How To stop McAfee pop-ups on Mac

McAfee pop-ups on Mac can be intrusive and distracting, often appearing unexpectedly while you browse or work. These notifications might be legitimate alerts, but more often, they are misleading messages designed to trick you into clicking or installing unwanted software. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process to stop McAfee pop-ups on your Mac, ensuring your system remains secure and your workflow uninterrupted.

Disable McAfee Notifications in Your Browser

Step 1: Identify the Source of Notifications

• When a McAfee pop-up appears, note the website’s URL shown in the popup or address bar. This helps you know which site is sending the notifications.

Step 2: Turn Off Notifications in Safari

• Open Safari.
• Click the Safari menu and select Settings.
• Choose Websites from the toolbar, then click Notifications in the sidebar.
• Find the McAfee-related URL or any suspicious sites listed.
• Click the dropdown next to the site and select Deny or choose Remove to block further notifications from that site.

Step 3: Disable Notifications in Google Chrome

• Open Chrome and type chrome://settings/content/notifications in the address bar.
• Under Allowed to send notifications, locate the McAfee-related site.
• Click the three dots next to it and select Remove.
• Optionally, toggle on Don’t allow sites to send notifications to block all push notifications.

Step 4: Disable Notifications in Other Browsers

• For browsers like Firefox or Edge, find notification settings in preferences and disable unwanted sites similarly.

Remove Suspicious Browser Extensions

Step 1: Access Extensions

• In Safari, go to Safari menu > Settings > Extensions.
• In Chrome, click the three-dot menu, select More Tools > Extensions.

Step 2: Identify and Remove Suspicious Extensions

• Look for any extensions you don’t recognize or that mention McAfee suspiciously.
• Click Remove or the equivalent option to delete these extensions.
• Reset your homepage and search engine in your browser settings if they’ve been changed without your consent.

Stop Mac-Level Notifications

Step 1: Open System Settings

• Click the Apple menu () and select System Settings.

Step 2: Manage Notifications

• Select Notifications from the sidebar.
• Find your web browser(s) listed under Applications.
• Turn off Allow Notifications for these browsers or specifically block McAfee alerts.

Check and Remove Malicious Files and Launch Agents

Step 1: Open the Finder’s Go to Folder Tool

• Use the Go menu in Finder and select Go to Folder.
• Enter ~/Library/LaunchAgents to access startup scripts.

Step 2: Delete McAfee-Related Files

• Look for files referencing McAfee or suspiciously named with random characters.
• Move these files to the Trash.

Step 3: Restart Your Mac

• Restart your computer to ensure changes take effect and that no launch agents trigger pop-ups again.

Scan for Malware

Step 1: Use Trusted Antivirus Software

• Download a reliable anti-malware tool that works well on Mac, such as CleanMyMac’s Protection tool or MacKeeper Antivirus.
• Perform a full system scan to detect adware, ransomware, or any malicious programs causing fake McAfee pop-ups.

Step 2: Remove Detected Threats

• Follow the app’s instructions to quarantine or delete any malware found.

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By carefully blocking notifications, removing suspicious extensions, disabling browser permissions, deleting launch agents, and scanning for malware, you can effectively stop annoying McAfee pop-ups on your Mac. This not only improves your browsing experience but also protects you against potential security threats disguised as McAfee alerts. Stay vigilant, and always avoid clicking on unexpected pop-ups asking for personal or payment information.