How to Fix Chrome Scrolling Problems

Understanding Chrome Scrolling Problems

If scrolling in Chrome lags, jumps or feels jerky, the usual causes are an extension, a graphics acceleration problem, an outdated mouse or touchpad driver, or an old version of Chrome. Work through the fixes below in order. To change how smooth scrolling feels rather than fix a fault, see our smooth scrolling guide.

Quick Fixes to Try First

• Restart Chrome: Close and reopen Chrome to see if the problem goes away.
• Update Chrome: Select More (the three dots at the top right) > Help > About Google Chrome. Our update Chrome guide has the details.
• Test in Incognito mode: Press Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows, Linux) or Cmd + Shift + N (Mac) and see if scrolling works there. Extensions are usually off in Incognito, so this tells you whether one is to blame.
• Clear cache and cookies: Select More > Delete browsing data, check Cached images and files and the cookies box, then select Delete data. See our clear browsing data guide.

Check for Extension Conflicts

Extensions can interfere with scrolling. Turn them off to find the cause:

1. Type chrome://extensions in the address bar and press Enter.
2. Turn off every extension with its switch.
3. Restart Chrome and test scrolling.
4. If scrolling works, turn extensions back on one at a time to find the one causing the problem.

Toggle Hardware Acceleration

Hardware acceleration problems can cause jerky scrolling. Google lists turning it off as a fix when Chrome and your computer’s hardware don’t work well together:

1. Select More > Settings.
2. On the left, select System.
3. Turn off Use graphics acceleration when available. Older versions of Chrome call it “Use hardware acceleration when available”.
4. Relaunch Chrome and test scrolling. If nothing changes, turn it back on.

Check the Smooth Scrolling flag

On Windows, Linux, ChromeOS and Android, Chrome has an experimental Smooth Scrolling flag. It does not exist on Mac. Chrome flags are experimental and can change or disappear.

1. Type chrome://flags/#smooth-scrolling into the address bar and press Enter.
2. If it was changed from Default, set it back to Default. If scrolling feels jerky with Default, try Enabled or Disabled.
3. Select Relaunch to apply the change.

Update Mouse and Touchpad Drivers

Outdated drivers can cause scrolling problems.

Windows

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Mice and other pointing devices.
3. Right-click your mouse or touchpad and select Update driver.
4. Follow the prompts. Your computer maker’s website may also have a newer touchpad driver.

Mac

Mac drivers come with macOS updates. Choose Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update and install any updates.

Platform-Specific Considerations

Linux

Install your distribution’s updates with its package manager, including graphics drivers, then restart Chrome.

Android and iPhone

Update Chrome from the Google Play Store or the App Store. On Android you can also clear Chrome’s cache from your phone’s settings: open Settings > Apps > Chrome > Storage and tap Clear cache. The exact names vary by phone maker. If problems continue on iPhone, delete and reinstall the Chrome app.