How to fix slow connection issues on macOS

Updated: January 30, 2024 11:50

In this article, you will learn what might cause slow connection issues on your Mac device when connected to a VPN and how to avoid them.

If you have noticed a significant decrease in connection speed, try the adjustments below:

NOTE: Some decrease in speed (around 30 %) is expected when using a VPN. Feel free to check how to troubleshoot speed problems.

Test several different locations

Even if you have used the Fastest server button previously, you should try several other locations as well. Try the ones that are close to your physical location.

If you're not sure how to check if the speed has increased, visit a speed-testing website. Do a quick test and see the results.

Disable interfering apps

Apps like anti-virus, file-sharing clients, or other VPNs might use the same tools and resources on your Mac that Surfshark needs. That can potentially slow down your VPN connection.

Disable those apps (at least temporarily), reboot your device, and see if that helps with the connection speed.

Change the protocol

Go to the Settings page on your Surfshark app.
Select the VPN Settings tab.
You will find the Protocol setting. By default, the protocol should be Automatic. Change it from Automatic to WireGuard.
Connect to one of Surfshark's servers and test the speed again.

Restart your device

Even though this may sound too simple to have any effect, it often helps because rebooting your device will close all idle apps and stop other background processes that might be running.