How to Stop Facebook from Scrolling Automatically?

Anica Lymus
WRITTEN BY
MODIFIED ON
Sep 28th, 2026
READING TIME
13 Min Read

Wondering how to stop Facebook from scrolling automatically? You’re not alone. Several people face similar problems every day. But this annoying problem can often be fixed by checking Facebook’s autoplay settings, the device’s touchpad or touchscreen, and the app or browser itself.

Read on and learn how to prevent Facebook from scrolling without your will. If Facebook is only moving to the next video or Reel by itself, the problem may actually be video autoplay rather than automatic page scrolling.

Why Is Facebook Scrolling Automatically?

Facebook may appear to scroll automatically for different reasons. Some of the common reasons are described below –

  • Videos or Reels are playing automatically as you scroll.
  • The mouse wheel or laptop touchpad is sending repeated scroll signals.
  • The touchscreen is detecting unwanted touches.
  • The Facebook application or browser has developed a temporary issue.
  • The browser cache or cookies are affecting the Facebook page.
  • A connected mouse, keyboard, or other device is not working properly.
  • Facebook is showing a new Reel or video after the current content ends.
  • Facebook is refreshing the Feed after it has been inactive for some time.

Before changing the settings, notice what is moving. If the entire Facebook page moves or returns to the top, check the browser, mouse, touchpad, or Facebook Feed. If only videos begin playing or move to the next video, turn off Facebook video autoplay.

How to Stop Facebook from Scrolling Automatically on Desktop

There is no single Facebook setting that can completely stop every type of automatic scrolling. Therefore, you need to check the device, browser, and Facebook settings when Facebook keeps scrolling without your will.

1. Check the Mouse and Touchpad

  • At first, disconnect the mouse from your computer.
  • After that, open Facebook and check whether the page is still scrolling.
  • If the scrolling stops, connect another mouse and try again.
  • If you are using a laptop, place your fingers away from the touchpad while checking the page.
  • Make sure that the touchpad is clean and dry.
  • If your laptop has a touchpad scrolling option, open the touchpad settings and turn off scrolling temporarily.

On some Windows computers, the touchpad options can be found through Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad. The names and available options can vary according to the Windows version and computer manufacturer.

2. Check the Mouse Wheel

A damaged or stuck mouse wheel can make the Facebook page move repeatedly. Scroll on another website and check whether the same problem occurs. If other websites also scroll automatically, the issue is likely related to the mouse or touchpad rather than Facebook.

You can also try another USB port, replace the mouse batteries, or test another mouse with the computer.

3. Check the Touchscreen

If you are using a touchscreen computer, unwanted touches may cause Facebook to scroll automatically. Clean the screen and remove any damaged screen protector. If the screen continues to select or move content without your touch, disconnect external devices and contact the device manufacturer for assistance.

4. Check Whether Facebook Is Refreshing the Feed

Some users report that Facebook returns to the top of the Feed and refreshes after the page remains inactive for a few minutes. This can also happen while reading or writing a comment. It may occur across more than one browser, which suggests that it may be related to Facebook’s Feed behavior rather than only to the browser.

You can try the following steps:

  • Open Facebook in a private or incognito window.
  • Sign out of Facebook and sign in again.
  • Disable unnecessary browser extensions one at a time.
  • Check Facebook in another browser and on another network.
  • Save the post or copy important text before leaving the page inactive.
  • Report the issue to Facebook if the Feed continues to refresh.

A Reddit discussion describes a similar problem in which Facebook returned to the top and refreshed after a period of inactivity, including while the user was reading or commenting. Other users also reported seeing related behavior on mobile and across different browsers. These are user reports, not confirmation of an official Facebook setting or a guaranteed fix.

How to Turn Off Facebook Video Autoplay on Desktop

If Facebook is moving from one video or Reel to another, turn off autoplay instead of changing the computer’s scrolling option. Facebook’s current desktop instructions use Settings & privacy > Settings > Preferences > Media.

  • At first, open Facebook on your computer.
  • Click your profile picture in the top right corner.
  • Select Settings & privacy.
  • After that, click Settings.
  • Scroll down to Preferences and select Media.
  • Find the autoplay option and turn it off where the option is available.
  • Lastly, refresh Facebook and check whether the videos stop playing automatically.

Facebook may show different options according to the browser, account, and current interface.

