The Trackpad is an essential input device on your MacBook Pro. It offers precision, multi-touch gestures, and a seamless experience. However, what happens when the MacBook Pro Trackpad stops working? Not only does it disrupt your workflow, but it can be quite frustrating. In this article, we will explore what to do if your Trackpad is not working on a MacBook Pro.
The solutions in this article will work in everything from the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro to the new M2 13-inch MacBook Pro.
Why Is My Trackpad Not Working On My MacBook Pro?
The Trackpad on your MacBook Pro may become unresponsive for various reasons. It could be due to outdated software, incorrect system settings, peripheral interference, dust accumulation, or hardware failure.
How Do I Fix an Unresponsive Touchpad on MacBook Pro?
Before diving into technical fixes, ensure that you are using only one finger on the Trackpad, as using more fingers might cause the pointer not to move due to certain Trackpad settings. Also, ensure your MacBook Pro is not showing a low battery alert which you can’t see. Connect your MacBook Pro to an electrical outlet or connect an external keyboard to see the alert.
1. Clean Your Trackpad
Dust and debris can hinder the Trackpad’s performance. So, if you find the MacBook pro trackpad not working, turn off your computer and clean the Trackpad with a slightly damp, lint-free cloth.
2. Disconnect external devices
External devices like a mouse or other peripherals connected via USB or Bluetooth can sometimes interfere with the trackpad causing the Touchpad not working on MacBook Pro issue. Disconnect all peripherals and restart your MacBook to see if the trackpad starts working again.
To restart your Mac, choose Apple menu > Shut Down.
3. Update macOS
You need to check if your MacBook Pro’s software is up to date. Running an outdated OS can cause compatibility issues with hardware, and result in situations such as Trackpad not clicking on MacBook Pro.
- Go to the Apple menu in the top left corner on the Mac
- Choose “System Settings”
- Select “General” from the list of settings
- Select “Software Update”
- If there’s an update available, download and install it.
4. Disable Force Click
Some people prefer light taps, while others like the tactile feedback of a click. If you have been using tap-to-click, make sure the Force Click option is disabled as it requires a firmer press. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the Apple menu in the top left corner on the Mac
- Choose “System Settings”
- Go to Trackpad and toggle off Force Click and haptic feedback.
5. Reset Trackpad to Factory Settings
There is a good chance custom configurations in Trackpad settings could cause unresponsiveness. To revert back to the default settings, do the following:
- Go to the Apple menu in the top left corner on the Mac
- Choose “System Settings”
- Go to Trackpad and toggle Tap to click.
- Under Scroll & Zoom, ensure Natural scrolling is selected. These two settings should reset your Trackpad to its factory settings.
6. Reset NVRAM, PRAM and SMC
Resetting NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory) or PRAM (Parameter RAM) can resolve a plethora of issues such as Trackpad not working on MacBook Pro. Note that NVRAM/PRAM reset is only possible on Intel-based Macs, as on Apple Silicon Macs, NVRAM is reset automatically.
7. Run Apple Diagnostics
Apple Diagnostics can help identify hardware issues, including problems with the Trackpad.
First, identify if your Mac has Apple silicon or an Intel processor by going to Apple menu > About This Mac, and then follow the corresponding steps:
For Macs with Apple Silicon:
- Press and hold down the power button on your Mac (on laptops with Touch ID, this means pressing and holding the Touch ID button).
- Keep holding the power button until your Mac turns on and displays startup options. Once you see the Optionslabel, release the power button.
- Now, press and hold** Command D** on your keyboard.
For Macs with Intel Processor:
- Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold down the D key on your keyboard as your Mac boots up.
- Release the key when you see a progress bar or when prompted to select a language.
- If holding the D key doesn’t initiate the diagnostics, try pressing and holding Option D instead. If neither method initiates the diagnostics, refer to Apple’s guidelines for using key combinations at startup.
Note: During the diagnostic process, you may need to choose a language, and it’s essential to have an active internet connection. You can connect to a Wi-Fi network using the Wi-Fi menu in the upper-right corner of the screen.
8. Contact Apple Support
If you’ve tried all these steps and your MacBook Pro trackpad still isn’t functioning, it might be a hardware issue. Contact Apple Support or make an appointment at the Genius Bar at your nearest Apple Store. They can help diagnose the problem and guide you on the next steps. Make sure not to attempt any hardware repairs on your own as this could void the warranty and potentially cause further damage to your MacBook Pro.