How to invert mouse scroll direction on Mac

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting for inverting mouse scroll direction on Mac.

7-10 min read

Expert Verified

Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To invert mouse scroll direction on a Mac, you can adjust the settings in System Preferences under the Mouse or Trackpad section. This allows you to change the scroll direction to suit your preference, making it feel more natural for some users.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before you begin inverting mouse scroll direction on your Mac, ensure you meet the following requirements:

•A Mac computer running macOS (10.7 Lion or later recommended for best compatibility).
•Administrator access to change system settings.
•A mouse or trackpad connected to your Mac.
•No important data needs to be backed up specifically for this change, but it's always good practice to have a backup of your system.

Method 1: Using System Preferences

This is the primary method for inverting mouse scroll direction on macOS. It is straightforward and does not require any additional software.

•Step 1: Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
•Step 2: Select 'System Preferences' from the dropdown menu.
•Step 3: Depending on your device, click on 'Mouse' or 'Trackpad'.
•Step 4: Look for the option labeled 'Scroll direction: Natural'. Uncheck this box to invert the scroll direction.
•Step 5: Test the scroll direction in a document or web browser to verify it worked.
•Step 6: If the scroll direction did not change, ensure that you are adjusting the correct device settings (Mouse vs. Trackpad).

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: Open 'System Settings' instead of 'System Preferences'.
•Step 2: Navigate to 'Mouse' or 'Trackpad' using the sidebar.
•Step 3: Uncheck 'Scroll direction: Natural' to invert scrolling.

For macOS Monterey (12) and earlier

The steps are similar, but the layout may differ slightly.

•Step 1: Open 'System Preferences'.
•Step 2: Click on 'Mouse' or 'Trackpad'.
•Step 3: Uncheck 'Scroll direction: Natural'.

Method 2: Using Terminal Commands

For advanced users, you can also invert the scroll direction using Terminal commands. This method is less common but can be useful for automation or scripting.

•Step 1: Open the Terminal application (found in Applications > Utilities).
•Step 2: To invert the scroll direction, type the following command and press Enter: `defaults write -g com.apple.swipescrolldirection -bool false`.
•Step 3: To apply the changes, restart your Mac or log out and back in.
•Step 4: Verify the scroll direction has changed by testing in a document or web browser.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while trying to invert mouse scroll direction, consider the following solutions:

•Error: 'Scroll direction not changing' - Solution: Ensure you are adjusting the correct settings for the device you are using (Mouse vs. Trackpad).
•Issue: 'Changes not applying after restart' - Fix: Double-check the Terminal command for typos and ensure you have restarted your Mac after making changes.
•Problem: 'Scroll direction inconsistent across devices' - Workaround: Adjust settings for each device individually in System Preferences.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

For power users looking to enhance their experience, consider these tips:

•Keyboard shortcut: Command + Space - Opens Spotlight for quick access to applications like Terminal.
•Command line: `defaults read -g com.apple.swipescrolldirection` - Checks current scroll direction setting.
•Hidden feature: Use third-party applications like BetterTouchTool for more granular control over mouse and trackpad settings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

For the best user experience, always ensure your macOS is updated to the latest version to access the most recent features and fixes.