8 Tips to Optimize Internet Performance on Mac

Struggling with slow internet on your Mac? Whether you’re working, streaming, or studying, a sluggish connection can disrupt everything. Here’s a quick rundown of 8 practical tips to improve your Mac’s internet performance:

• Restart your Mac and router: Refresh your connection by rebooting both devices to clear temporary glitches.

• Monitor your network: Use tools like PeakHour to track bandwidth and pinpoint issues.

• Optimize your browser: Update software, clear cache, and manage extensions for faster browsing.

• Scan for malware: Remove harmful programs that slow down your connection.

• Adjust Wi-Fi settings: Use the right Wi-Fi band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) and position your router for better signal strength.

• Use Ethernet: For stable and faster speeds, connect directly using Ethernet cables.

• Manage resource-heavy apps: Identify and limit apps that consume excessive bandwidth.

• Reset settings and update firmware: Refresh your network configurations and keep your router firmware current.

These steps can help you achieve faster, more reliable internet on your Mac. Let’s dive deeper into each tip.

How To Fix Slow Internet on Mac

Restart Your Mac and Router

Sometimes, the easiest fixes are the most effective. Restarting your Mac and router can resolve a surprising number of internet issues, including sluggish speeds and dropped connections. This straightforward troubleshooting step clears temporary glitches, refreshes network connections, and essentially gives your devices a fresh start.

When your Mac runs continuously for days or weeks, it can build up temporary files, memory leaks, and background processes that may interfere with your internet performance. Restarting your Mac clears its RAM, fixes memory-related issues, and eliminates software bugs that could be slowing things down. Similarly, routers can accumulate cached data and outdated network information, which can clog up their memory and reduce efficiency.

"Rebooting your router is like giving it a fresh start, and it's surprisingly beneficial for several reasons." - NHTC

Resetting your router can improve performance by clearing its memory, resetting Wi-Fi channel selection (helpful if your current channel is overcrowded), and resolving software bugs that may be affecting your connection. Plus, restarting your router might even enhance security by potentially assigning a new IP address, which can disrupt unauthorized access attempts.

The benefits are often immediate. Many users notice faster Wi-Fi speeds, smoother streaming, and quicker downloads after restarting their router - especially if it hasn’t been rebooted for weeks or months.

For the best results, plan your restart during a time when no one in your household is using the internet. The entire process takes just a few minutes, but the performance improvements can last for weeks. Here’s how to restart your Mac and router properly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Restarting your devices in the correct order ensures your Mac connects to a refreshed network once everything is back online.

1. Begin with your network equipment:

• Modem/Gateway:
  

  Unplug the power cable from your modem or gateway. Wait about 30 seconds to allow the device to fully reset its memory and processes. Then, reconnect the power cable and wait 1–2 minutes for the status lights to stabilize.

• Router (if separate):
  If you use a standalone router, unplug its power cable (and the media converter, if applicable). Wait 30 seconds for a full reset. Before plugging it back in, ensure the power outlet isn’t overloaded. Once reconnected, wait for the indicator lights to return to normal.
  Tip: If your router has external drives or USB devices connected, disconnect them before restarting to avoid any data issues.

2. Restart your Mac:

• Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.

• Select "Restart" from the dropdown menu. Your Mac will reboot, closing all active applications. This process usually takes 1–3 minutes, depending on your machine and startup items.

3. Create a reboot schedule:

Regular restarts can help maintain smooth performance. Try rebooting your router every few weeks or at least once a month to keep things running efficiently. If your router is older, consider restarting it weekly for better results.

After restarting, test your internet connection to confirm the improvements. Many users report immediate boosts in speed and stability after completing these steps. If only one device remains slow, toggle its Wi-Fi off, wait 30 seconds, and then turn it back on.

This simple reboot prepares your network for further optimization, which will be covered in the next sections.

Monitor Network Performance with PeakHour

Monitoring your network in real time is key to identifying bottlenecks and improving overall performance. PeakHour, a tool built exclusively for macOS, gives you a detailed look at your network's bandwidth, latency, and usage patterns. With this data, you can pinpoint exactly where slowdowns are happening and take steps to address them.

