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  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • Adware
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · Apr 2021

How to remove Google Lead Services

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

Lucia Danes · Virus researcher

Google Lead Services is a bogus online advertising platform which has nothing in common with Google

Image of Google Lead Services

Google Lead Services, also known as GoogleLeadService.com, is fraudulent advertising platform which might look like the part of the legitimate Google advertising network.[1] However, this service is created by crooks who offer shady online advertising solutions.

At the bottom of GoogleLeadService.com page, you can find a disclaimer written in a fine print where it is stated that this advertising service is not related to the search giant:

We are not affiliated with or related to Google Lead Services™ in any way. The term “Google” is used as a synonym for “Search”

Let’s be honest; we rarely read what is written in the small letter at the end of the websites. Hence, the misleading name of the Google Lead Services can trick numerous people. However, this program offers shady advertising solutions.

If you are interested in how does google lead services work, we can shortly explain that this platform offers to display top and side banners, “Google Style Link with Description,” regular links or full page ads. Typically this commercial content is displayed with the help of adware[2] programs.

Google Lead Services adware programs are usually spread with the help of freeware or shareware. This potentially unwanted program (PUP) can affect any popular web browsers on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android devices.

After the infiltration, Google Lead Services virus immediately interferes victim’s browsing sessions by injecting banners and full-page ads or turning random texts into hyperlinks to promote various products and services. This activity complicates browsing the internet and might put users at risk.

Security experts from LosVirus.es[3] warn that Google Lead Services ads might be malicious, inform about non-existent computer viruses detected on your computer or promote bogus security or PC optimization software. Keep in mind that such shady services often exploited by cybercriminals.

Users who accidentally installed adware on their machines, often find google lead services removal complicated. This might happen due to the following reasons:

  • adware may have altered system settings, for instance, Windows Registry;
  • browser’s settings may have been modified too;
  • the PUP installed third-party add-ons, extensions or helper objects to the affected web browser;
  • other unwanted programs may have been installed on the computer or smartphone to protect adware.

Therefore, to get Google Lead Services blocked, you have to check and fix all these problems mentioned above. Of course, you can do it manually; however, it’s easier to use anti-malware tool to get rid of ad-supported application. For virus damage fix, use FortectIntego.

You can find more information on how to get rid of Google Lead Services from Windows, Android, Mac and iOS devices at the end of the article. Additionally, the virus is closely related to Google redirect virus, so you might find this malware's removal instructions helpful too.

The picture of Google Lead Services virus

Adware programs can be spread on unauthorized freeware download sites or app stores

As you already know the reason why you see GoogleLeadServices.com ads is adware infection. This potentially unwanted program most likely got into the device when you installed a suspicious software package.

This kind of cyber threats usually spread bundled with freeware or shareware. Computer users who are not aware of secure software installation practices often cause themselves browsing-related problems. Meanwhile, adware might get into smartphone when users download apps from third-party stores.

However, infiltration of undesired apps can be stopped by following general security tips:

  • Choose only legitimate download sources. Install programs only from official developer’s websites or app stores.
  • For software installation choose Advanced/Custom settings instead of Quick/Recommended. Only Advanced setup reveals “additional downloads” which has to be opted out during the installation.
  • Read app permissions before installing an application on your phone.
  • Read user reviews about the program you are going to download.
  • Negative feedback should stop you.
  • Read EULA, Privacy Policy or other provided documents to make sure that you can trust the developers.

Google Lead Services uninstall guide

If you have been looking for the answer to the question “how do I disable Google Lead Services?” you came to the right place. In this section, we will explain how to get rid of annoying ads, stop redirects and remove adware from the device.

If you are looking for a way how to remove Google Lead Services from the computer, you can choose between two options – manual and automatic. You can find manual removal guide at the end of the article. However, we have to warn that this method might be tricky and complicated.

For this reason, we recommend choosing automatic Google Lead Service removal method. This method requires scanning the affected machine with updated anti-malware software. Keep in mind that this method works if you are dealing with a mobile version of the virus.

Remove GoogleLeadServices from iPhone and Android OS

However, if you are looking for the way to get rid of Google Lead Services iPhone version, you should try these methods:

  • clear history and website data;
  • uninstalling suspicious apps;
  • restoring iPhone from backup;
  • restoring smartphone as a new device;
  • reset iPhone.

Additionally, you can check iPhone virus removal solutions. However, it is still highly recommended to scan the smartphone with updated security software.

If you have to remove Google Lead Services Android variant, you should follow Android virus removal instructions which suggest uninstalling malicious apps in Safe Mode or performing a factory reset. However, scan with anti-malware tool is the best way to fix infected smartphone or tablet.

Uninstall from Windows

Uninstall from Windows 10/8:

  1. Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 10/8

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 7/XP

Remove the unwanted program:

  1. In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
  2. If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.Uninstall the unwanted program from Windows

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.

Reset Internet Explorer

Remove dangerous add-ons:

  1. Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
  2. Pick Manage Add-ons.
  3. You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.Remove add-ons from Internet Explorer

Change your homepage if it was altered:

  1. Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
  4. Click Apply and then select OK.Reset IE homepage

Delete temporary files:

  1. Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
  2. Under Browsing history, click Delete...
  3. Select relevant fields and press Delete.Clear temporary files from Internet Explorer

Reset Internet Explorer:

  1. Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
  2. Select Reset.
  3. In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.Reset Internet Explorer

Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

  1. Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
  2. From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
  3. Click Remove.Remove extensions from Edge

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.Clear Edge browsing data

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

  1. Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
  2. Then find On startup section.
  3. Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.Reset MS Edge

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy, search and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now.Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset.
  5. This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.Reset Chromium Edge

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

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