MyCleanID ads: what it is and how to remove it
MyCleanID is a deceptive privacy application that exaggerates security threats to sell paid licenses. It cannot prevent identity theft and offers false sense of security.
Facts checked October 5, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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MyCleanID ads: summary
| Distribution | Software bundles, official website, advertisements on various websites |
|---|---|
| Name | MyCleanID |
| Type | Potentially unwanted program, system optimizer |
| Concerns | The app shows exaggerated scan results and misleads users about their online privacy and security status. If the computer would be breached by data-stealing malware, it would not stop personal data compromise |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 5 more facts
| Symptoms | An unknown program in Installed apps |
|---|---|
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Program | MyCleanID |
| First seen | 29 September 2020 |
| Facts checked | 5 October 2026 |
Is MyCleanID ads dangerous?
From our report of Sep 2020 · not reviewed since
MyCleanID is a potentially unwanted application that claims to protect your privacy
MyCleanID is an application that you could have downloaded from its official website or found it on your computer seemingly out of nowhere.
In case you belong to the latter group of people, it is highly likely that you installed the app unintentionally with a freeware app from a third-party website. Deceptive distribution tactics are just one of the reasons why this app is considered to be a potentially unwanted program.
MyCleanID is presented as a program capable of protecting you from cyberattacks by letting you delete all the online traces. However, there are plenty of red flags when it comes to it, and the main problem is scan results and the way they are presented to users.
The results are presented in a way to make users worried about their online safety due to hundreds of entries that are shown. The truth is, most of the presented entries are OK to have on a secure machine, as there is no need to delete them. In other words, MyCleanID might exaggerate scan results in order to make users purchase its full version.
If you are wondering why MyCleanID is considered to be a PUP despite being a seemingly useful application capable of preventing identity theft and similar privacy issues, there are a few things you should understand.
As soon as it is installed on the machine, it begins to act suspiciously. Just as similar apps, it performs a full system scan immediately. During this time, users can also see a popup that asks users to enter their personal information such as Email and Name - this information is meant to help them to contact some type of support (which nobody asked for).
During the scan, MyCleanID shows thousands of entries that apparently need to be deleted due to privacy issues. They are divided into the following categories:
While the categories look good, what's shown in the scan results is not. The app seemingly implies that all the account information used to login to Microsoft, Google, or other account is not secure to have on your machine.
Additionally, even "browsing records" that are essentially your browsing history are presented as something that needs to be deleted due to alleged privacy risks. In other words, MyCleanID treats every record on the PC as a potential privacy concern or compromise, which is not a correct approach to take.
MyCleanID also creates a scheduled task that allows the app to deliver intrusive popups - these show misleading information about user account security and reminds that a full license should be purchased in order to secure this data from alleged cyberattacks.
Some users also reported that MyCleanID operated a suspicious scam attempt when an online helpline was called. According to the user, the support asked him to connect to his computer remotely and then asked to provide payments of $200 for an alleged "protection plan."
To sum up, securing your information is extremely important, and there are plenty of steps that should help you with that. However, this program is not it - you should simply remove MyCleanID.
If malware manages to access your computer, this app will not be able to stop the intrusion, and, even if it reports about the unauthorized access, the damage will be done already. Thus, rely on security tools such as or for your online security and privacy protection.
When it comes to MyCleanID removal, you can easily eliminate the app by accessing the Control Panel. If you need a complementary tool to your security software to delete all the unwanted program leftovers and fix malware damage, experts recommend trusting .
- Login Credentials
- Personal Information
- Browsing Tracks
- Tracking Records
- Documents
From our report of Sep 2020 · not reviewed since
Protect your online security and privacy without installing PUPs on your device
It is true that data breaches have been plaguing companies along with its users for a few years now.
To make matters worse, ransomware developers of such strains such Maze can now steal sensitive data and publish it online if the institution or the company does not agree to pay the ransom. In a recent event, a hacker published sensitive information of Las Vegas students after the school district refused to pay the ransom.
In suchlike events, users can suffer a major negative impact on their privacy and can also be targeted by a future phishing attempt. Unfortunately, there is little that can be done to protect such information if the company responsible for it leaks it online due to a cyberattack or a similar event.
As explained above, the app is not sufficient to help one to protect their online data from cybercriminals. Instead, you should employ the following protection measures that should be sufficient to protect your privacy:
- Do not install potentially unwanted or malicious programs on your machine (avoid torrents, software cracks, etc.);
- Employ powerful anti-malware software that could prevent the infiltration of Trojans, ransomware, and other malicious software that could affect your personal files;
- Clean the web browser cache and data from time to time;
- Employ a reputable password manager that would encrypt your data;
- Never reuse your passwords if you are not using a password manager;
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts.
