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  3. My internet is slow when using VPN

My internet is slow when using VPN on macOS

Problem

Your internet connection is slow when connected to a VPN server on NordVPN’s macOS app. 

Common symptoms

  • Your download and upload speed test results are lower than usual.
  • Websites and streaming videos take longer than usual to load.

Troubleshooting steps

NOTE: Check your connection speed on speedtest.net after each step.
NOTE: It is possible to experience an increase in ping when connecting to a country far away from your physical location.

  • If you used the “Secure my connection” button to connect to the VPN, try manually selecting and connecting to countries closest to your physical location instead.
  • Check if you are using the latest version of the NordVPN app:
     
    1. Click the cogwheel icon at the bottom left of the NordVPN app.
    2. If the app is outdated, a banner showing that a new version is available will appear. Click the “Update now” button.
       
  • If you have an antivirus, ensure NordVPN is on the exclusions list.
  • Pause “Advanced Browsing Protection” in the Threat Protection Pro™ settings:
     
    1. Click the shield icon on the left side of the NordVPN application.

    2. In the “Advanced Browsing Protection” section, click “Pause.” 

       

  • Change the VPN protocol:
     
    1. Open the NordVPN app and click the gear icon in the lower-left corner to enter the “Settings” menu.
    2. Click “General.”
    3. Try connecting with all available protocols.
       
  • Reapply the VPN configuration settings on macOS:
    NOTE: This step is applicable only for the NordVPN application downloaded from the App Store.
     
    1. Click the Apple icon in the upper-left corner of your screen.
    2. Click “System Settings.”
    3. Go to the “VPN” tab and click the information icon next to NordVPN.
    4. You will get a pop-up about modifying system settings. Approve it.
    5. Click “Remove Configuration,” then click “Remove” once more to confirm.
    6. Close the NordVPN app by pressing the “Command” and “Q” keys together on the keyboard.
    7. Re-open the NordVPN app and click the “Secure my connection” button.
    8. If a pop-up window appears, allow the NordVPN app to add VPN configurations.
       
  • Disable custom DNS:
    NOTE: This step is only applicable if you downloaded the NordVPN app from our website.
     
    1. Open the NordVPN app and click the gear icon in the lower-left corner to enter the “Settings” menu.
    2. Click “DNS.”
    3. Turn off the “Use Custom DNS servers” switch.

Additional tips

  • If the issue appeared after you tried to connect to the same VPN server multiple times, wait a few minutes before attempting to connect again.
  • Check if the issue occurs on other devices connected to the same network. If it does, try switching to a different network.
  • Check your internet connection without connecting to the VPN.
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