Magic Mouse Not: Scrolling

Once in Safe Mode, test if the scroll function works. If it does, the problem is likely with a background app or startup program.

If software troubleshooting yields no results, external factors or internal hardware degradation might be to blame. Eliminate Wireless Interference

Reset NVRAM/PRAM:

After cleaning and drying, turn the mouse back on and test scrolling. Many users report this alone solves the problem completely. magic mouse not scrolling

Before diving into system settings, the first and most common cause is often the most overlooked: the physical sensor.

Release the keys and let the Mac boot normally. (Note: Apple Silicon M1/M2/M3 Macs perform an automatic check of these settings during every startup and do not require manual key combinations.) Summary Checklist Steps to Try Potential Cause Temporary wireless glitch Charge to >20% Power-saving mode disabling touch surface Check Accessibility Menu Hidden system setting turned off Delete .plist Files Corrupted configuration files Run pkill bluetoothd Frozen macOS Bluetooth background process

Most users look in and see "Smart zoom" and "Swipe between pages," but they miss the master switch. Once in Safe Mode, test if the scroll function works

Type your Mac's administrator password (the characters will not show as you type) and press .

I know, it’s the oldest tech cliché. But macOS handles Bluetooth handshakes in volatile memory. A simple restart of your MacBook or iMac clears the temporary Bluetooth cache. Try this before reading further.

Press the power button, then immediately hold down . Release the keys and let the Mac boot normally

If hardware is the issue, you have two options:

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as sitting down at your Mac, ready to work, only to discover your Magic Mouse has stopped responding to scroll gestures. The cursor moves fine, left and right clicks work normally, but when you try to glide your finger up or down the sleek surface – nothing happens.

Click in the left sidebar, then select Pointer Control . Click the Mouse Options... button.

If your Magic Mouse is not scrolling only when your Mac is under heavy load (e.g., transferring files or connected to a crowded Wi-Fi network), interference is the culprit.

Using the Terminal app to restart the Bluetooth background process forces a clean reload without requiring a full computer reboot.