Designed specifically for macOS and fully compatible with macOS Sequoia, PeakHour integrates seamlessly with Apple's system architecture. This ensures highly accurate readings and a smooth user experience. The app has earned a solid 4.4 out of 5 rating on the Mac App Store, with users frequently highlighting its intuitive design and its ability to diagnose tricky, intermittent connection issues. Whether you need instant ping data or bandwidth stats, PeakHour makes network monitoring straightforward and accessible.

What makes PeakHour stand out is its comprehensive approach. It doesn’t just show you current speeds - it provides real-time tracking of critical connection quality metrics like latency, throughput, jitter, errors, and dropped packets.

Using PeakHour's Dashboard

Getting started with PeakHour is simple, thanks to its First Time Setup Assistant, which walks you through the configuration process step by step. The app can automatically detect your router, but if it doesn’t, you’ll need to enable UPnP and restart both your router and Mac. Once connected, PeakHour creates Connection Quality monitors that provide a live feed of key metrics affecting your internet performance.

The Internet Dashboard is your go-to hub, presenting all the important stats in one place. You can set up regular speed tests to run automatically, giving you a clear picture of your ISP's performance over time. A particularly handy feature is the customizable menu bar integration, which lets you choose specific monitors to display right in your Mac’s menu bar. This means you can quickly check your network status without even opening the app - perfect for spotting issues during a video call or while downloading large files.

PeakHour also supports usage monitoring, with customizable alerts for data consumption and performance thresholds. If your connection speed dips below a certain level or you exceed your data limits, you’ll get a notification. These alerts help you address problems before they escalate, ensuring your network stays reliable.

Benefits of Historical Logging

While real-time monitoring is crucial, PeakHour's historical logging adds another layer of insight. This feature lets you track your network's performance over time, making it easier to spot even minor issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. By establishing a baseline for your network, you can quickly detect changes and take proactive steps to resolve them.

Historical data is especially useful for troubleshooting intermittent problems. It helps you identify patterns, predict future needs, and determine peak usage times by analyzing weeks or months of data. This long-term perspective can guide decisions about network upgrades or adjustments to your setup.

PeakHour extends its capabilities to all your Apple devices through iCloud-powered multi-device monitoring. Whether you’re using your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you’ll have access to the same detailed historical data. This remote access is ideal for keeping an eye on your home network while traveling or resolving issues when you’re away from your main computer.

Improve Browser Performance

Once you've stabilized your network, it's time to focus on your browser. A well-optimized browser can make a huge difference in how fast and smooth your Mac's internet experience feels. By addressing potential bottlenecks, you can ensure pages load faster and your online activities run seamlessly.

Update macOS and Browsers

Keeping macOS and your browsers up to date is a simple yet powerful way to enhance performance. Updates often include bug fixes, security patches, and tweaks that improve how your Mac interacts with the internet.

To update macOS, go to the Apple menu, select System Preferences, and click Software Update. Safari updates are bundled with macOS, so updating your system ensures Safari is current. For Chrome, click the three dots in the top-right corner, navigate to Help > About Chrome, and follow the prompts to update. Firefox users can do the same by clicking the three lines, selecting Help > About Firefox, and checking for updates.

Clear Cache and Disable Extensions

Over time, your browser's cache and extensions can pile up, slowing things down - even if your internet connection is fast. Clearing the cache removes outdated files, which not only speeds up browsing but also enhances privacy. Meanwhile, managing extensions ensures your browser isn’t bogged down by unnecessary processes.

Here’s how to clear your cache and cookies:

• Safari: Open Safari, go to Safari > Settings, and select the Privacy tab. Click Manage Website Data, then choose Remove or Remove All. Keep in mind, clearing cookies will log you out of saved accounts.

• Chrome: Click the three-dot menu (⋮) in the upper-right corner and navigate to More Tools > Clear browsing data. Select your preferred time range, check "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files", then click Clear data.

After clearing your cache, it's time to review your extensions. Some extensions can significantly slow page loads, even if they seem harmless. For Safari, open Settings from the Safari menu (or press Command + ,), go to the Extensions pane, and uncheck any extensions you no longer need. To fully remove one, select it and click Uninstall.

