Downloads via App Store takes a lot of time on Mac, how to fix?

The App Store application offers access to all available apps for Apple macOS or iOS operating systems. To find any type of program, simply use the search field to deliver all associated results. When the store works properly it is very useful, but since the storage is vast and contains countless apps, various issues are unavoidable.

One issue is very poor downloading performance, resulting in a wait of several minutes when downloading even a small application of just a few MB. Some people report that this issue appears even when they try to update their operating systems. There are a number of causes of this problem, such as wrong DNS server, router or Internet service provider issues, Apple server crashes, and others. Below we describe the most common issues and possible solutions - how to improve App Store downloading speed.

Table of Contents:

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Ensure Apple's service servers are working properly

Don’t think of it as adding more junk to your already slow Mac — think of it as new software that makes your Mac run more smoothly. So, to update your macOS and speed up your Mac, go to the Apple menu and click About This Mac. Then click Software Update. If a new version is available, update software and you’re good to go! May 22, 2020. Epic Games: Download slow - this you can do. Sep 27, 2020; 1329; 0; If a Download at the Epic Games Launcher is slow, it can drive you to despair once. So you can play relaxed Fortnite or Unreal Tournament, we have listed possible solutions to the problem. On our experiment, when we’re using 2.4GHz connection we barely gets 100Kb/s to 200Kb/s download speed and it takes 5 hours to complete the macOS High Siera Updates which is the size is 5.20 GB. But when connected to 5GHz we get the full bandwidth of our internet connection which is 3.5Mb/s and it only takes 30 minutes to complete the update. Aug 31, 2019.

Crashes and maintenance works are often unavoidable when dealing with electronic systems, and might be reasons for low downloading speeds. Apple has created a status web page for users to check if their preferred servers are working properly. To ensure that the server that you are trying to connect to is working properly, visit Apple's System Status web page and see if a green indicator is displayed bedside it. If you find a yellow or red indicator, there is not much you can do, since this is Apple's issue.

Reboot the device

Restarting the device is often a solution for many issues, including low downloading speeds. For example, minor crashes within the operating system can result in decreased performance. Rebooting is useful for Mac computers and any mobile iOS device. Restart the Mac by clicking the Apple logo in the menu bar at the top of the screen and select Restart. Restart the iOS device by holding the lock button until the slider appears - slide it to turn it off and then hold again to boot up the mobile device.

Try downloading a different application

There are cases when download speed is related to particular applications - a decrease in speed is a result of miscommunication between the developers and App store. So, if a developer removes a product, but the App Store has not updated its storage area, you may receive various error messages and an inactive progress bar. To check if this is the case, try downloading any free app from the store.

Apple ID related problems

Issues can sometimes be related specifically to the Apple ID account. In this case, there is a very simple solution: simply sign out of your account, wait a few seconds, sign back in to the App Store application, and try to download the app again. Open App Store and click on Store in the menu bar at the top of the screen. In the list, select Sign out. Repeat the steps to Sign in.

Troubleshoot your network connection

First, ensure downloading speed issues are not caused by your Internet Service Provider or particular wireless network. Begin with checking the download speed by visiting speedtest website. Minimum speed requirements for smooth downloading are above 10Mb/s.
Next, switch between cellular and wi-fi networks on mobile devices. Or, switch between Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections on Mac computers. If possible, test all three networks.
If speed is low when using a Wi-Fi network only, reboot the router. Turn it off, wait about 60 seconds, and then turn it back on. Check the download speed after rebooting.
If resetting the router does not solve the issue, try to connect to a different Wi-Fi network (if available). Some routers, especially schools and institutions' networks, block unnecessary ports or App Store servers to keep download bandwidth accessible to anyone.
If you encounter issues while connected to cellular network or Ethernet, contact the Internet Service Provider (ISP) for possible solutions.

