A few times, during regular use, I found that the mouse cursor disappears on my Mac. It is a random thing and not limited to any specific app, or a particular version of macOS. One thing that I have observed is that the mouse cursor most likely disappears when I use heavy software like Photoshop, and have connected multiple displays. The mouse pointer also keeps disappearing if I have opened too many tabs in Safari or Chrome. It may even happen after you update to the latest macOS version. Let's check out the ways to fix it…
My Cursor Keep Disappearing on Macbook – How to Fix It
Shake your Mouse or Move Finger Quickly on Trackpad
This is the easiest way to find the disappeared mouse cursor. All you have to do is to shake the mouse or move the finger on your trackpad rapidly. The lost mouse cursor will appear on the screen and may also increase in size so that you can easily see it.
Right Click on Mac
Mac OS X Cursors for Windows 2000/XP-Here is a set of alphablended cursors for Windows 2000 and XP. The shadow is already included as transparency bits. Some of you might have alphablending problems, if you do, please look at the tip below it might work for you. It does not for me I will be releasing another pack without the shadow, it. This is a collection of original macOS cursors, identical as possible without changes in style. Use them in your Design Systems, User flows, UI Kits, Prototypes, and other design stuff.
One of the easiest ways to locate your vanished mouse cursor is to right-click. When you right-click, the mouse cursor is immediately visible.
Try to Bring Mouse Cursor to Dock
Cursor Rage Mac Os X
I agree that you are not able to see the mouse pointer, but on the trackpad or using the mouse, act as if you are moving down to the Dock. Once the vanished mouse pointer on the Dock, it will be visible.
Mission Control Fixes Disappearing Cursor on Mac
When you are playing a full-screen video on YouTube or working in a full-screen app, the right-click method may not bring success. This is where accessing Mission Control on Mac can help you locate the mouse cursor.
To enter Mission Control:
- Click the Mission Control key (F3) from top row or Touch Bar, or
- Press Control + Arrow up (△) key, or
- Swipe up from four (or three) fingers on Trackpad
Switch to Different App or Finder to Relocate Hidden Mouse Cursor
Press Command (⌘) + tab to quickly switch to a different app or Finder. You will see the mouse cursor. Now go back to the app you were working on.
Bring the Force Quit Menu
On your keyboard press Command (⌘) + Option (⌥) + esc. Force Quit Applications pop-up comes up. You do not have to quit any app. Just doing this brings up the hidden mouse cursor.
Adjust the Size of the Mouse Cursor on Mac
macOS lets you set the mouse pointer size according to your liking. To increase the cursor size launch System Preferences → Accessibility → Display from the left sidebar → Cursor → drag the Cursor size slider.
Also, enable Shake mouse pointer to locate.
You may also launch Siri from top right in the menu bar or press and hold Command (⌘) + Space Bar. Now ask Siri ‘Increase mouse pointer size.‘
Disable Third-Party Screensavers on Mac
If you repeatedly face the issue of mouse cursor disappearance, then try disabling or uninstalling any third party screensaver apps you use.
Turn Off Keyboard Shortcuts to Zoom
Accessibility features are beneficial, but they may cause little interferences here and there. Disabling keyboard shortcuts to zoom is a good hack to address mouse cursor automatically hiding. Unmei mac os.
Launch System Preferences → Accessibility → Zoom → make sure everything is unchecked here.
Check Firmware Update for Third-Party Mouse and Trackpad
If you are using a non-Apple peripheral, visit their website or ask the company if there are any pending drivers update to improve compatibility and fix glitches.
Check Battery of the Connected Mouse and External Trackpad
Replace the removable battery or charge your Mouse and Trackpad if it has a rechargeable internal battery.
Restart the Mac to Bring Back Mouse Cursor
If none of the solutions worked for you, try restarting your macOS device. A restart usually fixes these temporary issues. Click on the Apple logo () from top left and select Restart.
Reset the NVRAM or PRAM and SMC
- NVRAM: Non-volatile Random-access Memory
- PRAM: Parameter Random-access Memory
- SMC: System Management Controller
NVRAM and PRAM store some specific settings in a location that macOS can access quickly, like designated startup disk, display resolution, or speaker volume.
SMC is a vital chip on Intel based Macs that control small hardware components and processes like keyboards, fans, thermal and power management, battery charging, hibernation, etc.
If your mouse cursor keeps disappearing on Mac, try to reset the SMC and NVRAM/PRAM.
Try a Third-Party Mouse Locator App
If this issue persists, you may install a third party application that helps you find your cursor. One app you may try is Simple Mouse Locator. It is a paid app but not updated since 2015. Try it. If it doesn't work for you, request a refund!
Cursor Rage Mac Os 7
Summing Up…
These were some of the ways to get the cursor back on your Mac. Finally, I recommend that you learn some keyboard shortcuts for macOS. If you have time, also check out macOS Dock shortcuts. They will surely improve your productivity and make your experience swift and enjoyable.
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What are your thoughts on this article? Share your feedback with us in the comment section.
If you're ever creating user interface mockups for desktop apps or web apps, you've likely been looking for mouse cursors to demonstrate different ways of interacting with your design. I have, at least, but have had a hard time finding pixel perfect PNGs.
I dug around in OS X's System Library and managed to find the vectors used for rendering the most common cursors (including for pointing, drag and dropping, resizing, etc.), and exported them all as PNGs. If you can't find the cursor you're looking for in the table below, I've prepared a zip with all cursors.
