You can change your cursor style, size, and color in Chromebook settings in under a minute

Your Chromebook cursor does not have to stay the default arrow. You can make it larger, change its color, or switch to a different pointer style entirely — all from the Settings menu. The changes apply immediately and work across every app and website you use.

The cursor customization options are built into Chrome OS, so you do not need to install anything or restart your device. If you share your Chromebook with other people, each person's account keeps its own cursor settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, go to Accessibility, then Display, and you will find cursor size and color options in one place.
  • You can make your cursor larger in five different sizes, from default up to extra large.
  • The color picker lets you choose from preset colors or create a custom color that stands out against your wallpaper.
  • Changes take effect right away and do not require you to close any open windows or apps.
  • If you use a mouse with custom software, those settings override Chromebook cursor settings.

How to open the cursor settings menu

Start by clicking the time in the bottom right corner of your screen. A menu will pop up showing your battery, network, and user account. Click the gear icon labeled Settings.

In the Settings window that opens, look for the left sidebar. Click on Accessibility — it is usually near the bottom of the list. Then click Display in the submenu that appears. The cursor options are in this section.

Changing cursor size

Under the Display section in Accessibility, you will see a slider labeled Cursor size. The default setting is in the middle. Drag the slider to the right to make your cursor larger, or to the left to make it smaller.

There are five size options total. If you find the default hard to see, moving it one or two notches to the right usually makes a noticeable difference without taking up too much screen space. The largest setting is useful if you have vision difficulties or if you are using a high-resolution display where the cursor becomes tiny.

Changing cursor color

Just below the size slider, you will see Cursor color with a row of colored circles. Click any of the preset colors — white, black, yellow, orange, or red — and your cursor will change immediately. The white and black options work well on most backgrounds, while yellow and orange stand out on darker screens.

If none of the preset colors work for you, click the circle with a plus sign at the end of the row. A color picker will open where you can choose any color you want. This is useful if your wallpaper is a specific color and you want your cursor to contrast with it.

Testing your changes

Move your mouse around the screen to see your new cursor in action. You do not need to close Settings or restart anything — the change happens instantly. If you do not like the new size or color, go back to the same menu and adjust it again.

Keep in mind that your cursor appearance may look different in full-screen apps or when you are using certain websites. Some web applications have their own cursor styles that override your Chromebook settings temporarily, but your custom cursor returns when you leave that app.

What to do if your cursor settings are not changing

If you adjust the size or color but nothing happens, check whether you are using an external mouse with its own software. Some gaming mice and productivity mice come with companion apps that control the cursor appearance. Those apps override your Chromebook settings, so you would need to change the cursor through the mouse software instead.

If you are using the Chromebook trackpad and the settings still are not working, try signing out and signing back in to your account. This refreshes your settings and usually fixes display problems. Go to the user menu in the bottom right, click your account name, and select Sign out.

Resetting cursor settings to default

If you want to go back to the original cursor, return to Settings > Accessibility > Display and move the size slider back to the middle. For color, click the black circle, which is the standard Chromebook cursor color.

There is no reset button that does this automatically, but moving the sliders back takes just a few seconds. Your changes are saved to your account, so if you sign into a different Chromebook with the same account, your custom cursor settings will follow you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a custom cursor image instead of just changing the size and color?

Chrome OS does not have a built-in option to upload your own cursor image. You are limited to the size and color options in Settings. Some websites and web apps let you use custom cursors while you are on that site, but you cannot set a custom image for your entire Chromebook.

Will my cursor settings stay the same if I use a different Chromebook?

Yes. Your cursor size and color are saved to your Google account. When you sign into any other Chromebook with the same account, your custom cursor settings will be there automatically.

Does changing the cursor size affect how the trackpad works?

No. Cursor size is purely visual — it changes how the pointer looks but not how sensitive your trackpad is or how fast the cursor moves. Trackpad speed is a separate setting in Accessibility > Device.

What if I cannot find the Accessibility menu in Settings?

Make sure you are in the main Settings app, not Chrome browser settings. Click the time in the bottom right corner and select the gear icon. If Accessibility still does not appear, your Chromebook may be running an older version of Chrome OS. Try restarting your device and checking for updates.

Can I make the cursor different colors for different apps?

No. Your cursor color applies to everything on your Chromebook. You can only have one cursor color active at a time, though you can change it whenever you want by going back to Settings.