If you're a regular internet user, clearing your cache monthly is often enough. Heavy users, however, may benefit from doing so more frequently.

Not all extensions are bad for performance. For instance, ad blockers like uBlock Origin can actually improve speed by cutting down on heavy ad content. On ad-heavy sites, this can reduce page sizes from 41 MB to under 3 MB, leading to faster load times and lower data use. The key is to regularly review your extensions, disable or remove those you don’t use, and configure others to run only on specific sites or when activated. This selective approach keeps your browser running efficiently without sacrificing functionality.

Scan for Malware and Adware

Malware and adware can seriously impact your Mac's internet performance. These harmful programs sap bandwidth and system resources, causing slower browsing speeds. They achieve this by hijacking browser searches, displaying resource-intensive pop-ups, and generating unusual network activity that eats up your bandwidth.

The problem is growing. In 2025, Mac malware incidents jumped by 73% compared to the previous year. Back in 2017, Malwarebytes reported a staggering 270% increase in unique threats on Mac compared to 2016. Clearly, staying vigilant is more important than ever.

Recognizing the symptoms of malware or adware is critical. If your Mac is running sluggishly, you're seeing unexpected ads in your browser, experiencing unprompted redirects, or noticing strange network activity, it could be a sign of infection.

Thankfully, your Mac comes equipped with built-in tools like XProtect, MRT, and XPR to combat these threats. These tools automatically scan for, block, and remove known malware. Apple keeps them updated daily, ensuring your system has the latest defenses. For instance, when XProtect identifies malware, it blocks it, deletes it, and notifies you. To make the most of these features, always keep macOS updated with the latest security patches.

For an added layer of protection, you might want to use trusted third-party antivirus software. Programs like Bitdefender, AVG, and Avast have been shown to provide 100% protection in independent tests. If you suspect adware or other unwanted programs, Malwarebytes AdwCleaner is a free and effective tool to help clean your system.

To prevent infections in the first place, stick to downloading apps from the App Store or official websites, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and make it a habit to run regular system scans. Keeping malware off your Mac not only secures your device but also ensures smooth and reliable internet performance.

Adjust Wi-Fi Settings and Router Placement

Your Wi-Fi setup plays a huge role in how well your Mac performs online. With the average American home juggling over 20 connected devices at once, keeping your wireless network running smoothly is a must for fast and reliable connections. Two key factors can make a big difference: selecting the right Wi-Fi band and positioning your router wisely.

Switch Between Wi-Fi Bands

Routers typically operate on two frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Each has its strengths, and the best choice depends on your specific needs.

The 2.4 GHz band is ideal for covering larger spaces and penetrating walls, making it a good option for bigger homes or when your Mac is farther from the router. However, it tends to be slower and more prone to interference from devices like microwaves, baby monitors, or even your neighbors' networks.

The 5 GHz band, on the other hand, delivers faster speeds and faces less interference. The downside? It has a shorter range and struggles to pass through walls or obstacles.

"When choosing the right Wi-Fi band for their router, Harpalani recommends that home internet users assess their internet speed usage, the number of devices in the home and their online activities", explains Sandeep Harpalani, Vice President of Product Management at Netgear.

To see which band your Mac is currently using, hold the Option or Alt key while clicking the Wi-Fi icon in your menu bar. The channel information will tell you which band you're connected to.

If your router supports it, you can create separate networks for each band. For example, name them something like "YourNetwork_2.4" and "YourNetwork_5." This setup allows you to pick the best band for your needs at any given moment.

• Use the 5 GHz band for faster speeds when you're near the router.

• Stick with the 2.4 GHz band for broader coverage in larger spaces.

"Devices in a home always have a mix of varying requirements when it comes to Wi-Fi. One size does not fit all", adds Harpalani.

Once you've chosen the right band, the next step is adjusting your router's placement to get the most out of your signal.

Router Placement Tips

Where you place your router has a huge impact on your Wi-Fi signal strength and overall coverage. A poorly positioned router can lead to dead zones and slower speeds, frustrating your Mac's performance.

