The fact that Apple products “simply work” is a major selling point. However, it is uncomfortable and upsetting when they don’t. The trackpad on a MacBook can malfunction, but practically any component can. When your trackpad is broken, you can feel as though you can’t even use your computer.
A couple of remedies for a broken MacBook trackpad are provided in this guide. Your initial course of action should match ours.
Reasons MacBook Trackpad Is Not Working
The following are some of the most typical causes of problems with your MacBook trackpad:
- Your trackpad’s surface may need to be cleaned.
- Your trackpad may not be operating correctly due to a software problem.
- It’s possible that your trackpad lost connection and has to be reset.
- The battery in your Mac might require repair or replacement.
1. Clean Your Trackpad
- Prior to investing time in trackpad troubleshooting, it’s critical to understand how improbable it is that either hardware or software may malfunction. A quick wipe of the trackpad with a soft cloth will usually solve any responsiveness problems you may be having.
- Be sure to shut down your Mac by selecting the Apple menu from the Toolbar before cleaning your trackpad.
- From the drop-down menu, choose “Shut Down…,” then switch off your Mac by adhering to the onscreen instructions.
- Use fresh water to lightly wet a delicate, lint-free cloth before using it to gently wipe your trackpad. Make sure to avoid getting any moisture in any openings you notice, notably those around the trackpad’s edges.
2. Remove Any Connected Peripherals
Consider this step to be the equivalent of turning it on and off. It is one of the simplest factors to rule out, but it shouldn’t be a problem.
A corded mouse is obvious, of course, but a Bluetooth or other wireless dongle can interfere with the trackpad on your MacBook.
Whether you have an external mouse attached, unplug it before restarting your computer to determine if the issue still exists. If so, consider the following actions for a solution.
3. Check for Software Updates
The next thing to examine is as easy as turning off your computer’s mouse. Any trackpad issue could be fixed with a software update in a matter of seconds. updating software
- Open the “Software Update” tab by launching “System Preferences,” then.
- It ought to automatically check for new updates. If any are discovered, use the “Update Now” button to set them up. This can pull in firmware changes in addition to your software, which might fix your trackpad issue.
4. Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)
Many of your MacBook’s low-level operations are handled by the SMC, which may also be to blame for your trackpad issue even if there is no obvious connection.
- From the Apple menu in the Toolbar, shut down your Mac.
- Remove both the power source and the detachable battery from your Mac.
- Reinstall the battery, hold down the Power button for five seconds, and then turn on the Mac.
- Hold down Ctrl + Option + Shift on the keyboard, then press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds to restart a Mac with a non-removable battery.
- Release them, then restart your MacBook to reset the SMC and restore your trackpad’s functionality.
- If your Mac contains a T2 security chip, reboot your computer after holding down the Power, Control, Shift, and Options buttons simultaneously for seven seconds.
5. Reset The Non-Volatile RAM or parameter RAM (PRAM) (NVRAM)
Either PRAM or NVRAM will be used by your MacBook, depending on its model and age. For your system, they both include specific setup settings. Your trackpad troubles could be caused by either, and resetting them works the same way.
- Turn off your Mac.
- For around 20 seconds, press and hold Option + Command + P + R. The startup sound on most MacBooks will play when you can release the keys.
- Release the keys after the second appearance of the Apple logo on newer MacBooks equipped with the T2 security chip.
- If your trackpad still doesn’t work after doing this, move on. This should reset the PRAM/NVRAM.
