Why this happens

macOS uses natural scrolling, inspired by iOS. If you came from Windows, it may feel reversed. You can change it quickly.

Method 1: System Settings (native)

macOS Ventura 13+

1. Apple menu → System Settings
2. Mouse
3. Disable Natural scrolling

macOS Monterey 12 and earlier

1. Apple menu → System Preferences
2. Mouse
3. Disable Natural scrolling

This affects mouse and trackpad together.

Method 2: Separate mouse and trackpad

• Scroll Reverser (free): simple and lightweight
• SteerMouse (paid): advanced control

Method 3: Terminal (advanced)

Disable natural scrolling:

defaults write NSGlobalDomain com.apple.swipescrolldirection -bool false

Enable natural scrolling:

defaults write NSGlobalDomain com.apple.swipescrolldirection -bool true

Restart your Mac after running the command.

Quick tips

• Try the new direction for a few days.
• Some apps have their own scroll settings.
• Gaming mouse drivers can interfere.

Conclusion

For simplicity, use native settings. For different behavior between mouse and trackpad, use a dedicated app.