How to Fix Slow Wi-Fi on MacBook Running macOS Catalina

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.

  1. Press Command + Spacebar to open Spotlight.
  2. Type Wireless Diagnostics and hit Enter.
  3. Click Continue and let the scan run.
  4. 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.

  1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the top menu bar.
  2. Select Turn Wi-Fi Off.
  3. 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:

  1. Press Option + Command + Esc.
  2. 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:

  1. Click the Apple Logo > System Preferences.
  2. Select Software Update.
  3. If an update is available, click Update Now.

After updating, restart your Mac and test your Wi-Fi again.

Leave a Comment