Skip to content
Spyware News
  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • Adware
  • Mac
  • Verified · Jan 2019

How to remove Apple.com-improve-macos.live

A step-by-step removal guide for affected devices. Follow the verified procedure below — most readers complete it in under 10 minutes.

Jake Doevan · Computer technology expert

Apple.com-improve-macos.live is a deceptive website that tries to scam users into downloading possibly malicious software

Apple.com-improve-macos.live scam

Apple.com-improve-macos.live is an insecure domain that is related to a scamming scheme developed by cyber crooks. The scam is directed towards macOS/Mac OS X users and can appear on various browsers, including Google Chrome, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, and others. The primary goal of the hoax is to make users believe that their Macs are infected with 3 viruses and the only way to fix the damage is by downloading the offered software. Victims who get redirected to Apple.com-improve-macos.live fake alert are most likely affected by an adware[1] application that modifies web browser settings in order to display users unwanted content that would benefit its developers. Unfortunately, the rerouting tendencies can lead users to various phishing and scamming sites which might end up in money loss, malware infection or even identity theft.[2]

Name Apple.com-improve-macos.live
Type Scam/phishing
Category Adware
Devices affected macOS, Macbooks, iOS
Related Your system is infected with 3 viruses; AplleCare virus alert; Warning! Virus detected! Immediately call apple support
Infiltration Bundled software, insecure links, phishing
Symptoms Users are being deceived by a fake alert which claims that the system is heavily infected by malware
Elimination Check out our step-by-step instructions below
Optimization Scan your Mac with FortectIntego to make sure all the malicious components of adware are eliminated

Potentially unwanted programs like Apple.com-improve-macos.live adware usually infiltrates computers with the help of software bundling, or when users install an application that is deemed to be useful. In reality, continuous pop-ups, banners, flashing windows, pop-unders, in-text links start to plague users' browsers immediately. Victims are often not sure how to remove Apple.com-improve-macos.live notifications, as it can be related to any unknown program, extension, plugin, and similar software.

Apple.com-improve-macos.live fake alert states the following:

Your MacOS 10.14 Mojave is infected with 3 viruses!

Your Mach is infected with 3 viruses. Our security check found traces of 2 malware and 1 phishing/spyware. System damage: 28.1% – immediate removal is required!

The immediate removal of the virus is required to prevent further system damage, loss of Apps, Photos and other files. Traces of 1 phishing/spyware were found on your Mac with OSX.

To avoid more damage click on 'Scan Now' immediately. Our deep scan will provide help immediately!

X minute and X seconds remaining before damage is permanent.

The Apple.com-improve-macos.live virus is fake, and the only unwanted application that is affecting the device is adware. The only tool that can scan your machine and report any malware infections are reputable anti-virus programs, so never trust any browser-based “virus” alerts, as they are all fake.

As you can see, crooks are trying to create a feeling of urgency by adding a countdown until the system will be “fully damaged.” Additionally, if you connect to certain domain, the domain can detect your system version, IP address, and similar information, that is usually included in Apple.com-improve-macos.live scam.

If you got redirected to a deceptive site occasionally, it does not mean your device is infected. However, adware presence is more likely if such behavior is repeated. Nevertheless, we advise you check the below instructions to remove Apple.com-improve-macos.live messages from your device permanently. After elimination, you should check your computer with FortectIntego – it will make sure no traces of the infection are left.

Apple.com-improve-macos.live virus

Distribution tactics of adware and other potentially unwanted programs

Cybersecurity researchers are debating whether or not the deceptive software bundling technique is fair. There are no laws or regulations that would prevent software bundling, but the problem is that many PUP and freeware authors often try to stuff users' computers with junk in order to benefit financially.

They also use several tricks to install the optional components without users noticing, such as pre-ticked boxes and grayed out buttons. Most importantly, some PUPs can be immensely aggressive with system modifications and intrusive redirect campaigns. In such a case, malware infection or even identity fraud can be highly likely.

Software bundling is highly popular and is used by millions of developers. Even “legitimate” sites like Download.com are plagued by software that is bundled with main applications. According to research, top 10 apps installed from the site can result in serious compromise of the device.[3]

To prevent unwanted apps being installed on your computer, try to be more attentive during the installation process of new software. Never click “Next” several times, and read through every step carefully. Additionally, it is vital to pick Advanced or Custom installation settings to remove optional programs.

Stop Apple.com-improve-macos.live fake messages by getting rid of adware

As we already mentioned, if you landed on the suspicious page once or twice, there is probably nothing to be worried about, as users occasionally end up on not-so-safe part on the internet due to simple browsing. However, if the exposure of the unsafe content is consistent, there is a need to remove Apple.com-improve-macos.live virus, which is adware.

Two methods can be used to remove Apple.com-improve-macos.live redirects. If you are not that tech savvy, we recommend using security software that specializes in potentially unwanted programs. Alternatively, you can get rid of the unwanted applications manually by following our guide below. After you clean your Mac device, make sure you reset each of the installed browsers to make sure redirects and pop-ups do not return.

Delete from macOS

Remove the unwanted application:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).Uninstall from Mac

Delete leftover files and folders:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
  3. Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.Delete leftover files from Mac
  4. Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.Remove extensions from Firefox

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Settings.
  3. Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data...
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.Reset Firefox 2

Remove from Google Chrome

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
  2. In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chrome

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data.Clear cache and web data from Chrome

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.
  2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
  3. Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.

Reset Google Chrome:

If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings.Reset Chrome 2

Delete from Safari

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
  2. Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.Remove extensions from Safari

Clear history and website data:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
  2. Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.Clear history from Safari

Reset Safari:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
  2. Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  3. From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.Reset Safari

Be the first to comment

Log in to post your comment
Log in to comment
Editor's pick · tested 2026

Fortect Intego

9.4 / 10 9.6 / 10 Best overall pick
  • Real-time ransomware shield
  • Free 14-day trial, no card
  • Cleans the threats listed above

Ad — we may earn a commission if you buy via this link.

Get protected →Get protected → Read our full review Read our full review
Spyware News
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy preferences

We use cookies to improve your experience and analyze traffic. Some cookies enable embedded content like videos and social posts. Choose what you allow — you can change this anytime.