Internet Connectivity Slowdown on 2020 MacBook Pro with Sonoma OS

christravels wrote:

Internet Connectivity Slowdown on 2020 MacBook Pro with Sonoma OS

Recently, my MacBook has had a slow download speed of about 3Mbps on average. This issue appears to be related to Spectrum internet because I took the MacBook to the mall and had no problems with speed on their public Wifi. It does not appear to be the router. I have connected other devices to the Spectrum wifi, and the speeds are fine. I have disconnected other devices and then connected only the MacBook. I have downloaded all the latest software updates. Scanned for malware, etc. No problem there. Tried many of the solutions I've seen posted here, and none of them worked.

And then yesterday, something strange happened. As I was installing a new software update, I checked my tablet's speed. At first, it was really fast. I tested again to make sure, and then it was as slow as the MacBook. So then after the updates finished on the MacBook, I did a speed test. And it was fast. I couldn't believe it, so I tested a couple more times, and it was fast. A few hours later, I was on the MacBook, and it seemed a little slower. I did multiple speed tests, and it was just as slow as before. I didn't download anything or do anything much on the MacBook other than watch some videos on Twitch.

So does anyone know what is happening?

Are using iCloud Private Relay on Mac try disabling this feature , and compare your results...

If you subscribe to iCloud+, you can turn on/off iCloud Private Relay in Apple ID iCloud settings.

Use iCloud Private Relay on Mac - Apple Support

Uninstall all third party apps that are Cleaners/Optimizers/Anti-Virus/VPN

all known to cause issues on the macOS

verify your software is up to date…

The current stable release of Sonoma including bug fixes, security updates is macOS 14.3.1

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

christravels wrote:

I checked, and iCloud Private Relay was already off.

I got rid of a security app.

My software is up to date.

One other thing I forgot about. When I was going through solutions, one of them had you go through the activity monitor. When I did, it crashed when I clicked on the energy tab, and I haven't been able to get it to work since. It doesn't open, and then gives me an error message saying that it closed unexpectedly.

Most security apps have an official uninstaller in app or from the developer to remove all parts and pieces.

A SafeBoot Use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support will sort many anomalies

If no resolve—I would consider re-installing the macOS on top of your existing macOS to verify /refresh the integrity of the macOS built in applications. If the correct choices are made here it will live your user data untouched.

How to reinstall macOS

 Recovery (both M1/M2/M3 and Intel) — How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

always advised to have current backups.