macOS 27 compared with macOS 26: We rewrote steps 2, 3 and 4 to match the macOS 27 screens. The macOS 26 page keeps the steps and screenshots as they were.
howtosimply.com/guides/how-to-stop-dock-icons-bouncing-on-a-mac/ · Checked October 2026 · MacBook Neo · macOS 27.0.1
In this guide
Open System Settings, click Desktop & Dock, and switch off Animate opening applications in the Dock group. Dock icons then no longer bounce when you open apps.
4 of 4 steps with real screenshots · 1 official source below
- Device
- Mac
- Shown on
- macOS 27.0.1 (MacBook Neo)
- App
- System Settings
- Real screenshots
- 4 of 4 steps
- Checked
- October 2026
- Sources
- 1 official, linked below
Step by step
Zoomed in on the setting. Tap to see the whole screenTap the picture to see it full size Open System Settings
Click the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen and choose System Settings.
Zoomed in on the setting. Tap to see the whole screenTap the picture to see it full size Click Desktop & Dock in the sidebar
On our MacBook Neo it is below Appearance and was visible without scrolling.
Zoomed in on the setting. Tap to see the whole screenTap the picture to see it full size Switch off Animate opening applications
It is in the Dock group, below Automatically hide and show the Dock. On our MacBook Neo it was on; click the switch so it turns grey.
Zoomed in on the setting. Tap to see the whole screenTap the picture to see it full size Decide about the dots and recent apps
Show indicators for open applications shows a small dot below the icon of an open app. Show suggested and recent apps in Dock adds suggested and recently opened apps to the Dock. On our MacBook Neo both were on.
If you do not see this option
- Desktop & Dock is not in the sidebar Type Dock in the Search field at the top of the System Settings sidebar. On our MacBook Neo the row sits between Appearance and Displays.
- You cannot find the switch Look in the Dock group at the top of Desktop & Dock. On our MacBook Neo Animate opening applications is directly below Automatically hide and show the Dock.
If this does not work
- Icons still bounce Check that Animate opening applications is grey, like Automatically hide and show the Dock when it is off. A green switch is still on.
- Dots under the icons are still there Those are not part of the animation. Switch off Show indicators for open applications, just below Animate opening applications.
- Extra apps still appear in the Dock Switch off Show suggested and recent apps in Dock, the last row of the Dock group.
About this guide
When you open an app, its Dock icon bounces until the app is ready. If you find the movement distracting, one switch stops it.
Screenshots: MacBook Neo, macOS 27.0.1, dark mode.
Good to know
More animation settings: how to reduce motion and animations on a Mac.
In short: Apple menu > System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Animate opening applications off.
Links checked in October 2026. Menus and features can change after software updates. These steps match the version named at the top.
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