8 Easy Ways to Fix a MacBook Trackpad Not Working

If you're a MacBook user, you may have encountered an issue where your trackpad stops working. This can be frustrating, but don't worry, there are several simple fixes you can try to get your trackpad back up and running. In this article, we'll explore eight easy solutions to resolve this problem. Let's dive in!

1. Restart your MacBook

Restarting your MacBook is a simple yet effective solution that can fix various issues, including a malfunctioning trackpad. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Press and hold the Power button or Touch ID on your keyboard.
  2. Wait for your MacBook to turn off and then release the button.
  3. Press the button again to restart your MacBook.

Check if the trackpad is now working properly.

2. Clean your Mac's Trackpad

Dust and debris can accumulate on your MacBook's trackpad, causing it to malfunction. To clean it, follow these steps:

  1. Gently clean the trackpad with a soft, lint-free cloth lightly moistened with water.
  2. Avoid using any other liquid substance or blowing dry, as this can damage the trackpad.

Cleaning the trackpad might resolve the issue.

3. Reset SMC and NVRAM (Intel Mac)

Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) and Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory (NVRAM) can fix hardware-related problems, including trackpad glitches. Here's how to do it:

SMC Reset

  1. Press and hold the power button on your Mac to shut it down.
  2. Press and hold Command + Option + Shift + Power Button simultaneously for 10 seconds.
  3. Release the keys and press the power button again to start your Mac.

NVRAM Reset

  1. Press and hold the Power button to shut down your Mac.
  2. Press the power button to start the Mac and immediately press Command + Option + P + R.
  3. Hold the buttons until you hear the Apple chime sound and release them.

After resetting SMC and NVRAM, check if the trackpad is functioning properly.

4. Update macOS

Updating your macOS can often include bug fixes that may resolve trackpad issues. Here's how to update your system:

  1. Go to the Apple menu on the top-left and select System Settings.
  2. Click on General in the left sidebar and then select Software Update.
  3. Wait for the system to detect any available updates.
  4. Click on Update Now to begin updating the system.

Once the update is complete, check if the trackpad is working as expected.

5. Turn off Force Click and Haptic Feedback

Force Click and Haptic Feedback is a feature that can cause your trackpad to register a double click when pressed hard. Turning off this feature might resolve the trackpad issue. Here's how:

  1. Go to the Apple menu and open System Settings.
  2. Type “Trackpad” in the search option and click on Trackpad.
  3. Turn off the option beside “Force Click and haptic feedback.”

After turning off this feature, restart your system and test the trackpad.

6. Ensure “Ignore Built-in Trackpad” Is Disabled

Sometimes, a feature on your Mac may disable the built-in trackpad when you connect an external mouse or trackpad. To disable this function, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Apple menu and choose System Settings.
  2. Scroll down and open Accessibility on the left sidebar, then click on Pointer Control.
  3. Turn off the option “Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present.”

After disabling this feature, check if the trackpad is functioning properly.

7. Turn off Mouse Keys

Mouse Keys allow you to control the pointer on the screen using your keyboard or numeric keypad. If your trackpad is locked, it might be due to enabled Mouse Keys. Here's how to turn it off:

  1. Go to the Apple menu and open System Settings.
  2. Scroll down and open Accessibility on the left sidebar, then click on Pointer Control.
  3. Turn off Mouse Keys.

You can also use the shortcut of pressing the Option key five times to enable or disable Mouse Keys.

8. Contact Apple Customer Care

If none of the above solutions work, it's possible that there's an internal error with your trackpad. In this case, it's best to contact Apple customer care for further assistance. You can reach out to them through live chat, and they will guide you on the next steps to take.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I clean my MacBook Pro trackpad?

    • Gently wipe the trackpad with a soft, lint-free cloth lightly moistened with water. Avoid using excessive water or other cleaning solutions.
  2. Why is the MacBook Pro trackpad not clicking?

    • If your trackpad is not clicking, try cleaning the surface or updating your macOS. It's also possible that the Force Click feature is enabled, which you need to turn off.

By following these simple fixes, you can troubleshoot and resolve trackpad issues on your MacBook. Start with a restart and cleaning, and if needed, proceed with advanced solutions. If all else fails, don't hesitate to seek assistance from Apple customer care.