Understanding Mouse Cursor Acceleration

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 110 views

How can I really turn off mouse cursor acceleration in macOS 14.0 (Sonoma)

Are you tired of dealing with the frustrating mouse cursor acceleration issue in macOS? You're not alone. Many users have been searching for a solution to disable this feature, but the methods described in previous versions of macOS may not work in the latest Sonoma update. In this article, we'll explore the most effective ways to turn off mouse cursor acceleration in macOS 14.0 (Sonoma).

Understanding Mouse Cursor Acceleration

Before we dive into the solutions, let's understand what mouse cursor acceleration is. Mouse cursor acceleration is a feature that allows the mouse cursor to move faster when you move the mouse quickly. While this feature can be useful for some users, it can be frustrating for others, especially those who prefer a more precise cursor movement.

Method 1: Using the Terminal

One of the most popular methods to disable mouse cursor acceleration is by using the Terminal. However, as you mentioned, the method described in previous versions of macOS may not work in the latest Sonoma update. Here's a revised method that you can try:

Open the Terminal app on your Mac.
Type the following command and press Enter: defaults write .GlobalPreferences com.apple.mouse.scaling -float 0.0
Press Enter to execute the command.
Restart your Mac to apply the changes.

Method 2: Using the Accessibility Settings

Another method to disable mouse cursor acceleration is by using the Accessibility settings. Here's how you can do it:

Go to System Preferences > Accessibility.
Click on Mouse & Trackpad.
Select the "Pointer Speed" dropdown menu and choose "Slow."
Click on the "OK" button to save the changes.

Method 3: Using a Third-Party App

If the above methods don't work for you, you can try using a third-party app to disable mouse cursor acceleration. Here are a few options:

BetterTouchTool: This app allows you to customize your mouse and trackpad settings, including disabling cursor acceleration.
Mouse Fix: This app provides a simple way to disable cursor acceleration and other mouse-related issues.
Cursor Fix: This app allows you to customize your cursor settings, including disabling acceleration.

Method 4: Using a Script

If you're comfortable with scripting, you can try using a script to disable mouse cursor acceleration. Here's an example script that you can use:

#!/bin/bash defaults write .GlobalPreferences com.apple.mouse.scaling -float 0.0

sudo shutdown -r now

Save this script as a file (e.g., disable_cursor_acceleration.sh) and make it executable by running the following command: chmod +x disable_cursor_acceleration.sh. Then, run the script to disable cursor acceleration.

Disabling mouse cursor acceleration in macOS 14.0 (Sonoma) can be a bit tricky, but the methods described above should help you achieve the desired result. Remember to restart your Mac after applying the changes to ensure that they take effect. If you're still experiencing issues, you can try using a third-party app or script to disable cursor acceleration. We hope this article has been helpful in resolving your mouse cursor acceleration issue.

Q: Why is my mouse cursor acceleration not working? A: There could be several reasons why your mouse cursor acceleration is not working. Try restarting your Mac or using a different method to disable cursor acceleration.
Q: How do I enable mouse cursor acceleration again? A: To enable mouse cursor acceleration, simply use the Terminal command defaults write .GlobalPreferences com.apple.mouse.scaling -float 1.0 and restart your Mac.
Q: Can I customize my mouse cursor settings? A: Yes, you can customize your mouse cursor settings using the Accessibility settings or a third-party app.

How to permanently disable mouse acceleration (MacOS Monterey)
How to customize your mouse settings in macOS
How to troubleshoot mouse-related issues in macOS
Frequently Asked Questions: Mouse Cursor Acceleration in macOS 14.0 (Sonoma) ================================================================================

Q: What is mouse cursor acceleration, and why is it a problem?

A: Mouse cursor acceleration is a feature that allows the mouse cursor to move faster when you move the mouse quickly. While this feature can be useful for some users, it can be frustrating for others, especially those who prefer a more precise cursor movement. Mouse cursor acceleration can cause the cursor to jump or skip over certain areas of the screen, making it difficult to perform tasks accurately.

Q: How do I disable mouse cursor acceleration in macOS 14.0 (Sonoma)?

A: There are several methods to disable mouse cursor acceleration in macOS 14.0 (Sonoma). You can try using the Terminal command defaults write .GlobalPreferences com.apple.mouse.scaling -float 0.0, or use the Accessibility settings to select the "Slow" pointer speed. Alternatively, you can use a third-party app or script to disable cursor acceleration.

Q: Why doesn't the method described in previous versions of macOS work in Sonoma?

A: The method described in previous versions of macOS may not work in Sonoma because the underlying system settings have changed. The com.apple.mouse.scaling preference has been replaced by a new preference called com.apple.mouse.scaling -float 0.0. This new preference requires a different command to disable cursor acceleration.

Q: Can I customize my mouse cursor settings in macOS 14.0 (Sonoma)?

A: Yes, you can customize your mouse cursor settings in macOS 14.0 (Sonoma). You can use the Accessibility settings to select the pointer speed, or use a third-party app to customize your cursor settings.

Q: How do I enable mouse cursor acceleration again after disabling it?

A: To enable mouse cursor acceleration again, simply use the Terminal command defaults write .GlobalPreferences com.apple.mouse.scaling -float 1.0 and restart your Mac.

Q: Can I use a script to disable mouse cursor acceleration?

A: Yes, you can use a script to disable mouse cursor acceleration. Here's an example script that you can use:

#!/bin/bash defaults write .GlobalPreferences com.apple.mouse.scaling -float 0.0

sudo shutdown -r now

Q: Are there any third-party apps that can help me disable mouse cursor acceleration?

A: Yes, there are several third-party apps that can help you disable mouse cursor acceleration. Some popular options include BetterTouchTool, Mouse Fix, and Cursor Fix. These apps provide a simple way to customize your mouse and trackpad settings, including disabling cursor acceleration.

Q: Can I troubleshoot mouse-related issues in macOS 14.0 (Sonoma)?

A: Yes, you can troubleshoot mouse-related issues in macOS 14.0 (Sonoma). Here are some steps you can follow:

Restart your Mac to see if the issue resolves itself.
Check the System Preferences > Accessibility settings to ensure that the mouse cursor acceleration is disabled.
Try using a different mouse or trackpad to see if the issue is specific to your hardware.
Check for software updates to ensure that your Mac is running the latest version of macOS.
Contact Apple Support for further assistance if the issue persists.

Q: Where can I find more information about mouse cursor acceleration in macOS 14.0 (Sonoma)?

A: You can find more information about mouse cursor acceleration in macOS 14.0 (Sonoma) by visiting the Apple Support website or searching online for tutorials and guides. Additionally, you can try contacting Apple Support for further assistance if you have any questions or concerns.