diff --git a/doc/changes/devel/13314.bugfix.rst b/doc/changes/devel/13314.bugfix.rst
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..2c09db5f930
--- /dev/null
+++ b/doc/changes/devel/13314.bugfix.rst
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+Change default pupil unit scalings from micrometrs to millimeters by `Scott Huberty`_
diff --git a/mne/defaults.py b/mne/defaults.py
index 8b372fe3116..ac040f8fceb 100644
--- a/mne/defaults.py
+++ b/mne/defaults.py
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@
         gsr="S",
         temperature="C",
         eyegaze="rad",
-        pupil="µm",
+        pupil="mm",
     ),
     # scalings for the units
     scalings=dict(
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@
         gsr=1.0,
         temperature=1.0,
         eyegaze=1.0,
-        pupil=1e6,
+        pupil=1e3,
     ),
     # rough guess for a good plot
     scalings_plot_raw=dict(