From our report of Sep 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on MyCleanID
- If you need tools to repair system after a malware infection or random stability issues, you can employ
How to remove MyCleanID ads
How to remove the MyCleanID extension
Do the browser steps in every browser and profile on the PC, then check Windows for the program that installed the extension.
Step 1: Remove extensions you did not add
MyCleanID often works through an extension, so go through the extension list of each browser:
chrome://extensionsedge://extensions- Extensions and themes in Firefox
Switch suspicious extensions off one at a time and reload the page where the problem shows, then remove the one that stops it, and any other you did not add.
Remember the other browsers and profiles on the PC. If Remove is missing or greyed out, a policy forces the extension, which the policy step deals with. Windows 11 and Windows 10 show the same pages.
Chrome on Windows 11: More > Extensions > Manage extensions. Full procedure with screenshots: Remove a browser extension
Step 2: Uninstall MyCleanID
Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows 11, or Settings > Apps > Apps & features in Windows 10. Sort the list by install date and find MyCleanID, then choose Uninstall from the three-dot menu next to it (in Windows 10, click the entry and then Uninstall).
Remove anything else installed on the same day that you do not recognise, because such programs usually arrive together in one installer. If the uninstaller opens a browser page with an offer or a survey, close it: the program is removed either way.
Full procedure with screenshots: Uninstall a program or app in Windows On uGetFix
Step 3: Reset the browser
Finish the browser part with a reset, which puts the search engine, start page, new tab page and site permissions back to their defaults and switches extensions off. Chrome: Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults.
Edge: Settings > Reset settings. Firefox: Help > More troubleshooting information > Refresh Firefox, which also removes its extensions. Your bookmarks and saved passwords are kept, and the menus are the same on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Chrome on Windows 11: Settings > Reset settings. Full procedure with screenshots: Reset a browser and fix a hijacked search engine
Step 4: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan
Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, run a Full scan and remove everything it finds. Then select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now: the PC restarts and scans before Windows loads, which finds files that hide while Windows runs.
Save your work first, because the offline scan takes about 15 minutes. Both scans are built into Windows 11 and Windows 10, and a second scanner from another vendor is a useful extra opinion.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Uninstall from Windows
To delete the app from Windows systems, proceed with the following steps:
Uninstall from Windows 10/8:
- Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
Remove the unwanted program:
- In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
- If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.
Remove from Google Chrome
To protect your privacy, you should regularly clean your web Chrome browser as explained below:
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and web data from Chrome:
- Click on Menu and pick Settings.
- Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- 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:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click Remove.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- 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.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- 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.
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
- This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Settings.
- Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data...
- Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Delete from Safari
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
- Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.
Clear history and website data:
- Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
- Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari:
- Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
- Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.
Reset Internet Explorer
Remove dangerous add-ons:
- Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
- Pick Manage Add-ons.
- You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.
Change your homepage if it was altered:
- Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
- Select Internet Options.
- In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
- Click Apply and then select OK.
Delete temporary files:
- Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
- Under Browsing history, click Delete...
- Select relevant fields and press Delete.
Reset Internet Explorer:
- Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
- Select Reset.
- In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity.
While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important - recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data.
Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
From our report of Sep 2020 · not reviewed since
Remove MyCleanID from your computer
As a general rule, you should not install apps on your system you are not certain of.
However, since more and more users are concerned about their privacy due to the increased number of data breaches and malware infections, seemingly privacy-focused PUPs can get the momentum and be downloaded by millions of people, despite providing only a false sense of security in return for its license. This is why MyCleanID removal is something that security experts recommend - potentially unwanted programs are generally useless.
You should not encounter too many difficulties when trying to remove MyCleanID from your machine. Simply access the list of the installed applications, as explained below, and uninstall it fully. Alternatively, some security programs could delete the program for you automatically.
Questions about MyCleanID ads
What is MyCleanID?
MyCleanID is a potentially unwanted program marketed as privacy protection software that supposedly removes online traces and protects against cyberattacks. In reality, it is deceptive software that exaggerates scan results to make users purchase the paid version. After installation, MyCleanID immediately performs a full system scan showing thousands of alleged privacy threats requiring deletion:
- browsing history
- login credentials
- temporary files
- more
Most of these entries are completely normal and necessary for your system to function. The program falsely claims that your Microsoft, Google, and other account information is insecure when stored locally, which is misleading. MyCleanID creates scheduled tasks that deliver intrusive pop-ups with fake security warnings.
