Where to find the scroll direction setting

Your Mac's scroll direction is controlled in System Settings, not in individual apps. Open System Settings (the gear icon in your Dock or Applications folder), then go to Trackpad or Mouse depending on what you use. The scroll direction option is in the Scrolling tab.

The setting is called "Scroll direction: Natural" on most Macs. When this box is checked, scrolling works like you're moving the content itself — push your fingers up on the trackpad and the page moves up. When unchecked, scrolling works the old way — push your fingers up and the page moves down, as if you're pulling a scroll bar.

Key Takeaways

  • Scroll direction lives in System Settings under Trackpad or Mouse, in the Scrolling tab.
  • The "Scroll direction: Natural" checkbox controls whether your scroll feels like moving content or pulling a scroll bar.
  • The change takes effect when ready and applies to all apps at once.
  • If you use both a trackpad and a mouse, you can set different scroll directions for each one.

Changing scroll direction on a trackpad

Open System Settings and click Trackpad in the sidebar. Click the Scrolling tab. You'll see a checkbox labeled "Scroll direction: Natural" with a small diagram showing the direction. Check the box for natural scrolling (content moves the direction your fingers move), or uncheck it for reversed scrolling (content moves opposite to your finger direction).

The change happens when ready — you don't need to restart or close apps. Try scrolling in any open window to test it right away.

Changing scroll direction on a mouse

If you use an external mouse instead of the trackpad, the setting is in a different place. Open System Settings and click Mouse in the sidebar. Click Scrolling. You'll see the same "Scroll direction: Natural" checkbox. Check or uncheck it the same way you would for a trackpad.

Some third-party mice (like Logitech or Razer models) come with their own software that overrides the Mac setting. If you installed software for your mouse, open that app instead and look for a scroll direction option there. The Mac system setting won't control the scroll direction if the mouse software is running.

Using different scroll directions for trackpad and mouse

You can set your trackpad and mouse to scroll in opposite directions if you want. Some people prefer natural scrolling on the trackpad but reversed scrolling on a mouse, or vice versa. Since the settings are in separate places (Trackpad and Mouse), you can change one without affecting the other.

Open System Settings, go to Trackpad, and set the scroll direction you want. Then open System Settings again, go to Mouse, and set a different direction if you like. Each device remembers its own setting.

Troubleshooting scroll direction that won't change

If you change the setting and scrolling still feels wrong, check whether you have third-party mouse or trackpad software running. Apps like Logitech Options, Razer Synapse, or SteadyTune can override the Mac system setting. Quit the app (right-click the icon in the menu bar and select Quit), then test scrolling again.

If you're using an older Mac or a very new one, the setting location might be slightly different. On some older Macs, it's under System Preferences instead of System Settings. On newer Macs with macOS Ventura or later, it's definitely in System Settings. If you can't find Trackpad or Mouse in the sidebar, use the search box at the top of System Settings and type "scroll direction".

Why scroll direction feels backwards when you switch devices

If you use both a Mac and an iPad, or a Mac and a Windows computer, the scroll directions are usually opposite. Macs default to natural scrolling, while Windows and iPads often default to reversed scrolling. Your muscle memory from one device will feel wrong on the other. The solution is to pick one direction and stick with it across all your devices if you can, or accept that you'll need a moment to adjust when you switch.

If you travel between devices often, natural scrolling is becoming the standard across most modern devices, so setting everything to natural scrolling is usually the easiest long-term choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set different scroll directions for different apps?

No, the scroll direction setting applies to your entire Mac at once. You can't make Safari scroll one way and Mail scroll another way. The setting controls your hardware (trackpad or mouse), not individual programs.

What's the difference between natural and reversed scrolling?

Natural scrolling: push your fingers up on the trackpad, the page moves up. Reversed scrolling: push your fingers up, the page moves down (like pulling a scroll bar). Most modern devices use natural scrolling by default.

Will changing scroll direction affect my keyboard or other input devices?

No, the setting only controls your trackpad or mouse. Your keyboard, Magic Keyboard, or any other input device won't be affected.

Do I need to restart my Mac after changing scroll direction?

No, the change takes effect when ready. You can test it in any open app right away without restarting.

What if I have a Magic Mouse and the scroll direction won't change?

Make sure you're in System Settings under Mouse, not Trackpad. If you have both a trackpad and Magic Mouse connected, they have separate settings. Also check whether you have any third-party mouse software running that might be overriding the system setting.