Here are some tips to optimize your router's location:

• Centralize it: Place your router in the middle of your home, ideally on the main floor if you have multiple levels. This helps distribute the signal evenly to all areas where you use your Mac.

• Elevate it: Put your router on a shelf or desk, away from electronic devices that could interfere with the signal. Higher placement ensures better signal travel and minimizes interference from furniture or other obstacles.

• Avoid interference: Keep the router away from microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, and Bluetooth devices. Metal objects and large appliances can block or reflect signals, so maintain some distance.

• Reduce barriers: Walls, especially thick ones, weaken Wi-Fi signals. Try to minimize the number of walls between your router and the areas where you use your Mac.

• Adjust antennas: If your router has adjustable antennas, position them at different angles - one vertical and one horizontal. This setup can improve coverage in various directions.

Keep in mind that 5 GHz signals are more sensitive to walls and barriers than 2.4 GHz signals, so if you're relying on the 5 GHz band, make sure your Mac stays relatively close to the router.

For homes with tricky layouts or multiple floors, consider upgrading to a dual-band router. These devices can broadcast on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz simultaneously, giving you the flexibility to choose the best band for each area.

Use Ethernet for Stable Connections

For activities like video calls, streaming, or transferring large files, a wired Ethernet connection provides unmatched speed and reliability. In the United States, Wi‑Fi often delivers only about 42% of the speed you’d get with Ethernet. For instance, with a 100 Mbps internet plan, your Wi‑Fi might only provide around 42 Mbps, while an Ethernet connection can deliver speeds much closer to your plan’s maximum.

Ethernet also sidesteps common Wi‑Fi issues like interference from walls, appliances, or other devices. Using a CAT 6 cable, you can achieve speeds of up to 1 Gbps over distances as long as 328 feet. Beyond speed, Ethernet offers an added layer of security since it requires physical access to your network.

For scenarios where stability and performance are critical - like online gaming or transferring massive files - Ethernet is the way to go. If clutter is a concern, flat Ethernet cables are a great option to keep your workspace tidy.

If your Mac doesn’t have an Ethernet port, don’t worry. You can still enjoy the benefits of a wired connection with the help of adapters.

Adapters for Macs Without Ethernet Ports

Many recent Mac models, such as the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, don’t include built-in Ethernet ports. Thankfully, USB‑C and Thunderbolt adapters can bridge the gap and provide a reliable wired connection. Most modern Macs feature USB‑C ports that support Ethernet connectivity.

When selecting an adapter, think about the speed you need. For everyday use, budget-friendly USB‑C to Gigabit Ethernet adapters work well. But if you’re aiming for higher speeds, look for adapters rated between 2.5 Gbps and 10 Gbps. Options include:

• Belkin USB‑C to 2.5 Gb Ethernet Adapter

• Plugable USB‑C to 5Gbps Adapter

• Ugreen USB‑C to Ethernet Adapter 2.5G

• OWC Thunderbolt 10G Ethernet Adapter ($199.99)

Adapters designed for Thunderbolt 3 or 4 connections can also handle speeds ranging from 2.5 Gbps to 10 Gbps.

For added versatility, USB‑C hubs with Ethernet ports are a smart choice. These hubs often include extra USB ports, SD card slots, or even connections for external displays. On the other hand, dedicated Ethernet adapters focus solely on wired connectivity. While USB‑C adapters are compatible with Thunderbolt ports, avoid outdated Thunderbolt 1 or 2 adapters, as they require additional connectors.

Before buying an adapter, make sure it matches your network’s capabilities. For example, there’s no point in investing in a 10 Gbps adapter if your home network only supports 1 Gbps. Choose wisely to get the most out of your wired connection.

Manage Resource-Heavy Apps

If your Mac's internet feels sluggish, apps that hog network resources might be to blame. Streaming services, cloud storage, or even multiple open browser tabs can eat up bandwidth, slowing everything down. Luckily, macOS offers tools to help you identify and manage these resource-heavy apps.

