Software⏱️ 1 min read📅 2026-06-03

How to Fix: "tmux set -g mouse-mode on" not scrolling

tmux mouse-mode issue

Quick Answer: Check if you have a conflicting mouse mode setting, such as `set -g mouse-sync` or `bind-key 'M-mouse-wheel' send-keys 'mouse-wheel'`, and remove it. If that doesn't work, try restarting tmux or running `source ~/.tmux.conf` to apply the changes.

To allow scrolling a tmux pane with a mouse, you need to set both `mouse-mode` and `mode-option` in your ~/.tmux.conf file. The issue arises when only `mouse-mode` is enabled without specifying the mode option.

✅ Best Solutions to Fix It

Method 1: Enable Mouse Mode and Mode Option

  1. Step 1: Add the following lines to your ~/.tmux.conf file:
set -g mouse-mode on
set -g mode-option 'scroll-wheel' on

✨ Example: Update Your .tmux.conf File

After adding these lines, restart your tmux session or run source ~/.tmux.conf to apply the changes.

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