Don’t worry, as long as it’s not a hardware issue, there are several easy ways to fix the problem and get your MacBook’s trackpad back on track. Let’s take a look.
1. Update macOS
It’s recommended to run the latest version of macOS on your MacBook for a smooth user experience. If there are trackpad driver issues or software bugs, updating to the most recent macOS version might fix it. Since your Mac’s trackpad is currently not working, you’ll have to use a wired or wireless mouse for the time being.
2. Adjust Double-click speed
This option may be the cause of your trackpad woes. To fix the Double-click speed on your MacBook: If this solution wasn’t what you needed, stay on the Pointer Control settings page; you’ll need it for the next fix.
3. Ensure built-in trackpad is enabled if using an external trackpad
To make sure that your MacBook’s trackpad works, uncheck the box that reads “Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present.” in the Pointer Control settings page.
4. Change your MacBook’s Tracking speed
If, for whatever reason, your Tracking speed is set to the lower end of the spectrum, it may cause it to seem unresponsive and sluggish. Here’s how to check it:
5. Turn off Force Click and Haptic Feedback on Mac
Turning off Force Click might work for Macs with Force Touch enabled. This isn’t the most convenient solution, but a hack that has worked for a few people in the past.
6. Reset NVRAM or PRAM on Mac
Multiple settings related issues are usually successfully fixed by an NVRAM or PRAM reset. To keep this short, let’s jump straight to the steps here. This should fix the trackpad issues on your MacBook. Otherwise, you’ll have to look to other solutions.
7. Reset your MacBook’s SMC
We already have a detailed guide on how to reset SMC for MacBooks with removable and non-removable batteries. So if you have a MacBook from 2017 or earlier, please see the linked article. If you have a MacBook introduced in 2018 or later, follow these steps: Try to use the trackpad. Any luck? If not, you still have a few solutions left.
8. Delete .plist files in macOS
macOS makes property list files for several things like Bluetooth, Keyboard, Trackpad, etc. To address your MacBook’s trackpad issues, try deleting the existing .plist files. After a restart, your MacBook will automatically make fresh versions of these files.
com.apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad.plist com.apple.preference.trackpad.plist com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.trackpad.plist (Magic Trackpad) com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.mouse.plist (Magic Mouse) com.apple.driver.AppleHIDMouse.plist (Wired USB mouse)
9. Other possible fixes
Uninstall new apps: Was the trackpad working fine until you downloaded a new application? If so, uninstall the app and see if it fixes the trackpad issues. Use Safe Mode on Mac: Here’s how to do this Clean the trackpad: Use a soft dry (or very slightly damp) cloth to clean the trackpad. Use Apple Diagnostics to Identify any problems: Here’s our easy guide to do so. Disconnect all wired and wireless peripherals: Sometimes, disconnecting all wired and Bluetooth devices like mice, trackpads, etc. may help. Factory reset your mac and set it up as new: Step by step learn how to do this here Contact Apple Support: If nothing helps, it’s time to talk to Apple Support or pay them an in-store visit.
Wrapping up… We hope one of the solutions above addressed your MacBook’s trackpad issues. If your Mac’s trackpad is still not working, let us know more about your situation in the comments. Have any other Apple-related questions? We’ll do our best to answer them! You may like to read:
Pinch to Zoom not working on Mac? 9 Ways to fix it How to connect Magic Trackpad to your iPad Mouse pointer disappears on Mac? Tips to fix the issue Bluetooth devices disconnecting on Mac? Here’s how to fix it