Using Activity Monitor

Activity Monitor is your go-to tool for spotting apps that drain your network. You can find it under Applications > Utilities. Once open, click the Network tab and sort by "Sent Bytes" or "Rcvd Bytes" to see which apps are using the most data. Keep an eye on the "Data received/sec" and "Data sent/sec" columns at the bottom for live updates on transfer rates.

If you notice an app using a lot of bandwidth and you're not actively using it, you can shut it down. Select the app, click the X button at the top-left corner, and choose Quit. If it doesn’t respond, opt for Force Quit. Be cautious with unfamiliar processes - research them before closing to avoid disrupting critical system functions.

For quick real-time monitoring, you can enable the Dock icon to show network activity. If you prefer command-line tools, open Terminal and run nettop for detailed stats. Press 'd' to highlight differences in traffic, making it easier to spot apps with consistently high usage. If needed, terminate a process by noting its PID and running kill -9 <pid>.

Once you've identified the culprits, take action to reduce their impact on your network.

Reduce Background Activity

Managing background activity is another way to keep your bandwidth focused on what matters. Start by heading to System Settings > General > Login Items and Extensions. Disable any unnecessary items that launch automatically when your Mac starts.

Quit apps you’re not actively using by pressing Command + Q. Leaving apps open in the background can add up to significant bandwidth usage over time.

If you're working on something bandwidth-intensive, like an important video call or download, consider pausing cloud storage sync. Most services, like Dropbox or iCloud, let you temporarily halt syncing through their menu bar icons or settings. This prevents uploads or downloads from competing with your primary tasks.

Web browsers are another common culprit. Background tabs, especially those with videos, live feeds, or social media updates, can quietly consume a lot of data. Close any tabs you don’t need. Regularly clearing your browser’s cache and temporary files can also help your Mac perform better overall.

Lastly, keep an eye on automatic updates for apps and macOS. While updates are crucial for security and performance, they can use a lot of bandwidth. Schedule them for off-peak hours or pause them entirely during critical online tasks.

Reset Network Settings and Update Firmware

Resetting your Mac's network settings and updating your router's firmware can help resolve stubborn connectivity problems. These steps address potential configuration conflicts and security gaps that may silently affect your internet performance.

Reset Wi-Fi Settings in macOS

Sometimes, corrupted network settings can disrupt your connection. A quick fix is to forget and rejoin your Wi-Fi network.

If you're using macOS Ventura or later, start by heading to the Apple menu > System Settings, then click Wi-Fi in the sidebar. Find your current network, click Details, and select Forget This Network. Confirm by clicking Remove, then reconnect by choosing your network from the list and entering the password.

To clear multiple saved networks, scroll down in the Wi-Fi settings and click Advanced. This reveals all saved networks on your Mac. Remove problematic ones by clicking the menu button next to them, selecting Remove From List, and confirming.

For more persistent issues, consider creating a new Network Location. Go to System Settings > Network, click the More pop-up menu below the services list, and choose Locations > Edit Locations. Click the add (+) button, name the new location, and hit Done. This method resets your network configuration completely.

If problems persist, you can delete specific system configuration files. Turn off Wi-Fi and navigate to /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration. Copy the files com.apple.airport.preferences.plist, NetworkInterfaces.plist, and preferences.plist to your desktop as a backup. Then delete the originals from the SystemConfiguration folder and restart your Mac. This forces your system to rebuild these files with default settings.

Once your Mac's network settings are refreshed, move on to updating your router's firmware for better connectivity.

Update Router Firmware

After resetting your network settings, updating your router's firmware is the next step. Think of firmware as your router's operating system - it needs to stay updated to ensure security and optimal performance. Outdated firmware can lead to slower speeds, security flaws, and compatibility issues with newer devices like your Mac.

"Updating your firmware is vital in protecting your router from attacks. You should update it whenever a new version is available." – Luigi Oppido, Computer & Tech Specialist

Most routers allow firmware updates through a web-based interface. For the best results, connect your Mac to the router via Ethernet to avoid interruptions during the update. Open a browser and enter your router's IP address (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) in the address bar. Log in using your admin credentials.

