Mac Trackpad Not Working: Ultimate Guide To Fix

Mac computers are considered to be one of the best for its high-quality and efficient, sophisticated technology. Several iMacs and MacBook users have noted that their Mac trackpad not working. If you ever come across the same issue, then you have hit the right page. Here in this article, we have provided some useful methods that can help you to get rid of the error quickly. There are various ways to sort the problem out. Here we bring you some of the prominent ones are mentioned below. So, keep reading this article and fix this issue on your own.

Easy Fixes To Resolve MacBook Air Trackpad Not Working

As mentioned above, there are a number of approaches that you can use to deal with your Mac trackpad related issues. But, to ease up the process, we have enlisted the most simple yet prominent troubleshooting process.

Process 1: Check For MacOS Updates

If you are running an outdated OS, then you can definitely be stuck with the Mac touchpad not working issue. At such times, installing the current version can easily resolve this issue. In order to update the MacOS, you need to follow some simple steps that are mentioned below.

 

But, before going to the steps you need to make sure that you are connected to a trusted network. Also, you need to back your important documents up using the Backup Settings or using the Time Machine. Now, simply go to the Apply icon and select the Software Update button. When prompted, grant the permission to continue, simply press the Ok button. Now, wait for a while to finish the process.

Process 2: Clean The Keyboard

Cleaning the keyboard is a generic fix for unresponsive keyboards. To do this process, you need a can of compressed air and a straw to control the airflow. After you are ready with these things no, you should apply the suggested steps:

 

  • Primarily, you need to hold your MacBook, at 75-degree angle.
  • After that, apply the compressed air to spray the keyboard.
  • Then, simply rotate it onto its right side. Once you have done, now from left-to-right you need to spray the keyboard again.
  • Now, you need to turn it to the left side again.

Process 3: Uninstall The Recently Installed Apps

After installing any application or program, if you come across the issue, then it is not unheard of for apps or programs to cause conflict and knock other things out of sync. At such time, you need to uninstall them shortly. Using the Launchpad and the Finder, you can easily uninstall them manually. To do it simply follow the below steps:

 

Uninstall apps using the Launchpad:

 

  1. Go to the Launchpad icon first.
  2. Then, Position the pointer over the app you want to delete or uninstall, simply press and hold, until all the icons start to jiggle.
  3. After that, press the Delete or Remove button to finish the uninstallation procedure.

Uninstall apps using the Finder:

 

  1. At first, go to the Finder and then select the Application button.
  2. Ater that, Position the pointer over the app you want to delete or uninstall and drag it from the Applications to the Trash.
  3. Now, go to the Finder and then empty trash to delete or remove the app permanently.

Process 4: Reboot And Close Lid

While encountering MacBook Air trackpad not working issue, you can use this trick to fix the issue. To do so, simply reboot your MacBook first and then, close the lid to put your MacBook to sleep. Once you have done, wait for about 2-3 minutes to fish the procedure. Then, open the lid and the trackpad. Here, it should be working perfectly.

Process 5: Disable Force Click

If you unable to register, then clicks might be the issue for the Mac trackpad not working. Thus, you can disable the force click. To do so, go to the System Preference first and then select the Trackpad and then find the Point & Click tab. Once you have done, you will see the ‘Force Click and haptic feedback’ button, simply uncheck it.

 

Note– Remember, this process only works on 3D Touch MacBook.

Procedure 6: Reset The Mac SMC

In order to fix the MacBook Pro touchpad not working issue, you can reset the Mac SMC. Basically, it is a proven method that can easily fix all manner of hardware and even power related issues. You need to reset the SMC with non-removal battery. Alternatively, you can also reset the SMC with removal battery.

 

For MacBook with non-removal battery:

 

You need to shut down your MacBook first. After this, simply connect it to power. Then, simply press and hold the SHIFT +CTRL+option and the Power button simultaneously. After this process, release the keys, and you will see that the MagSafe adapter briefly changes color. Once it changes its color, you can make sure that the SMC reset has worked. Now, reboot your MacBook and check if you still stuck with the same Mac trackpad not working error then you should try the next method.

 

For MacBook with a removal battery:

 

At first, shut down your MacBook and then remove the battery immediately. Then, press the power button for about 10 seconds and then release it. Now, install the battery and plug your device to the power. Once you have done, press the power button to turn on the device.

 

For iMac and Mac mini:

 

First of all, o do this process you need to shut down your device and then disconnect the power cord amd wait for about 30 seconds. When done, connect the power cord again. Now, wait for about 5-7 seconds and turn on your device. Then, check, if still, the problem persists then you should try the next method.

Process 6: Remove.Plist Files

 

.plists lists are used to store user preference files that are related to the software. Removing these files will reset your trackpad and keyboard back to its factory settings. But before going ahead, using the Time Machine, you need to back up your Mac. Once you have done, simply follow the steps:

 

  • In the Finder, you need to press the command + SHIFT+G.
  • Then, enter the command  ~/Library/Preferences/ and press Go.
  • Now, you need to fine th below files:
  1. com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.trackpad.plist – Magic Trackpad
  2. com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.mouse.plist – Magic Mouse
  3. com.apple.driver.AppleHIDMouse.plist – wired USB mouse
  4. com.apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad.plist
  5. com.apple.preference.trackpad.plist

 

  • Once you locate them, delete or remove these files and then simply reboot your MacBook.

Process 7: Reset PRAM

If none of the methods works, then you can try to reset the PRAM, to fix the MacBook air trackpad not working issue. Basically, resetting PRAM is almost similar to resetting the SMA. If resetting the SMC doesn’t work for you then you can try to reset the  Parameter RAM(PRAM). To do so, simply follow the below instructions:

 

  • Primarily, turn off your MacBook and reboot your device in an instant.
  • After rebooting your MacBook, press and hold the command and option +P+R. But, remember, you must do this process before the gray screen appears.
  • Then,  until you hear the reboot sound, wait for about 30 seconds. Once you hear the reboot sound, release the keys and let the device reboot normally.

Additional Guidelines:

In case, you are still stuck with the same problem, then you can make sure that this issue occurred due to a hardware flaw. In that case, you need to fix it shortly.

When the pointer is jumping or jittering across the display screen, you need to check tour MacBook trackpad’s battery level. If it low, then you should plug it into a power supply. Alternatively, you can also change or replace the battery.

If you wear any jewelry on the hand that you use to navigate your MacBook trackpad, then you need to remove them immediately.

 

Besides, you need to make sure that your fingertips are not damp or sweaty.

These are some of the most prominent methods which can help you to overcome from the MacBook trackpad not working issue. Apply them and let us know what worked for you.

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