MacBook Pro has unexpectedly low Wi-Fi speeds

Question

Level 1

12 points

MacBook Pro has unexpectedly low Wi-Fi speeds

I am a networking novice, so I'm sorry if I am leaving out any critical information for addressing my question.

My Problem: Unexpectedly low Wi-Fi speeds relative to ISP and router capability.

My System: I have a MacBook Pro 2021 Model 16", M1 Max chipset, that appears to be running with my Wi-Fi network configured for 802.11ax, which I understand to be Wi-Fi 6. I've upgraded my OS to Tahoe 26.1.

Background and Physical Conditions: I recently upgraded to a 2-gig fiber line. Hardwired, my speeds reach 1850, but my Wi-Fi speed only hits 250, sometimes lower. I know I should expect lower Wi-Fi speeds, especially from a 2021 system, so I am realistic about that. I have an eero Pro 7 router connected to a Cat 6A line with only around 50ft of run to the ONT. And I am only about 6ft from the eero Pro 7 router without walls, metallic objects, or any physical obstructions. The eero Pro firmware says it is up to date.

I am curious whether there is anything I should look into, configuration-wise, that may be impairing my Wi-Fi speed? Thank you in advance for any comments or solutions.

MacBook Pro 16″

Posted on Dec 5, 2025 7:10 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Dec 5, 2025 8:44 AM in response to AppleCore_88

Wi-Fi Radio Signals from your Router fall off as the cube of the distance. Provided you are close to your Router and have clear line of sight and no competition from neighbors' Routers or known interference producers like microwave ovens.

All others need to do a more careful analysis to find out what is happening.

Wireless diagnostics:

Hold down the Option key while you click on the Wi-Fi icon on the menubar to open up the tools for investigating and fixing Wi-Fi issues

Choose "Open Wireless diagnostics", which opens the wireless diagnostics Assistant, but does not proceed.

NB> Wireless Diagnostics is an App that puts up its own MenuBar.

Using its Window menu, there are about eight different things you can do from here, but the top-level is to choose Diagnostics off the Window menu, or simply click (Continue) to do a quick check for Gross misconfiguration or operating problems. Your Admin password will be required. If any recommendations are shown, you should consider then seriously.

--------

Next is to hold down the Option key and click the Wi-Fi icon as before. The screen that opens shows operating parameters of your Wi-Fi network. There is a great deal, of valuable information in those numbers.

Readers are eager to interpret what is going on from the values there. Please Screenshot, transcribe, or photograph the results and post back in a reply on the forums. Looks like this older one.

Reply