How To Use Your Mac Magic Trackpad Upside-Down So Your Wrist Won't Hurt

While the Mac's Magic Trackpad is a great tool to use for many applications, including plain and simple browsing, it's a fact that it can cause pain to one's wrists.

Over the years, users have complained about wrist pain solely from trackpad use. A certain user said that the slope simply makes it hard to use without having to strain the wrist.

Thankfully, the Mac's Magic Trackpad can be used upside-down so that the slope will be placed near the wrist, Cult of Mac reported. This will make for a more ergonomic positioning without affecting the Magic Trackpad's function and efficiency.

Dust off those Magic Trackpads that were stored due to discomfort caused by bending wrists. Here's how to set it to work upside-down:

For older Macs

Those who have older Macs (especially those prior to Mojave and Catalina) should launch the Terminal app. This is done by opening the Applications folder, followed by the Utilities folder. Once the Terminal app has been launched, users will need to key this text in and hit return:

defaults write com.apple.trackpad.orientation TrackpadOrientationMode 1

Users will then need to change any setting in trackpad preferences, or toggle Bluetooth on and off, for the changes to take effect. After this, users will need to flip the Magic Trackpad around (with the wrist near the elevated end) then place five fingers (a thumb and four other fingers in one hand) on the bottom edge. The device should detect the fingers and change its orientation.

If the Magic Trackpad doesn't change its orientation, users might need to reboot the Mac for it to work. Once rebooted, users should flip the trackpad and place five fingers on the bottom edge. It should work fine after this. If it doesn't, users will need to enter this command to force it:

sudo defaults write com.apple.MultitouchSupport ForceAutoOrientation YES

For newer Macs

Macs running on Mojave or Catalina will need some help from an app called “Better Touch Tool” or “BTT.” This app allows for deep customization options for the trackpad and the mouse. Download the Better Touch Tool app here.

To use the Magic Trackpad upside-down, users should download and launch the app, click on Configuration, then click on Trackpad under Advanced Settings on the left. Users should check the option that says “Mirror complete Magic Trackpad orientation for “upside-down” usage.”