Where to find the scroll direction setting

Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions). Click Trackpad in the sidebar, then select the Scrolling & Zooming tab. You will see a checkbox labeled Scroll direction: Natural. Uncheck this box to reverse the direction your content moves when you scroll.

If you are using a mouse instead of a trackpad, go to System Settings, click Mouse, then find Scrolling & Zooming. The same "Scroll direction: Natural" checkbox appears here. Uncheck it to change how your mouse wheel behaves.

The setting takes effect immediately — you do not need to restart your Mac or close any open windows. If you change your mind, you can always check the box again to restore natural scrolling.

Key Takeaways

  • The scroll direction setting lives in System Settings under either Trackpad or Mouse, depending on which device you use.
  • Unchecking "Scroll direction: Natural" reverses the direction — scrolling up moves content down, and scrolling down moves content up.
  • You can set different scroll directions for your trackpad and mouse independently if you use both.
  • The change happens instantly and does not require restarting your Mac.
  • Most third-party mice and trackpads respect the Mac system setting, but some come with their own software that may override it.

What "natural" scrolling means

Apple calls the default setting natural scrolling because it mimics how you move content on a phone or tablet. When you swipe up on an iPhone screen, the content moves up with your finger. On a Mac with natural scrolling on, scrolling up with your trackpad or mouse wheel also moves content up.

Older Macs and Windows computers use the opposite direction — scrolling up moves content down, as if you are pulling a scroll bar toward you. If you switched from Windows or an older Mac, reversing this setting can make your Mac feel more familiar. Some people also prefer the traditional direction simply because they find it more intuitive.

The difference matters most when you are reading long documents, browsing web pages, or working with spreadsheets. After a few days of using the reversed direction, most people stop noticing the change and it becomes automatic.

Trackpad versus mouse settings

Your Mac lets you set scroll direction separately for your trackpad and for an external mouse. This is useful if you use both and prefer different directions for each one. For example, you might want natural scrolling on your trackpad but traditional scrolling on your mouse.

To change only your trackpad: go to System Settings > Trackpad > Scrolling & Zooming, then uncheck the box. To change only your mouse: go to System Settings > Mouse > Scrolling & Zooming, then uncheck the box. Each device remembers its own setting, so you can switch between them without the scroll direction changing.

If you use a Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad made by Apple, these settings apply directly. If you use a third-party device, the system setting usually works, but check the next section if it does not.

If you cannot find the setting

On very old Macs running macOS 10.6 or earlier, the scroll direction setting may not exist — those versions do not offer this option. If you are running a recent version of macOS and the setting is missing, restart your Mac and check again. Sometimes the settings pane needs to refresh.

If you are using a third-party trackpad or mouse, check whether it came with its own software. Some external devices have their own control panels that override the Mac system settings. Look in your Applications folder for software named after the device manufacturer (Logitech, Razer, Microsoft, etc.), or visit the manufacturer's website to download the latest drivers. Third-party software often gives you more granular control, including the ability to set different scroll directions for different apps.

If the setting exists but does not seem to work, make sure you are testing with the correct device. Unplug your mouse and test the trackpad alone, or disconnect the trackpad and test the mouse alone. This tells you which device is actually being used.

Troubleshooting scroll direction problems

If you changed the setting but scrolling still feels wrong, make sure you are looking at the right device. If you use both a trackpad and a mouse, you may have changed one but not the other. Check both Trackpad and Mouse settings to confirm they match what you want.

If a specific app scrolls in the wrong direction even after you change the system setting, that app may have its own scroll preferences. Check the app's settings menu — some programs like video editing software, design tools, or terminal emulators let you override the system scroll direction. Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro, and some other professional apps are known for this.

If you recently updated macOS, the system may have reset your scroll direction to the default. Go back to System Settings and check whether the "Scroll direction: Natural" box is checked again. This happens occasionally after major updates.

Why you might want to change scroll direction

Most people who change scroll direction fall into two groups: those switching from Windows or older Macs who find traditional scrolling more intuitive, and those who use both a Mac and another device and want consistency. Some people also find that reversing the direction reduces wrist strain or feels more natural for their hand position.

You can always switch back if you change your mind. Many people try the reversed direction for a week, find it confusing, and return to natural scrolling. Others make the switch and wonder why they did not do it sooner. There is no right answer — it is purely a matter of personal preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing scroll direction affect all apps?

Yes, the system setting changes scroll direction everywhere on your Mac — in web browsers, documents, email, and most other programs. A few specialized apps like video editors or design software may have their own scroll settings that override the system default.

Can I undo this change?

Yes. Go back to System Settings > Trackpad (or Mouse) > Scrolling & Zooming and check the "Scroll direction: Natural" box again. Your scroll direction returns to the original setting immediately.

Will this change affect my keyboard shortcuts or other trackpad gestures?

No. Changing scroll direction only affects how content moves when you scroll. All other trackpad gestures — pinch to zoom, two-finger swipe, tap to click — work exactly the same.

What if I have both a trackpad and a mouse plugged in?

You can set them to scroll in different directions. Change the trackpad setting in Trackpad settings and the mouse setting in Mouse settings independently. Your Mac remembers both preferences.

Does this setting work with Bluetooth mice and trackpads?

Yes, the Mac system setting works with most Bluetooth devices. However, some Bluetooth mice come with their own software that may override the system setting. Check your device manufacturer's website if the system setting does not seem to work.