DeviceHowTo
macOS⏱ 10 min

How to Fix Slow Internet on macOS

Identify and remove the most common causes of slow Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

Speed issues on macOS are most effectively diagnosed by first establishing a baseline: run a speed test at fast.com or speedtest.net, note the result, then connect via Ethernet (using a USB-C or Thunderbolt adapter if needed) and run the test again to separate Wi-Fi quality from the underlying internet connection. macOS doesn't consume significant background bandwidth by default, but iCloud Drive sync after a new installation, Time Machine backups to a Time Capsule or network drive, and Mac App Store updates can all saturate the connection without obvious indication. For sustained poor speeds, the built-in Wireless Diagnostics tool under the Option-click Wi-Fi menu identifies signal quality, channel congestion, and interference sources.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1Run a speed test at fast.com and note your download and upload speeds as a baseline.
  2. 2Move within 3 metres of the router or connect via Ethernet to eliminate Wi-Fi signal as the cause.
  3. 3Restart the router and modem: unplug from power for 30 seconds, reconnect, wait 2 minutes, then retest.

Still Not Working?

Try these if the steps above didn't help.

Verify the Fix

Confirm everything is fully working before closing this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my internet slow only on macOS and not other devices?
Device-specific slowness usually indicates a local DNS cache issue, a VPN or proxy active on the device, background downloads consuming bandwidth, or a driver problem. Flush the DNS cache, check for active VPNs, and check what's using bandwidth in Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac).
How do I test my internet speed on macOS?
Go to fast.com or speedtest.net in a browser. For the most accurate result, close all other apps and browser tabs, connect via Ethernet if possible, and run 2–3 tests. Compare the result against your ISP's advertised plan speed.
Does VPN slow down internet on macOS?
Yes. VPNs add encryption overhead and route traffic through an intermediate server, typically reducing speeds by 10–40% depending on the VPN provider and the server location chosen. Disable the VPN and retest if you suspect it is causing slowness.
Why is my Wi-Fi slow at home but fast on other networks?
Your home router may be on a congested Wi-Fi channel. Log into the router admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1) and change the Wi-Fi channel for 2.4 GHz to channel 1, 6, or 11, and for 5 GHz try a higher channel. Also check whether your ISP has throttled your connection or if you've reached a data cap.

Same task, different device

Windows 11Windows 10iPhone (iOS)iPad (iPadOS)Samsung GalaxyGoogle PixelChromebook

Related guides for macOS

Fix Wi-Fi Not Working

Restore internet access with fast, high-success diagnostic steps.

Fix Bluetooth Not Working

Resolve pairing failures, connection drops, and missing Bluetooth toggle.

Take a Screenshot

Capture your full screen or a selected region using built-in shortcuts.

Record Your Screen

Start a native screen recording without installing third-party software.