How to change mouse pointer size on Mac

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To change the mouse pointer size on a Mac, navigate to System Preferences, select Accessibility, and then adjust the Cursor size slider under Display. This allows users to customize the visibility of the mouse pointer according to their preferences.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before changing the mouse pointer size, ensure you have the following:
  • •A Mac computer running macOS Mojave (10.14) or later.
  • •Administrator access to change system settings.
  • •No third-party applications that may override system pointer settings.
  • •Backup important data to avoid any accidental loss during system changes.

Method 1: Using System Preferences

This is the primary method for changing the mouse pointer size and is suitable for most users.
  • •Step 1: Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select 'System Preferences'.
  • •Step 2: In the System Preferences window, click on 'Accessibility'.
  • •Step 3: In the left sidebar, select 'Display'.
  • •Step 4: Locate the 'Cursor size' slider and adjust it to your desired size. The pointer will resize in real-time.
  • •Step 5: Close the Accessibility window to save your changes.
  • •Step 6: Move your mouse around to verify the new size is comfortable for you.
  • •Step 7: If the pointer size does not change, restart your Mac to apply the settings.

For macOS Ventura (13) and later

In macOS Ventura and later, the steps remain largely the same, but the interface may have slight visual changes.
  • •Step 1: Click on the Apple menu and select 'System Settings'.
  • •Step 2: Scroll down and click on 'Accessibility'.
  • •Step 3: Select 'Display' from the sidebar.
  • •Step 4: Adjust the 'Cursor size' slider.

For macOS Monterey (12) and earlier

The steps are consistent across earlier versions, but ensure you are familiar with the layout of System Preferences.
  • •Step 1: Open 'System Preferences' from the Apple menu.
  • •Step 2: Click on 'Accessibility'.
  • •Step 3: Select 'Display' and adjust the 'Cursor size'.

Method 2: Using Terminal Commands

For advanced users, changing the mouse pointer size can also be done through Terminal commands.
  • •Step 1: Open the Terminal application (found in Applications > Utilities).
  • •Step 2: Type the command 'defaults write com.apple.universalaccess mouseDriverCursorSize -float [size]' replacing [size] with a number between 1 and 4 (1 being smallest and 4 being largest).
  • •Step 3: Press Enter to execute the command.
  • •Step 4: Restart your Mac or log out and back in to see the changes.
  • •Step 5: Verify the pointer size has changed by moving the mouse around.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems when changing the mouse pointer size, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'Cursor size not changing' - Solution: Ensure no third-party applications are overriding system settings. Restart your Mac.
  • •Issue: 'Cursor size too large/small' - Fix: Return to Accessibility settings and adjust the slider again. Verify the changes are saved.
  • •Problem: 'Cursor disappears' - Workaround: Check if the 'Shake mouse pointer to locate' option is enabled in Accessibility settings.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

For power users looking to enhance their experience, consider these tips:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: 'Control + Option + Command + 8' - Toggles the cursor size options quickly.
  • •Command line: 'defaults read com.apple.universalaccess' - Displays current accessibility settings including cursor size.
  • •Hidden feature: 'Shake mouse pointer to locate' - Enable this in Accessibility settings to make the cursor larger temporarily by shaking the mouse.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

For the best user experience, regularly check your Accessibility settings to ensure they meet your current needs.