Updated to macOS Catalina but now dealing with painfully slow Wi-Fi? You’re not alone. While Catalina brought cool features, some users have noticed sluggish internet speeds, buffering, or even apps refusing to download despite showing a strong connection. Here’s how to troubleshoot and fix Wi-Fi issues on your MacBook, step by step.
1. Run a Speed Test
Before anything else, test your actual connection speed.
- Visit a trusted site like speedtest.net.
- Check your download and upload speeds.
- If they’re way below what you’re paying for, you know it’s a real connection issue.
2. Use Wireless Diagnostics Tool
macOS has a built-in tool to scan for wireless issues.
- Press Command + Spacebar to open Spotlight.
- Type Wireless Diagnostics and hit Enter.
- Click Continue and let the scan run.
- Follow any recommendations it gives after the scan completes.
Even if it doesn’t fix the issue directly, it can identify network interference or poor signal quality.
3. Turn Wi-Fi Off and On Again
A quick refresh of your Wi-Fi can sometimes resolve connection glitches.
- Click the Wi-Fi icon in the top menu bar.
- Select Turn Wi-Fi Off.
- Wait 30 seconds, then click Turn Wi-Fi On.
Reconnect and see if performance improves.
4. Restart Your MacBook
Sometimes a fresh reboot clears temporary bugs that affect network performance.
Ways to restart:
- Click Apple Logo > Restart
- Or press Control + Command + Eject/Power
Once it powers back up, reconnect to Wi-Fi and try loading pages again.
5. Restart Your Router
Your Mac might not be the problem — your router could be acting up.
To restart:
- Unplug the router from the wall.
- Wait at least 60 seconds.
- Plug it back in and let it fully reboot.
Once the connection returns, reconnect your MacBook and re-test your internet speed.
6. Close Unused Apps and Browser Tabs
Background apps and open browser tabs can hog bandwidth and slow your Mac down.
To close apps:
- Press Option + Command + Esc.
- Select unused apps and click Force Quit.
To close Safari tabs:
Press Command + Shift + W to close all tabs in the active Safari window.
7. Check for macOS Software Updates
Apple regularly fixes bugs — including Wi-Fi issues — in software updates.
To check for updates:
- Click the Apple Logo > System Preferences.
- Select Software Update.
- If an update is available, click Update Now.
After updating, restart your Mac and test your Wi-Fi again.