Navigate to the Administration, System Tools, or Firmware Update section - labels vary by router model. Here, you'll typically see your current firmware version and an option to check for updates. Some routers can handle the update automatically, while others require you to download the firmware file from the manufacturer's website beforehand.

During the update, avoid interrupting the process. The router will restart once the update is complete, which usually takes 5-10 minutes. Interruptions can cause permanent damage to the router.

"Updating your Wi-Fi router's firmware will make sure your data is secure and safe from hackers." – Joe Supan, Senior Writer

If available, enable automatic firmware updates to keep your router current without manual intervention. Manufacturers usually recommend checking for updates every three to six months, but critical patches should be applied immediately.

Firmware updates often bring performance improvements that can enhance your internet speed. These updates fix bugs, improve compatibility with newer devices, and sometimes add features that weren't available when you first purchased the router. If you're using an older router with a newer Mac, these enhancements can make a noticeable difference in network efficiency.

Conclusion

Improving your Mac's internet performance doesn't have to be complicated. By tackling potential slowdowns - from temporary glitches to network configuration hiccups - you can enjoy faster, more reliable connectivity. The tips we've covered offer practical steps to address these issues effectively.

Restarting your Mac and router is a quick fix for clearing temporary problems, while tools like PeakHour allow you to monitor your network's performance and spot issues early. Optimizing your browser ensures smooth operation for everyday tasks, and scanning for malware removes harmful software that might be eating up your bandwidth.

On top of that, tweaking your Wi-Fi settings and strategically placing your router can significantly improve signal strength. For more stable connections, especially during demanding activities, switching to Ethernet is a smart move. Managing resource-heavy applications helps prevent bandwidth bottlenecks, and resetting network settings or updating firmware can resolve deeper configuration issues.

"Network monitoring gives you the visibility you need to stay one step ahead of potential issues." – Fortra

Looking ahead, maintaining good internet performance requires regular upkeep and proactive monitoring. With IoT Analytics predicting over 29 billion connected devices by 2027, home networks will only grow busier. Establishing a performance baseline through consistent tracking ensures you can catch small problems before they become major disruptions.

"Network monitoring is a proactive method and creates key advantages both in performance and security." – Krontech

It's worth noting that one in four users will abandon a website if it takes longer than four seconds to load. Optimizing your Mac's internet performance isn't just about faster downloads - it enhances your overall digital experience, from seamless video calls to efficient cloud backups.

Make it a habit to check your network monthly and perform routine maintenance. These straightforward tasks, combined with the optimization techniques we've discussed, will ensure your Mac stays at its best for all your online needs.

FAQs

How often should I restart my Mac and router to keep your internet running smoothly?

Restarting your devices regularly can go a long way in keeping your internet connection fast and reliable.

For your Mac, try rebooting it every few days or at least once a week, especially if it feels sluggish or isn't performing as expected.

For your router, a monthly restart is usually enough to clear its cache and refresh the connection.

If you're running into frequent connectivity issues, restarting both your Mac and router more often can help fix minor glitches and boost performance.

What’s the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi, and how do I pick the best one for my home?

The 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band is great for covering a wider area and handling obstacles like walls. However, it tends to be slower and can face interference from devices like microwaves or cordless phones. On the flip side, the 5 GHz band offers faster speeds and less interference but comes with a shorter range and has trouble getting through walls.

For an ideal home setup, use 5 GHz for activities like streaming or gaming when you're near the router and need speed. Meanwhile, 2.4 GHz works better in larger spaces or areas with lots of walls, where range is more important than speed. Most modern routers support both bands simultaneously, allowing you to switch based on what works best for your situation.

How can I stop resource-heavy apps on my Mac from slowing down my internet?

If your internet feels sluggish, one way to tackle the issue is by managing resource-heavy apps on your Mac. Use Activity Monitor to identify and close processes consuming excessive CPU, memory, or network bandwidth. You can quickly open Activity Monitor by pressing Cmd + Space and searching for it using Spotlight.

Another simple fix? Close any apps or browser tabs you're not actively using. This frees up both system resources and bandwidth, helping your internet run more smoothly. Staying on top of active applications ensures no single program slows things down unnecessarily.

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