Is MyCleanID legitimate?
MyCleanID has several red flags indicating it is not a legitimate privacy tool. The program pressures users to purchase licenses through fear tactics about non-existent privacy threats.
Some users reported that calling the listed support line resulted in scammers requesting remote access and demanding $200 for a fake "protection plan." The scan results claiming hundreds of privacy problems are exaggerated or false. Legitimate privacy software does not work this way.
Real data breaches occur through malware and hacking, not through stored browsing history on your computer. MyCleanID cannot prevent actual cybersecurity breaches or identity theft. Security experts recommend uninstalling it and using proven security practices instead.
What are the red flags in MyCleanID's approach?
When first installed, MyCleanID demands that you enter your name and email, claiming this data helps support contact you. No support was requested. The program categorizes harmless system entries as "privacy threats" including legitimate browser cookies, Microsoft login data, and download history.
Every piece of information on your computer is treated as a potential compromise. MyCleanID creates scheduled tasks to display pop-ups remininding you to buy the license "to protect your data from cyberattacks."
This aggressive fear-based marketing is not used by legitimate security software. The high price of the license and the scam reports regarding their support line confirm this is not trustworthy software.
Can MyCleanID actually prevent identity theft?
No. MyCleanID cannot prevent identity theft or stop actual data breaches. If a malicious actor penetrates your computer with malware or your email account gets hacked, deleting your local browsing history does nothing to stop the attack. The data is already compromised.
Real identity theft protection comes from strong passwords, two-factor authentication, monitoring your credit, freezing your credit if necessary, and using legitimate security software against actual malware threats. MyCleanID offers false security theater without providing real protection. Criminals do not typically steal data by directly reading your computer's files; they use sophisticated malware, social engineering, or data breaches at major companies.
How does MyCleanID get installed on my computer?
MyCleanID spreads through software bundling in free program installers and through advertisements on various websites claiming it offers valuable privacy protection. Users either deliberately download it from its official website or unintentionally install it by accepting bundled software during other installations. When downloading freeware, if you use Default or Recommended installation settings, you miss optional components being added.
The program also advertises itself through pop-ups on websites. Once installed, it creates shortcuts on your desktop and in your Start menu, making it appear like a legitimate application. Deceptive distribution is one reason security experts classify it as a potentially unwanted program.
What should I do with my personal information if I already entered it?
If you entered your name and email into MyCleanID, consider that information at risk of being sold to spammers or used in phishing campaigns. You may start receiving junk emails or unsolicited contact.
Change your password for the email address you provided, especially if you use it for financial accounts. Enable two-factor authentication on the email account for added security. Monitor the email for suspicious login attempts or password reset requests.
If you provided payment information, monitor your credit card or bank account for fraudulent charges. Consider placing a fraud alert with credit bureaus. If you called their support line and allowed remote access, change all your important passwords immediately and scan your system with anti-malware software.
Can MyCleanID actually delete the data it scans?
MyCleanID can delete some browsing history, cookies, and cached files if you let it, just like your browser can. However, deletion of this data provides no security benefit or privacy gain.
Legitimate privacy practices involve strong passwords, secure browsing habits, and avoiding malicious sites. Paying for MyCleanID to delete harmless cached files is a waste of money. Windows itself includes built-in tools to clear browser cache and history without needing third-party software.
MyCleanID's exaggerated claims about needing to delete thousands of entries are designed to create urgency and panic, not to solve real problems. Free browser cleanup tools and built-in Windows features accomplish everything MyCleanID claims.
How do I remove MyCleanID?
Simply uninstall MyCleanID from Control Panel under Programs and Features. Right-click MyCleanID and select Uninstall, then follow the prompts to remove it. If you suspect malware or system damage from the program, scan your computer with reputable anti-malware software.
Run a full system scan with the latest version of security tools and allow removal of any detected threats. Use PC repair tools to fix any system file corruption or Windows registry damage.
Clearing your browser cache and resetting browser settings helps eliminate any MyCleanID traces. Protect your actual privacy by using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, keeping your operating system updated, and using legitimate antivirus software.
Will Fortect remove MyCleanID?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For MyCleanID, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Lesvirus: Lesvirus (read October 5, 2026)
- Business Insider: A hacker published thousands of students' grades and private information after a Nevada school district refused to pay ransom (read October 5, 2026)
- Google Chrome Help: Use notifications to get alerts (no longer online) (read October 5, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 5, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 5, 2026)