Wi-Fi Speeds Keep dropping to almost nothing since updating to Sonoma 14.5 (23F79)

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Level 1

8 points

Wi-Fi Speeds Keep dropping to almost nothing since updating to Sonoma 14.5 (23F79)

Hi there. I was wondering if anyone can help me. Since updating my iMac (M1 2021) to Sonoma 14.5 (23F79) about a month ago, I've been having issues with download and upload speeds dropping to half or less. It happens off and on throughout the day. And can even be fine for days without issue. I have had this iMac in the same spot in my house for 2 years without problems. Until I updated to Sonoma 14.5. I've moved the iMac to closer proximity to the router, and still have issues. I've used a laptop, and phones in this spot and no issues. The downloads speeds being half isn't the worst part, it's the upload speeds, dropping from 60mbps to less than 6, sometimes less than 1mbps. It's very frustrating. But I can't seem to figure out why or how to fix it. I am not super tech savvy, so any help is appreciated.

iMac 24″, macOS 14.5

Posted on Jul 14, 2024 6:31 PM

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Answer 1

Old Toad

Level 10

210,053 points

Jul 15, 2024 1:08 PM in response to 7Isles

Did you just delete the two apps or remove them according to the developer's instructions. If you've just deleted the two apps you can check to see if you've removed all of the supporting files by downloading and running the shareware app Find Any File to search for any files with the application's or the developer's name in the file name. For the two apps in question you'd do the following search(es):

1 - Name contains cleanmymac

2 - Name contains macpaw

2 - Name contains vpn

Any files that are found can be dragged from the search results window to the Desktop or Trash bin in the Dock for deletion.

FAF can search areas that Spotlight can't like invisible folders, system folders and packages.

If you get warnings that the file can't be deleted because it is in use or used by another app boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and delete from there.

Note: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will assure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

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Answer 2

BDAqua

Level 10

244,673 points

Jul 15, 2024 6:56 AM in response to 7Isles

CleanMyMac may have changed, but in the past has been a bad actor, especially after OS chandes...

Uninstall CleanMyMac per their directions , then run etrecheck again to see what chaff it left...

On CMM…

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MBP won't wake from sleep Sierra 10.12.6.… - Apple Community

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251464557?answerId=252841819022#252841819022

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Answer 3

Jul 15, 2024 7:00 AM in response to 7Isles

7Isles wrote:

I occasionally use NordVPN, but not all day. And I have CleanMyMac X to keep it tidy. Have used both apps for years with no problems.

Both of those applications are frequently the cause of connection issues. Remove both and see if the problem resolves itself. Just turning off Nord isn't enough. You have to remove it.

Neither application is necessary or advisable.

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Answer 4

7Isles Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 15, 2024 8:56 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

So I've used the Ookla one a lot over the years and always went by that. But if use this one when I type Speed Test into Google, that's when it says I have low downloads and low upload speeds.

And I assumed it was more correct because I couldn't even stream and old 80's sitcom from Plex that's 1mbps. Plex is the only app I use from the computer to stream to devices in my house, my mom's house, and my sister's. We all use Firesticks. I've had no other issues streaming on devices or other computers, phones or iPads with Prime, Netflix, or YouTube. I can close Plex and still get low speeds on this iMac. And without my normal upload speeds from this computer, Plex is useless. I've been using Plex on this computer for over 2 years, and Plex in general for over 10 years. I've never had this problem.

So I double checked and I apologise I said it was 60mbps in uploads I was getting. The downloads I'm getting from my ISP is 500mbps and the uploads are actually 30 mbps. but I just assumed they were higher because I've never had problems before.

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Answer 5

Jzapko13

Level 1

109 points

Jul 15, 2024 2:25 AM in response to 7Isles

That is not good… Its in apple care?

Or do you have some antivirus or music convertor becose sometimes this apps have viruses that slows your entire computer. Or your wifi modem is not good in the computer.

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Answer 6

7Isles Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 15, 2024 4:32 AM in response to rkaufmann87

I occasionally use NordVPN, but not all day. And I have CleanMyMac X to keep it tidy. Have used both apps for years with no problems. The dropping of speeds happens whether Nord is on or not. I've racked my brain to think of what changed around here since the problem started, but the only change I can think of is the OS update. I know if I call my ISP they'll just say it's too far from the router/modem, but nothing has moved. So why now after 2 years is there a problem. I use Plex (and have for over a decade) and it has made it hard to watch anything when the upload speed drops.

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Answer 7

7Isles Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 15, 2024 7:59 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

So I removed and deleted both Nord and CMM and restarted. Still same issue. The uploads are horrible.

If I use speedtest the speeds seem normal (DL 400mbps-500mbps, UL 40mbps-60mbps).

But if I use the speed test that comes up on google search results, that's when it shows my uploads and downloads are beyond low (DL 100-300mbps, UL 0.43mbps-6mbps). and I know it's slow because I can't stream even a 1mbps show from Plex.

[Edited by Moderator]

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Answer 8

Jul 15, 2024 8:06 AM in response to 7Isles

What is this "speed test that comes up on google search results?" Do you mean the information Google Search gives you for how long it took to find an answer? Or do you mean something else? If you mean some other speed text site, what do you know about it? Speedtest is fairly well trusted.

Can you stream using other applications? Or is the problem limited to Plex?

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Answer 9

7Isles Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 15, 2024 10:44 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

So I moved the iMac to about 5 feet from the router/modem. As when I moved it before I only moved it a room or two closer. I don't live in a massive house, but I thought maybe I should at least move it as close to the modem as possible, this time. See if maybe that's the issue, though, as I said the iMac has been in the same spot for 2 years with no issues and the MBP I used before the iMac was in the same place with no problems. but I'll try anything. I can leave it here for a few days and see if the problem persists. I'm hoping it doesn't, but I can't leave it here permanently so if the issue is the iMac is too far, do those Wifi pods that ISP providers have for extending the network, worth it? I'm with Rogers in Canada and they have them for like $5 a month.

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