How can I improve Wi-Fi performance?

Improving Wi-Fi Performance in Astropad Studio

Wi-Fi performance can vary depending on many factors, including your router model, the location of your Mac and iPad, nearby networks, other wireless devices, or even the weather. If you notice lag, stuttering, or delays while using Astropad Studio, these tips can help improve your connection.

Wi-Fi Setup Recommendations

Use a modern wireless router that supports 802.11ac or newer (Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6)
Connect both your Mac and iPad to the 5GHz Wi-Fi band rather than 2.4GHz
Make sure your Mac and iPad are physically close to the router for the strongest signal

What to Do If Performance Suddenly Drops

If Astropad Studio usually runs well but you're experiencing temporary lag or a slowdown, try these steps:

Restart your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it from power for about 10 seconds, then plug it back in
Restart your Mac and iPad to refresh network connections
Try a cabled connection using a USB cable capable of data transfer

Why We Recommend Using the 5GHz Wi-Fi Band

Most modern routers offer both 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless bands. While 2.4GHz has a longer range, it is more prone to interference and slower speeds. The 5GHz band supports faster data transfer and provides a more stable connection for real-time apps like Astropad Studio.

We recommend checking your router's settings to confirm that your devices are connected over 5GHz. You may need to:

Create separate network names (SSIDs) for 2.4GHz and 5GHz
Manually connect your Mac and iPad to the 5GHz network
Disable 2.4GHz if it causes frequent interference

Avoiding Interference with Bluetooth

The 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band is shared by Bluetooth devices, which can cause connection problems when used together. This includes accessories like the Apple Pencil, AirPods, Bluetooth speakers, or keyboards. Interference between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can lead to delays or a degraded connection in Astropad Studio.

Using the 5GHz Wi-Fi band helps avoid this issue entirely, as Bluetooth does not operate on the 5GHz frequency.