How to Stop Facebook from Scrolling Automatically on Android

If you are using the Facebook application on Android, first check whether the problem is caused by videos playing automatically. Facebook provides options such as On Mobile Data and Wi-Fi, On Wi-Fi Only, and Never Autoplay Videos.

  • At first, open the Facebook application on your Android phone.
  • Tap the Menu option.
  • Thereafter, tap Settings & privacy and then select Settings.
  • Scroll down and tap Media.
  • Tap Autoplay.
  • Select Never Autoplay Videos.
  • Lastly, close Facebook and open it again.

If you do not want to turn autoplay off completely, select On Wi-Fi Only. This prevents videos from using mobile data for autoplay, but videos may still play automatically when the phone is connected to Wi-Fi.

How to Stop Facebook from Scrolling Automatically on iPhone or iOS

To stop Facebook videos from playing automatically on an iPhone, follow the directions described below. Facebook’s iPhone Help Center lists the path as Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Preferences > Media > Autoplay.

  • At first, open the Facebook application on your iPhone.
  • Tap the Menu option in the top left corner.
  • Scroll down and tap Settings & privacy.
  • After that, tap Settings.
  • Scroll down to Preferences and tap Media.
  • Tap Autoplay.
  • Select Never Autoplay Videos.
  • Lastly, close the Facebook application and open it again.

If the Media option is not visible, update the Facebook application and check again. Facebook states that the app interface may change as new versions are released.

How to Turn Off Auto Scroll on Facebook Reels

Facebook does not provide a separate setting called “turn off auto scroll” for every type of Feed movement. If a Reel starts playing or moves to the next video when you reach it, use the autoplay setting instead.

  • Open the Facebook application.
  • Go to Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings.
  • Tap Media under Preferences.
  • Select Autoplay.
  • Choose Never Autoplay Videos.

This stops Facebook videos and animations from starting automatically, but it does not stop you from manually swiping or scrolling through the Reels feed.

Some users report seeing an option such as “Stop moving to the next video automatically” in the Reels menu. This option may not be available for every account, region, or version of Facebook. If you see it, open the three-dot menu on the Reel and select it. Do not treat this as a universal Facebook setting because the option may be part of a limited rollout or may change over time.

Clear the Facebook App Cache on Android

If turning off autoplay does not solve the issue, clearing the Facebook app cache may help. Clearing the cache removes temporary files, but it does not normally remove your Facebook account.

  • At first, open Settings on your Android phone.
  • Tap Apps or Apps & notifications.
  • Search for and select Facebook.
  • Tap Storage or Storage & cache.
  • Select Clear cache.
  • Open Facebook again and check whether the scrolling problem is fixed.

Do not tap Clear storage or Clear data unless you are ready to sign in again and reset the application’s saved data.

Clear the Browser Cache on a Computer

If Facebook keeps scrolling automatically in a browser, clearing the browser cache may help. However, clearing the cache is not always a permanent solution.

1. Google Chrome

  • Open Chrome and select the three-dot menu.
  • Tap Settings.
  • Select Privacy and security.
  • Tap Delete browsing data.
  • Select cached images and files, and then tap Delete data.

2. Mozilla Firefox

  • Open Firefox and select the menu button.
  • Tap Settings.
  • Select Privacy & Security.
  • Find Cookies and Site Data.
  • Tap Clear Data and select the cache option.

3. Safari on Mac

  • Open Safari and select Safari > Settings.
  • Tap Advanced.
  • Turn on Show features for web developers if required.
  • Select Develop from the menu bar.
  • Tap Empty Caches.

You may need to sign in to Facebook again after clearing cookies or site data.

Update or Reinstall the Facebook App

An outdated or damaged Facebook application may cause scrolling, autoplay, or loading issues. Facebook recommends updating the application, checking the internet connection, closing and reopening the app, and restarting the device when something is not working correctly.

  • At first, open the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
  • Search for the Facebook application.
  • Tap Update if an update is available.
  • Open Facebook and check whether the problem is fixed.
  • If the issue remains, uninstall the application and install it again from the official app store.

Before reinstalling Facebook, make sure that you remember your login information.

Check Your Internet Connection

A slow or unstable internet connection may make Facebook appear to jump, reload, or move unexpectedly. Try the following steps:

  • Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
  • Restart your Wi-Fi router if required.
  • Open another website and check the connection.
  • Close Facebook and open it again.
  • Try Facebook in another supported browser.

