Are your download speeds slow on the Mac App Store? The first logical step is to check your network connection. However, if you’ve already confirmed that your internet speed is fast and your cellular data is working fine, the problem might just be with the app marketplace itself. I’ve found a few solutions to this problem so that the apps you need to download or update don’t take longer than necessary to appear on your Mac.
4 Ways to Fix Slow App Store Downloads on Mac
1. Change your Mac’s DNS settings
If your network connections are working fine everywhere except the App Store, you may need to take a look under the hood and adjust your DNS settings.
A DNS server works like an address book for the Internet. When you type a link into your browser, your computer translates it into a numerical IP address. Usually, your ISP provides DNS servers by default. However, if your ISP DNS server is not working properly, it will affect your browsing and downloading activities. Manually adjusting your DNS server settings can help resolve the slow download issues.
Time required: 1 minute
To change your Mac’s DNS settings, follow these steps:
- Out of System settingsclick on network.
- Choose Wi-Fi.
- Select your current network connection and then click Details.
- Click on DNS.
- Under the DNS server Click the tab + button to add a DNS server.
- Enter a 1.1.1.1 or 1.0.0.1and then click OK.
2. Disable VPN profiles on your Mac
If you use a VPN on your Mac, disconnecting from it may resolve the issue. Users experiencing the same issue reported that turning off their VPN connection restored normal download speeds.
To disable VPN connectivity on your Mac, navigate to System Preferences > VPN > Connect to or disconnect from a VPN service. Turn off the switch to disable the VPN.
NOTE
The available settings may vary depending on the VPN service you use.
3. Enable private relay
If you’re subscribed to iCloud+, enabling Private Relay can resolve the download delays. Private Relay works similarly to a VPN. It prevents websites from tracking your IP address and exact location, and it prevents your ISP from accessing your browsing history in Safari. However, Private Relay uses two separate relays to protect your information, taking privacy a step further.
To enable Private Relay, navigate to System Preferences > (your name) > iCloud. Select the option to Enable private relayand then click Completed.
4. Reset your network settings
If the above solutions don’t work, resetting your network settings should help. Note that this will delete all your Wi-Fi and cellular hotspot connections, and you’ll need to have your password ready to reconnect to them.
- Click on the Wi-Fi Icon in the menu bar.
- Choose Wi-Fi settings.
- Click on the Details button next to the Wi-Fi network you want to delete.
- Choose Forget this network.
- Confirm the deletion by clicking on Remove.
If the problem persists, contact Apple Support. You can also check if the problem is with your Apple ID – it may be showing as inactive in Apple services.
