I am finding it impossible to cancel 'free' trial cleanmymac x

I've tried all the recommended remedies. The only reason this is difficult is that they make it so.

iMac 21.5″, macOS 12.6

Posted on Jul 23, 2023 1:30 PM

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Posted on Jul 23, 2023 6:09 PM

Are you unable to uninstall it according to their instructions? They require using CMM to uninstall itself; probably its only useful function.


The last time I did that they were effective, except for one file left in one of the following locations, which one I don't recall:


~/Library/LaunchAgents

/Library/LaunchDaemons

/Library/LaunchAgents


Examine all three for the presence of anything with "clean" in its name. If you followed their instructions CMM will be rendered inert, but one file will remain (presumably) for the sole purpose of telling CMM that you had installed it at one time in the past, so that you can't take advantage of another "free trial" — not that anyone should do that anyway. All those things are scams.

10 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 23, 2023 6:09 PM in response to henryfromclifton

Are you unable to uninstall it according to their instructions? They require using CMM to uninstall itself; probably its only useful function.


The last time I did that they were effective, except for one file left in one of the following locations, which one I don't recall:


~/Library/LaunchAgents

/Library/LaunchDaemons

/Library/LaunchAgents


Examine all three for the presence of anything with "clean" in its name. If you followed their instructions CMM will be rendered inert, but one file will remain (presumably) for the sole purpose of telling CMM that you had installed it at one time in the past, so that you can't take advantage of another "free trial" — not that anyone should do that anyway. All those things are scams.

Jul 23, 2023 6:33 PM in response to henryfromclifton

I found this old remedy among my notes:



You can find its User Launch Agent by copying and pasting the following line in the Finder's Go menu > Go to Folder... field:


~/Library/LaunchAgents


To open that folder, copy the entire line above and paste it in the Finder's Go menu > Go to Folder... field. Make it look like this:



A Finder window will open showing that folder's contents. Locate any files whose names contain "CleanMyMac" and drag them to the Trash. 


Repeat the above instructions with the following folder:


/Library/LaunchAgents


At your option, you can also drag its corresponding Application Support folder to the Trash: To find Application Support, return to the Finder's Go menu, hold an option key, and select Library. A different Finder window will open. Locate the folder named Application Support and open it. Then, locate the folder with CleanMyMac in its name, and drag the entire folder to the Trash. 


Do not drag the entire Application Support folder or anything else to the Trash... just the specific items described above.


Finally: don't forget to restart your Mac.



If you still encounter trouble please write back.

Apr 7, 2024 10:17 PM in response to henryfromclifton

Hey, same issue. I followed @jclvi's advice, but to no avail---CleanMyMac X wasn't under "Media & Purchases".


What I did was I followed the advice on this page: https://macpaw.com/support/cleanmymac/knowledgebase/cancel-subscription


Specifically,

  1. Sign in to your MacPaw Account at my.macpaw.com.
  2. If you cannot access a MacPaw Account, try cancelling your subscription using the online Subscription Manager (learn how).
  3. Choose CleanMyMac X.
  4. Click the arrow below the CleanMyMac X logo and choose Cancel Subscription.
  5. Follow the prompts to confirm the cancellation.


Hopefully this helps, Godspeed!

Jul 23, 2023 3:04 PM in response to henryfromclifton

That may well be the case. This forum wholeheartedly recommends NOT using CMM and this is likely one of the reasons. Other reason is because it so often disrupts system processes. We are just users like you and cannot assist you in this problem.


My experience to cancel subscriptions of any type is you have to contact the developer and make them understand. I've seen very few real "Free" trials. If they require a credit card it's never free and sooner or later you start paying.


Many years ago I did take advantage of a "Free" offer and started getting charged against my demands.. My final solution was to call the Credit Card issuer and tell them the story. They gladly notified the free offer company to cease and desist. Which they did. Lesson learned.

Jul 23, 2023 6:18 PM in response to henryfromclifton

You have found one of the many reasons why it is not recommended to be installed. The instructions provided by John Galt are essential for you to get this off your system. If you have any questions about deleting any of the files in those locations, feel free to ask. You should have a backup before removing any system files in case something goes wrong or a file is deleted that should not have been.


If you are still having trouble after removing those files, reply back with screen shots of those file locations for further advice.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

I am finding it impossible to cancel 'free' trial cleanmymac x

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