macOS · Devices
Customize Mouse Settings on Mac
Mouse settings control tracking speed, scrolling direction, and secondary-click behavior for any connected mouse, including Apple's Magic Mouse, which also supports its own set of swipe gestures.
How to open Mouse
- Open System Settings → Mouse.
- Adjust tracking speed and scrolling speed to your preference.
- Set secondary click to the side you want to trigger right-click.
- If using a Magic Mouse, review More Gestures for swipe options.
What you should know
- Tracking speed determines how far the pointer moves relative to physical mouse movement.
- Secondary click (right-click) can be assigned to the left side, right side, or disabled entirely.
- Magic Mouse supports swipe gestures for switching between full-screen apps and Spaces.
- Scroll direction can be set to 'Natural' or traditional, independent of a trackpad's own scroll setting.
A Magic Mouse charges through the Lightning or USB-C port on its underside, so it can't be used at all while actively charging — keep a spare charge cable handy if you rely on it during the workday.
Why it matters
Mouse tracking and scroll settings shape the feel of everyday pointing and scrolling more than most people realize, and getting them wrong can cause real friction or hand strain over a full workday. For Magic Mouse users specifically, gesture support means the mouse can replace some trackpad-style navigation, so knowing the gesture options avoids missing out on genuinely useful shortcuts. Because secondary-click side and natural scrolling are both personal preference rather than a fixed default, it's worth confirming they're set the way that feels right to you rather than leaving factory defaults in place.
Best practices
- Set secondary click to whichever side matches how you naturally rest your fingers, since the default isn't always the most comfortable.
- Turn on Magic Mouse's swipe gestures for full-screen app and Space switching if you don't already use a trackpad for that.
- Increase tracking speed on a large or high-resolution external display so the pointer doesn't feel sluggish crossing the screen.
- Keep a charge cable accessible if using a Magic Mouse, since it can't be used at all while its underside is plugged in to charge.
Common problems and fixes
- Magic Mouse becomes unresponsive or laggy.
- Check its battery level in the Bluetooth or Mouse settings pane, and give it a quick charge, since Magic Mouse behavior degrades noticeably as its battery gets low.
- Right-click isn't working on a connected mouse.
- Open Mouse settings and confirm 'Secondary click' is assigned to a side rather than set to off, since it's disabled by default on some third-party mice until configured.
- Scrolling direction feels reversed compared to a trackpad.
- Mouse and trackpad each have independent 'Natural scrolling' settings; adjust the Mouse setting specifically if you want it to differ from your trackpad's behavior.
Tips and tricks
- Check battery percentage for a Magic Mouse directly from the Bluetooth menu bar item without opening System Settings.
- Combine a fast tracking speed with a lower scroll speed if you want quick pointer movement but more controlled, precise scrolling.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I use my Magic Mouse while it's charging?
The charging port is on the underside of the mouse, which physically prevents it from sitting flat and tracking while a cable is plugged in — a quick few-minute charge is usually enough to get hours of use.
Can I use a Magic Mouse and a trackpad at the same time with different scroll settings?
Yes, Mouse and Trackpad each have their own independent settings pane, so natural scrolling or tracking speed can differ between the two devices.
Do third-party mice support the same gesture customization as Magic Mouse?
Basic tracking, scrolling, and click settings work the same, but multi-touch swipe gestures are specific to Magic Mouse's touch-sensitive surface and generally aren't available on standard third-party mice.
Related settings
- TrackpadTrackpad settings control click pressure, tracking speed, scrolling direction, and the full set of multi-touch gestures used for navigating macOS — everything from a simple tap-to-click to four-finger app switching.
- Bluetooth DevicesBluetooth settings let you pair and manage wireless accessories such as keyboards, trackpads, mice, headphones, and speakers with your Mac.
- Accessibility SettingsAccessibility settings on Mac include VoiceOver screen reading, Zoom for magnification, Voice Control, and many vision, hearing, and mobility features to make macOS easier to use.
More Devices guides for macOS
- KeyboardKeyboard settings control key repeat speed, modifier key behavior, text input sources, and Dictation — plus Touch Bar customization on supported MacBook Pro models. It's also where you add languages and manage keyboard shortcuts across the system.
- Printers & ScannersPrinters & Scanners settings let you add, configure, and manage printers and scanners connected over USB, Wi-Fi, or a network, including setting a default printer and checking on active print jobs.
- BatteryBattery settings show battery level history, condition, and power usage by app on Mac laptops, and let you configure power modes and options like optimized battery charging.
- CDs & DVDsCDs & DVDs settings let you choose what happens automatically when you insert a music CD, picture CD, video DVD, or blank disc into a connected optical drive, such as opening a specific app.
- DictationDictation lets you speak instead of type in nearly any text field on the Mac, converting speech to text using either on-device processing or enhanced online recognition depending on the language and settings.
- Bluetooth Accessory DetailsClicking a paired Bluetooth accessory in Bluetooth settings, such as AirPods, a Magic Keyboard, or a Magic Mouse, shows detailed information including battery percentage, firmware version, and connection options specific to that device.