark this guide, apply these practices, and make informed decisions every time you install software or browse online.

If you care about performance, privacy, and long-term Mac health, staying proactive is the smartest move you can make.

Explore More MacBook Guides: Chips, Models, guide & Prices in 2026

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FAQs for Mac malware 

Can Macs get malware or viruses?

Yes. While macOS has strong built-in security, Macs can still get infected through fake apps, phishing emails, malicious ads, and unsafe downloads. No system is completely immune.

Is Apple’s built-in security enough to remove malware?

Apple tools like XProtect and Gatekeeper help block known threats, but they may not detect all malware. Manual checks and a trusted malware scanner provide better protection.

How often should I scan my Mac for malware?

You should scan your Mac at least once a month or immediately if you notice unusual behavior such as slow performance, pop-ups, or unknown apps.

Can malware steal passwords or Apple ID data on Mac?

Yes. Some malware types can log keystrokes, monitor activity, or access saved credentials. This is why removing malware quickly is essential.

Will reinstalling macOS completely remove malware?

In most cases, yes. Reinstalling macOS from Recovery Mode removes hidden malware, especially when you avoid restoring suspicious apps or files.

Do Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3) need antivirus software?

Yes. Apple Silicon Macs are more secure but still vulnerable to malware. Antivirus software adds an extra layer of real-time protection.

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