How To Fix macOS Catalina Slow WiFi

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The new macOS Catalina offers a new look, new and improved features and performances as well. After updating to macOS Catalina, there have not been any complaints so far aside from experiencing a slow or unreliable Wifi connection. WiFi connection problem is evident in having difficulty connecting or loading browsers or unable to download apps despite being connected to a WiFi connection. 

There are a few reasons why you are experiencing WiFi problems. It is probably because of a software related issues, or perhaps you are having problems with your connection. Do not worry as there are a few different ways to try to fix WiFi problems on your MacBook that basically ranges from the basic troubleshooting to completely restarting the router from where your MacBook is connecting. Below are potential solutions on how to fix slow Wifi Connection on your MacBook with a macOS Catalina. 

How to Fix macOS Catalina Slow WiFi

SOLUTION 1: CHECK SPEEDTEST CONNECTION

Once you’ve noticed that you are unable to open or load a website, the first thing to check the speed test your WiFi connection. There are websites that allow you to check the speedtest of your WiFi connection. Informations such as the download and upload speed will appear on the speedtest. 

The speed test uses your internet connection to measure the speed between your macbook and the test server. 

SOLUTION 2: CHECK NETWORK SETTINGS

After doing some speed test and you find out that you’re connection is slow. You may need to check the settings of your network.

  1. Open Spotlight tab by pressing the command and spacebar key on the Keyboard of your Mac.
  2. Then type Wireless Diagnostic
  3. Click Enter
  4. Click Continue and follow the onscreen instructions

There are instances wherein this solutions does not work but there are also times that it actually fix some issues regarding slow WiFi connection. Wireless Diagnostic will monitor your WiFi Connection and eventually generates a report. 

SOLUTION 3: DISABLE AND ENABLE WiFi

To refresh your WiFi connection, you may need to disable and enable WiFi

  1. Click on the WiFi icon located at the upper right corner of the screen of your macBook.
  2. Toggle OFF ‘Turn WiFi OFF’
  3. After a few minutes, Toggle ON to turn Wifi ON.

SOLUTION 4: RESTART MacBook

In order to refresh your MACbook, you may need to turn it off and turn it back ON again. There are instances wherein turning OFF your computer and turning it back ON helps fix WiFi issues.

There are three ways to restart Mac:

  1. Press Control + Eject (Power Button). Dialog box appears. Click on Restart; or
  2. Click on the Apple Logo located at the upper left corner of the screen, then click on Restart; or
  3. Press Control + Command + Eject (Power Button), Apple Logo will appear and MacBook will now restart

SOLUTION 5: RESTART ROUTER

Another way to help fix WiFi problems with your Mac is to restart the router from where it is connecting to. An easy way to do this is by simply unplugging it from its electrical source on the wall, and plugging it back again after about a minute or two. Aside from that, there are routers that has a restart button that can be found at the back of the device which you can manually press. 

There are several ways on how to restart a router, you may refer to its user manual if you’re having a hard time doing those mentioned above. Once router has successfully restart, you may now connect your Mac to your Wifi. Perform a speed test again to see if WiFi issue is resolved.

SOLUTION 6: FORCE CLOSE UNUSED APPS AND BROWSER

This is perhaps one of the easiest ways to fix slow WiFi on macOS Catalina MacBook. Unused apps and opened browsers that were not properly close and are still running in the background can take up of your speed. Thereby, it is recommended to force close apps and browsers from time to time. 

To close browser tabs, click on Command + Shift + W. This command closes the current window on Safari. Also, Safari Window will still be open.

How to Force close an app:

  1. Simultaneously press Option + Command + Esc. 
  2. A list of running apps appears
  3. Choose and select which app you want to force quit

SOLUTION 7: UPDATE TO THE LATEST SOFTWARE

It is recommended to update to the latest software. Everytime Apple releases a new software update it actually offers new improvements on features as well as fixes bugs, hence in this case, a slow WiFi connection. 

  1. Click on Apple Logo located at the upper left corner of the screen
  2. Then click on System Preferences
  3. On the Software update tab, Apple server will now check for updates.
  4. When there’s an available software update, tap on Update now. 
  5. If there is no available software to update, it means that the software on your MacBook is up to date.