How to Increase Download Speed on Mac: Top Solutions in 2022

Method 1: How to increase download speed on Mac: useful tips

Update software and firmware

New versions of OS can also provide a faster and more stable network. Check for software updates via the Apple menu in order not to miss anything. Another way to increase download speed Mac users should do is to update the router's firmware. With the new firmware version, your router may start to receive a better Wi-Fi signal (if you use it), and in general work faster.

Don't download too many files at a time

It's easy to forget that you've started your tenth download while nine others are still active. However, this greatly affects the download speed. Try pausing less urgent downloads to allocate more traffic to your most important files.

Limit your upload rate

Sharing is caring, and the peer-to-peer connection is all about that. But an unlimited setting on upload affects your downloading too. It is a good idea to set your torrent client upload rate to about 80% of your maximum upload speed.

Also, try playing with your upload speeds – set the speed high initially and then gradually slow it down towards the middle of the download. Pay attention to speed units – they can either be kilobits per second (kb/sec) or kilobytes per second (kB/sec). 1 kilobyte = 8 kilobits.

Location of your router

The location of your router can also significantly affect your download speed. If you normally use the Internet near your router, you're probably fine. But if your router is located behind objects or in the corner of your house, your speed issues may be due to distance or obstacles. If you want to know how to speed up downloads on Mac and to find the perfect place for the router location we recommend you NetSpot, an app for interference monitoring.

Check your ISP

Make sure to check the max download and upload bandwidths allowed by your ISP. Of course, the torrent downloading speed won't go over what is set up by the ISP. Use bandwidth tester to see what you have and how to increase it. You can use speed.io or DSLReports included in the speed test of uTorrent.

Tweak your router/ISP’s settings

One more tip on "how to make downloads faster on Mac" is to check the current setup of your router. When you sign in to your ISP account, you can also check various settings. The default settings installed on your router are often not the best. Go to your ISP's webpage to learn more about which settings work best for your router and download speed.

Check network cables

Regardless of whether you use Wi-Fi or an Ethernet connection, there is a cable that enters your apartment. It can be bent, pinched, or damaged somewhere, which automatically degrades the quality of the connection causing speed downloading Mac issues. Check the cable in areas accessible to you or ask your provider to "ring" it and repair possible damage to make sure that the Internet speed does not depend on its condition.

Use an Ethernet cable

Using Wi-Fi affects the speed of your connection, that’s why it is recommended to connect via an Ethernet cable as it can quickly increase download speed. We understand that this tip "how to increase download speed on Mac" may sound like it's from the 90s, still, you shouldn’t underestimate it. As it's a wired connection and you don't have to rely on Wi-Fi, this option may provide the fastest connection for your download speed.

Replace filters

Please keep in mind that another reason for Mac download speed slow issue can also be the low-quality filters. Such kinds of filters can affect the Wi-Fi infrastructure so replacing them with more high-quality ones can help you increase the speed.