Facebook also recommends using a reliable data or Wi-Fi connection when troubleshooting the mobile application.

Report the Facebook Scrolling Problem

If Facebook continues to scroll automatically after checking autoplay, the device, cache, browser, and application, the issue may be a Facebook bug or a broken feature.

  • On iPhone or Android, shake the phone and follow the on-screen instructions to report the problem.
  • On a computer, click your profile picture.
  • Select Help & support.
  • Tap Report a problem.
  • Follow the instructions shown by Facebook.

You can also read this Facebook customer service guide for additional ways to find Facebook support and report an issue. Always verify contact details through Facebook’s own Help Center before calling a number or sharing account information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Facebook scrolling by itself?

Facebook may scroll by itself because of a faulty mouse wheel, touchpad, touchscreen, autoplaying video, Feed refresh, browser problem, app issue, or unstable internet connection.

Why does Facebook return to the top and refresh?

Facebook may refresh the Feed after the page remains inactive, or a browser extension, app issue, or network problem may cause the page to reload. Some users have reported this behavior across different browsers while reading or commenting. Try private browsing, disabling extensions, signing in again, and reporting the issue to Facebook.

How do I stop Facebook from scrolling automatically on Android?

Open Facebook and go to Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Media > Autoplay. Select Never Autoplay Videos. If the entire page still scrolls, check the phone screen and any connected mouse or keyboard.

How do I stop Facebook from scrolling automatically on iPhone?

Open Facebook and go to Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Preferences > Media > Autoplay. Select Never Autoplay Videos. If the Media option is missing, update the Facebook application and try again.

How do I stop Facebook videos from playing automatically on Android?

Open the Facebook application, go to Settings & privacy > Settings > Media > Autoplay, and select Never Autoplay Videos. You can also choose On Wi-Fi Only if you want to reduce mobile data usage.

How do I stop Facebook videos from playing automatically on iPhone?

Open Facebook and go to Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Preferences > Media > Autoplay. Select Never Autoplay Videos to stop videos from starting automatically.

How do I turn off auto scroll on Facebook Reels?

Facebook does not provide a separate auto-scroll switch for every Feed or Reel behavior. Select Never Autoplay Videos under Facebook’s Media settings to stop Reels and other videos from starting automatically. If the three-dot menu shows Stop moving to the next video automatically, you can select it, but this option may not be available for every account.

Will clearing the cache stop Facebook from scrolling automatically?

Clearing the cache may fix temporary app or browser problems, but it is not a guaranteed permanent solution. If the issue continues, check the touchpad, mouse, touchscreen, Facebook application, and internet connection.

Why is Facebook scrolling automatically on my computer but not on my phone?

If the problem occurs only on your computer, the mouse wheel, touchpad, browser, or touchscreen may be responsible. If it occurs on both devices, check Facebook’s autoplay settings, application updates, Feed refresh behavior, and internet connection.

What should I do if none of the solutions work?

Update Facebook, restart the device, try another browser or network, and report the issue through Facebook’s Help & support > Report a problem option. The problem may be caused by a temporary Facebook bug or a device issue.

Conclusion

These are the possible ways of stopping Facebook from scrolling automatically. At first, check whether Facebook is scrolling the complete page, refreshing the Feed, or only moving through videos and Reels. If videos are playing automatically, change the Facebook autoplay setting to Never Autoplay Videos.

If the complete page is moving without your will, check the mouse, touchpad, touchscreen, browser cache, and internet connection. If Facebook returns to the top after you remain inactive, try private browsing, disable unnecessary extensions, and report the issue to Facebook because this behavior may be related to the Feed or a platform bug.

You can also update or reinstall the Facebook application and report the problem to Facebook if the issue remains. Read all the steps clearly and understand what to do when the Facebook scrolling problem is annoying you. Start with the method that matches your device and the type of scrolling you are experiencing.

Sources

Disclaimer: Primotechy is an independent website and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Meta Platforms, Inc. or Facebook.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anica Lymus

Anica Lymus

Author • 4 articles

Anica Lymus is a technical writer specializing in consumer applications, mobile operating systems, and practical troubleshooting workflows. At Primotechy, she covers account security, software glitches, and app performance across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. Drawing on hands-on device testing and in-depth research across iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows, Anica translates complex platform settings and sudden technical errors into clear, verified, step-by-step guides that readers can easily follow and trust.

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