Change the DNS settings

Low downloading speed can be caused by a poor DNS server, since all internet requests must travel through that particular server. Low DNS server performance affects all Internet tasks, including downloads via App Store. To check whether the DNS server is causing problems, replace the existing server with Google's or any other OpenDNS server. We recommend that you try several different servers and use the one that produces the highest download speeds. To change DNS servers on iOS devices, open Settings and tap on Wi-Fi. In a new window, tap the information icon (a blue 'i' in the circle) of your current network, and then tap the DNS field and change the address. To change the DNS server on a Mac computer, open System Preferences and choose Network. In the new window, click the current connection, and then click Advanced. In the new window, choose the DNS tab and click the add (+) under the list of DNS servers.

If you notice problems when connected to the Wi-Fi occur on several devices, there may be an issue in the router's DNS settings. In this case, changing settings for a particular device might improve the situation, so read the router manufacturer guide to change DNS settings.

Turn off VPN, firewall, and security software

VPN, firewall, and anti-virus software can affect Internet performance. Incoming and outgoing connections might be cited as possible threats, thus resulting in blocked or restricted connections to associated servers. Disable and re-enable each software package to see if this affects downloading performance. To disable the firewall on Mac computers, go to System Preferences and choose Security & Privacy. Then select the Firewall tab. Click on lock and enter your administrator account password for permission to make changes. To check that you are not connected to a VPN server, choose Network under System Preferences and inspect the list on left side. iOS devices do not have firewall or anti-virus software by default, so if you have not downloaded any, you only need to check VPN settings. Open the device's Settings and choose General. Scroll down until you see VPN options. Disconnect from any connected VPN and check if download speeds improves.

Video Showing how to fix low downloading speed via App Store on Mac:

Several factors are responsible for slow downloads on your Mac. Some of these can be addressed by you, while some cannot. If you are facing reduced download speed on your Mac, then here are ways to fix the issue and increase the download speeds.

Before you read, it is essential to know why your internet is slow. Also, in this post, I am mostly talking about increasing download speed on browsers. But many of the tricks here are equally useful if you are downloading files from App Store, iTunes Store, and elsewhere.

Why Are Downloads Slow on Your Mac?

You must be aware of your internet speeds. Some fluctuations in download speeds are normal. It depends on the number of users, location, time of the day, and even major events in the country or across the globe! Shocking?

Well, in India, whenever there is a big Cricket World Cup match or top Indian Premier League matches, the net speed of most mobile internet providers drop low. This is because a vast number of people are live streaming the game, and thus everyone in the area sees a reduction in speeds.

At times, it is possible that there may be some technical issues from your network provider’s end. It is also likely that an update may be downloading in the background that is slowing the download speed on your end. Some sites also reduce the download speeds or have an inferior server. ISP too may limit speeds for some sites, notably torrents. Similarly, there are multiple such reasons.

No matter what the causes are, in normal conditions, if you see exponentially reduced internet speed, then the first thing to do is to run a speed test. You may go to fast.com or speedtest.net and see what your download and upload speed on Mac is.

If you are disappointed by the result, read on. Here are ways to increase your internet download speed on Mac.

How to Speed Up Downloads on Mac

#1. Switch to a Different Website

If a website has set download speed limits on their end, or if their server is weak and cannot provide fast downloads, then there is not much you can do. In case, there is an alternate website from where you can download the same file, try to use that.

#2. Use Official Website for Maximum Speed

Multiple third party sites let you download Mac and Windows software. But try to use only the official websites instead of some third-party marketplace. You will get superior download speeds via the official sites.

#3. Restart your Mac

The first thing to do for better download speed is to restart your Mac. To do so, click on the Apple logo from top-right and then click Restart…

Note: Most websites, services, and browsers support resume downloads; however, if you have a big file in pending download that does not support ‘Resume Download,’ then do not restart your Mac. You may lose everything that you have downloaded up to this point.

#4. Reboot your Wi-Fi router

Another easy step to increase download speed is restarting your Wi-Fi router. Use the power button on the router or use the wall outlet switch to turn it off and then turn it on.

