Where to Find Mouse Speed Settings

Mouse speed on Mac lives in System Settings under the Trackpad or Mouse section, depending on which device you're using. Open System Settings (the gear icon in your dock or Applications folder), then click Trackpad if you use the built-in trackpad, or Mouse if you've connected an external mouse. The speed slider appears on the first screen you see — you don't need to dig into submenus.

If you're using an external mouse made by Apple, the Mouse pane opens directly to the tracking speed control. Third-party mice sometimes install their own software instead, which means the speed setting lives in that brand's app rather than System Settings. Check your mouse's manual or the manufacturer's website to see whether it came with companion software.

Key Takeaways

  • Mouse and trackpad speed settings are in System Settings under either Mouse or Trackpad, depending on your device type.
  • Drag the Tracking Speed slider left to slow down your cursor, or right to speed it up; changes take effect when ready.
  • Third-party mouse brands often include their own software with separate speed controls, so check the manufacturer's app if System Settings doesn't have what you need.
  • Secondary click speed and scrolling speed are separate controls found in the same pane, so you can adjust them independently.

Adjusting the Tracking Speed Slider

Once you're in the Mouse or Trackpad pane, locate the Tracking Speed slider. The left end is slowest (your cursor moves a short distance when you move your mouse or finger), and the right end is fastest (your cursor travels farther with the same physical movement). Drag the slider to where it feels comfortable for your hand and work style.

The change happens when ready — you don't need to restart or confirm anything. Move your mouse or trackpad around the screen right away to test the new speed. If it feels off, adjust again. Most people find a middle-to-right position comfortable for everyday work, but if you do detailed design or photo editing, a slower speed gives you more control.

Separate Controls for Scrolling and Secondary Click

Tracking speed controls how far your cursor moves, but scrolling speed is separate. In the same pane, you'll see a Scrolling Speed slider (sometimes called Natural Scrolling direction). This controls how fast the page moves when you scroll with your trackpad or mouse wheel, independent of cursor speed. You can have a fast cursor and slow scrolling, or vice versa.

Secondary click speed — how quickly you need to click to trigger a right-click menu — is also its own setting. On trackpads, this appears as Secondary Click with options like "Click in bottom right corner" or "Click with two fingers." On mice, it's usually automatic, but some third-party mice let you adjust the timing in their own software.

What to Do If Your Mouse Isn't Responding to Changes

If you adjust the slider but nothing changes, your mouse may be running its own driver software. Disconnect the mouse, then check your Applications folder for any software the manufacturer installed — Logitech, Razer, and SteelSeries all include their own control panels. Open that app and look for a Tracking Speed or DPI (dots per inch) setting there instead.

If you're using a Bluetooth mouse and the slider still doesn't work, try unpairing and re-pairing the mouse. Go to System Settings > Bluetooth, forget the device, then reconnect it. Sometimes a stale connection prevents System Settings from communicating with the mouse properly. After re-pairing, the standard speed slider should work again.

Using DPI Settings on Gaming and Precision Mice

Gaming mice and some precision mice use DPI (dots per inch) instead of or alongside the standard speed slider. DPI is a hardware setting that controls how sensitive the sensor is — higher DPI means faster cursor movement. If your mouse has a DPI button on the side or bottom, pressing it cycles through preset speeds without opening any software.

You can often adjust DPI in the mouse's own software (Logitech G Hub, Razer Synapse, or SteelSeries Engine) and also use the Mac system slider at the same time. The system slider acts as a multiplier on top of the DPI setting, so if you want maximum control, set your mouse's DPI to a comfortable middle ground, then fine-tune with the Mac slider.

Trackpad-Specific Speed Adjustments

If you're using the built-in trackpad on a MacBook or Magic Trackpad, the Tracking Speed slider works the same way as with a mouse. However, trackpads also have Tap to Click sensitivity, which is separate. This controls how lightly you need to tap to register a click — it doesn't affect cursor speed, but it affects how responsive your trackpad feels overall.

You can also adjust Force Click pressure (how hard you need to press for a deep click) and Tracking Speed independently. A fast tracking speed with light tap sensitivity makes the trackpad feel very responsive; a slower speed with heavier tap sensitivity makes it feel more deliberate. Experiment with both to find what suits your workflow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my mouse speed reset every time I restart my Mac?

This usually means your mouse is running third-party software that overrides the system setting. Check your Applications folder for the mouse manufacturer's control panel and uninstall it if you don't need the extra features. After removing it, your system slider will stick. If the software is necessary for other features (like programmable buttons), adjust the speed in that app instead of System Settings.

Can I set different speeds for different mice?

System Settings applies one speed to whichever mouse is currently connected. If you switch between multiple mice, you'll need to adjust the slider each time, or use each mouse's own software if it has one. Some third-party mice let you store multiple speed profiles in their hardware, so you can switch profiles without touching System Settings.

What's the difference between tracking speed and DPI?

Tracking speed is a software setting that Mac applies to any mouse. DPI is a hardware setting built into the mouse sensor itself. If your mouse has DPI controls, both affect cursor speed, but DPI is faster and more precise because it happens at the hardware level. You can use both together — set DPI on the mouse, then fine-tune with the Mac slider.

Is there a way to have different speeds for different apps?

macOS doesn't have a built-in way to change mouse speed per app. Third-party automation tools like Automator or third-party mouse software sometimes offer this, but it requires manual setup. For most people, one speed works across all apps, though you can always adjust it if you're switching between detailed work and general browsing.