What is PlusSpecial?

PlusSpecial is adware program that targets only macOS devices. This program mostly spreads via fake Adobe Flash Player installer so you should always ignore any updates from unofficial websites. If you still failed to do this, then adware will infiltrate your system instead of Adobe Flash Player. Once inside, it makes adjustments to the browser configuration so that you will get countless advertisements each time you surf the Internet. This activity is not only annoying because it prevents browsing, but also harmful since such ads may lead you to malware-laden websites. Thus, you might pick up more malware while PlusSpecial is on your device. In that regard, we have prepared this step-by-step guide that will help you eliminate all traces of PlusSpecial adware.

Recommended Anti-malware tools:

The easiest and most modern way of removing hijackers, pop-ups, Trojans, ransomware or other viruses is to use automatic removal tools. See our Anti-malware tools below for further instructions.

Also, you can try to remove PlusSpecial manually.

Alternative solution. Step 1: Remove PlusSpecial from Mac

PlusSpecial may not have the app associated with it in Applications. However, we recommend you to inspect the list of installed applications and remove unknown or suspicious ones. Look for PlusSpecial or PlusSpecial.app.

Mac OSX:

1. Open Finder
2. In the Finder sidebar, click Applications
3. If you see Uninstall PlusSpecial or PlusSpecial Uninstaller, double-click it and follow instructions
4. Drag unwanted application PlusSpecial from the Applications folder to the Trash (located on the right side of the Dock)

Learn more about uninstallation of programs in Mac OSX

Step 2: Remove malicious entries from Profiles (Mac)

1. Open System Preferences.
2. Click on Profiles.
3. Click on unsigned and suspicious profiles on the left panel.
4. Click the minus button below to delete rogue settings.

Step 3: Remove PlusSpecial from browsers

Safari:

1. Open Safari
2. Click Safari menu.
3. Choose Extensions.
4. Find PlusSpecial or other suspicious extensions.
5. Click Uninstall button to remove it.

Learn more about removing extensions from Safari.

Google Chrome:

1. Open Google Chrome
2. Click the Chrome menu (3-dots icon) in the top right corner.
3. Click Tools.
4. Choose Extensions.
5. Find PlusSpecial or other suspicious extensions.
6. Click the trash can icon to remove it.

Learn more about removing extensions from Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Open Firefox.
2. Push Shift + Ctrl + A.
3. Choose PlusSpecial or other suspicious extensions.
4. Click Disable or Remove button.

Learn more about removing extensions from Firefox.

Step 4: Resetting your browser search and homepage settings

Reset browser setting in Safari:

1. Open Safari.
2. Click on the Safari menu.
3. Choose Reset Safari….
4. Click Reset button.

Learn more about resetting browser settings in Safari.

Reset browser setting in Google Chrome:

1. Click the Chrome menu (3 bar button) in the top right corner.
2. Choose Settings.
3. Click Show advanced settings.
4. Go to Reset browser settings section.
5. Click Reset browser settings.
6. In the dialog that appears, click Reset.

Learn more about resetting browser settings in Google Chrome.

Reset browser setting in Mozilla Firefox:

1. Open Mozilla Firefox.
2. Go to Help.
3. Go to Troubleshooting information.
4. Click Reset Firefox… button.

Learn more about resetting browser settings in Mozilla Firefox.

Remove following files and folders of PlusSpecial:

~/Library/Application Support/com.PublicAdviseSearch/PublicAdviseSearch
~/Library/Application Support/com.PublicAdviseSearchDaemon/PublicAdviseSearch
~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.PublicAdviseSearch.plist
~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.PublicAdviseSearchDaemon.plist