#5. Close Unnecessary Browser Tabs

Have too many browser tabs open? Close the ones you do not need. Tabs opened in the background might take up some bandwidth. Sites that show sports score (like Cricbuzz) constantly refresh to keep you updated.

#6. Close any Video You are Streaming

Are you streaming a movie on Netflix or watching our tutorials on YouTube? Maybe you are catching that new TV show on Disney+ and also downloading some files in the background? Well, when you close these streaming sites, the download speed will increase.

#7. Switch to a Different Browser

If you get less download speed in Safari, change to a different browser. I would recommend Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Opera in that order.

#8. Install Adblocker

Straight up, this will not increase download speed but will increase browsing speeds. Also, please understand that we and many sites depend and pay our employees from revenue generated by ads.

But I agree they are annoying and many rich ads consume a lot of data. So, if you are downloading something and simultaneously browsing, you may consider temporarily using an Adblocker.

#9. Use Download Manager Extension

Managing downloads with a Download Manager app, extension/add-on might increase your download speed. They even let you organize your downloads or prioritize one over another. There are plenty of these on the respective stores of the browsers. For Chrome one that caught my eye is Free Download Manager.

#10. Decrease the Number of Extensions

Another trick to get a better experience when you are using a browser is to remove unwanted Extensions. It happens that we install an add-on or extension for a particular task, and then it stays in the browser, even though we do not need it.

How to Remove Extensions in Chrome: Click on three lines icon → Settings → Extensions → and Remove the ones you do not need.

Steps to Remove Extensions in Safari: Open Safari → Click Safari from Menu Bar → Preferences → Extensions → Uninstall unnecessary ones.

How to Remove Extensions from Firefox: Click on three lines icon from the top right → Add-ons → Extensions → three dots icon of an extension → Remove.

#11. Clear Browser Cache for Faster Downloads

Note: Before you clear cache, cookies, and browser history, make sure the pending download path is not lost. Save the link in notes app if needed.

Some browsers like Chrome and Firefox are known to handle it well, but Safari may struggle when the cache becomes too large. To clear Safari cache, follow the steps here.

To clear Cache in Chrome:

Step #1. Open Chrome and click on History from Menu Bar → Click on Show Full History → Click Clear browsing data.

Step #2. In Time range, select All time (or what you like) and click on Clear data. If you click on Advanced, you have some additional options that you can check.

Note: This method also deletes your History and the things selected in Step #2.

#12. Disconnect VPN to Increase Download Speed

One privilege of working for a media company is that I get to try several apps, services, and products. I have used, reviewed, and am acquainted with a dozen VPN apps. Let me tell you straight up, that almost every VPN (even with a premium subscription) slows down your speed.

So, to increase download speed, disconnect any system-wide VPN app or browser VPN extension you are using.

Additionally, if you have multiple VPN apps or VPN browser extensions installed, then consider deleting the unnecessary ones.

#13. Change to Different Networks

If you have access to multiple networks around you, then try to switch to a different Wi-Fi network. There are several reasons that the current Wi-Fi network may be slow and buggy. The second network you connect to may have fewer users and thus less congestion, that will ultimately deliver increased download speeds.

#14. Connect to 5-GHz Wi-Fi for Better Downloads

Here in our office, we have multiple Wi-Fi networks. We have the 5-GHz band as well as 2.4 GHz. If you, too, have such available options, then try to connect to the 5-GHz Wi-Fi network. It will yield better download speeds. But make sure you are not physically too far from the router.

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#15. Move your Mac Near the Router

Moving near the router is also a handy and proven way. In case you have a fixed seat, then you may temporarily move to an area near the router for as long as your download is in progress.

#16. Set Your Router Near Your Mac

Do you repeatedly face poor download speeds? It is time to ensure that your Wi-Fi router is not placed in the corner of a room or hall. If your router is in a corner or too far from where you usually sit with your Mac like study table or bed, then try to change the Router’s location and place it as near as possible.

