Inconsistent Wi-Fi Speeds on Mac: Why, and How to Fix
At some point, almost every Mac user will – unless they’re very lucky – encounter problems using the Wi-Fi on their device. Inconsistent speeds are one of the most irritating issues, and knowing how to fix the problem will help you get back on track faster.
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If you’re encountering problems with inconsistent Wi-Fi speeds on your Mac, these tips will help you get back on track.
Why Is My Wi-Fi Inconsistent?
Before we look at how you can solve the problem with inconsistent Wi-Fi speeds on your Mac, let’s identify why you might have the issue in the first place.
Problems With the Wi-Fi
One of the most common reasons why you might be struggling with your Mac’s Wi-Fi speed consistency is because of issues with the network itself. These can occur because your provider is struggling with technical issues, but you might also have glitches in your router firmware.
Issues With Wi-Fi Compatibility
If you have a newer Mac, you might also have issues with speed consistency because of your device’s compatibility. When new forms of Wi-Fi are released on your device, it can take some time before network providers bring their connections up to speed.
How to Fix Inconsistent Wi-Fi Speeds on macOS
Now that you know some of the reasons why you might have issues with inconsistent macOS Wi-Fi speeds, let’s look at some ways to fix the solution.
1. Restart Your Mac
The easiest way you can try and fix issues with your Wi-Fi is by restarting your Mac. You can follow the steps listed below to do this:
- Click on the Apple logo in the top left.
- When the dropdown menu appears, hit Restart.
- Click on the Restart button again. Your Mac will restart within 60 seconds if you don’t press on anything.
- Wait for your device to restart. Sign in when you’re back on the start screen.
2. Restart Your Wi-Fi Router
You can also try resetting your Wi-Fi router. The process is usually quite similar; turn off the plug and hit the power off button on your router as a starting point. Then, after around 30 seconds, plug everything back in and switch on your device.
Your router will then switch on, and – after a short while – the lights will turn on as well. If the one that signals your internet connection is green, you should be all good to go.
3. Turn Your Wi-Fi Off and On Again From Your Mac
Another possible way to fix problems with inconsistent Wi-Fi speeds on your Mac is to turn your connection off and on again from your device. Doing so is quite simple, and you can follow these instructions to achieve your desired results.
1. Go to the toolbar at the top of your screen.
2. Click on the Wi-Fi logo in the toolbar.
3. When you see the list of options appear, toggle the Wi-Fi option off.
4. Toggle your Wi-Fi option back on again. Wait for your device to reconnect.
4. Use A More Stable Connection
Sometimes, your network provider might give you both 4G and 5G connections. If you’re having issues with the faster one, switching to something that has a lower bandwidth – but is more consistent – can help you get back on track with your tasks.
Connecting to a different network is simple:
1. Click on the Wi-Fi icon in your Mac toolbar at the top.
2. Go to Other Networks if you don’t see your preferred network.
3. Enter your Wi-Fi network’s password and join it.
4. Wait for your Wi-Fi to connect and use the internet as you normally would.
5. Update Your Router Firmware
Updating your router’s firmware can also help if you’re encountering inconsistent Wi-Fi speeds on your Mac. The process will differ depending on your manufacturer, but you’ll typically need to go to the official website and download the firmware from there.
You should have received a manual with your router – and in this, you should have the information you need to update your firmware.
6. Update macOS Software
If you’re still suffering from inconsistent Wi-Fi speeds on your Mac, you might want to consider updating your macOS software. Doing so could patch potential issues that your device has encountered.
- Go to Apple logo > System Settings > Software Update.
- Click on the prompt to update your macOS software if you see one.
- Agree to Apple’s licensing agreement.
- Wait for your Mac to download the software.
Fix Inconsistent Wi-Fi Speeds on Mac With These Tips
Having inconsistent Wi-Fi speeds on your Mac can become incredibly annoying, especially when you’ve got work to complete. The problem could be an issue with your router, but it might also have something to do with your device instead. Either way, you can try several tips to fix the problem.
Now that you’ve read this guide, you should have all of the information you need to fix your Wi-Fi connection and start using your Mac as you normally would.
Danny is a freelance writer who has been using Apple products for over a decade. He’s written for some of the largest technology publications on the web and previously worked as an in-house writer before carving his own route. Danny grew up in the UK, but now writes about tech from his Scandinavian base.