#17. Run Wi-Fi Network Diagnostics

Run Wi-Fi Network Diagnostics on your Mac to troubleshoot the Wi-Fi issues that you may be facing.

#18. Change DNS

Changing and configuring your network settings to use Google’s Public DNS may also improve your download speeds. If none of the methods above worked for you, then follow the official Google Steps and change DNS.

#19. Ensure Neighbors aren’t Enjoying your Wi-Fi

Whenever too many people use your Wi-Fi, it is bound to decrease your download speeds. Set a password for your Wi-Fi network to ensure that it is only you and your family that is using it. Also, if you believe your neighbors know your current Wi-Fi password, change it immediately.

#20. Close Torrent Apps to Increase Downloads Speed

Are you using a Torrent app in the background and downloading something in your Mac’s browser? Well, Torrent eats up the bandwidth. To have faster downloads in your browser, quit the Torrent app.

#21. Use Ethernet for Fast Downloads

Wi-Fi has seen various advancements, but still, when it comes to comparison between it and wired Ethernet, the later is faster. So, if your Mac has an Ethernet port, or if you have an Ethernet dongle, try to connect your Mac to it and use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi.

#22. Change Ethernet Cable

Is the Ethernet performing poorly? It can be due to low quality or faulty cable.

When we moved to a new (and bigger) office, I switched to Ethernet. The cable I initially used was giving me around 80Mbps speeds, which was far less than office Wi-Fi (and the speed my broadband company provided). I switched to a different cable, and immediately my download speeds touched 360Mbps. We threw the earlier cable away…

#23. Quit Unused Mac Apps

Are multiple apps and software running in the background on your Mac? Closing apps can also increase your download speed.

#24. Ensure macOS Software Update is not Downloading in Background

If you have automatic macOS updates, then a new version of macOS may be downloading in the background, which you are not aware of. To check and cancel this download and increase your other download speed, follow the steps below.

Step #1. Launch System Preferences by clicking on the Apple Logo and then System Preferences…

Step #2. Click on Software Update and see that nothing is downloading here.

#25. Make Sure App Updates are not Downloading in Background

Open Launchpad and see that no updates are being downloaded. If you notice one, wait for it to finish or cancel the download.

Mac Is Running Very Slow

#26. Be on the Latest macOS

To improve the overall performance of your Mac, it is an excellent practice to be on the latest version of macOS.

#27. Split Downloads in Threads

You may use apps or torrent clients that split downloads into threads. This usually speeds up the download process. Folx is one such app that does this job in its premium version.

#28. Browser Updates in the Background

Browsers like Chrome, Firefox, etc. download updates in the background and, in most cases, install it automatically the next time you restart your Browser/Mac. It is effortless, and you do not have to bother about being on the latest and most secure version of your browser.

However, this also means that there may be times when this update is being downloaded. So it is quite likely that for a few minutes, downloads and web browsing inside your browser are slow. But after the updates are downloaded, your speed will resume to normal.

#29. Contact Internet Service Provider

Finally, when nothing works, it is time to contact your internet service provider and ask for his help.

Now, he may change your Wi-Fi router, or change some settings from their end, or ask you to upgrade to a higher and faster plan. Have a word with their representative and request them to address the issue.

Wrapping up…

These were the ways to increase the download speed on your Mac. Now, one last thing that I did not mention above is switching to a newer device. Most new Macs have better Wi-Fi antennas and can provide faster download speeds.

Improved and next-gen hardware also ensures superior download speeds. For a long term solution, you may consider this.

You may also like…

Do you have any additional methods for increasing download speeds on Mac? Share it with us in the comments down below.

Increase Download Speed Mac

Jignesh Padhiyar is the co-founder of iGeeksBlog.com who has a keen eye for news, rumors and all the unusual stuff that happens around Apple products. During his tight schedule, Jignesh finds some moments of respite to share side-splitting contents on social media.

Speed Up Slow Mac

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