If you have a MacBook or iMac that has a non-working or malfunctioning trackpad and want to fix it, there are few possible solution for it. And, you don’t need to be an expert to do them. You just need to follow the methods explained below. So let’s begin.
Method # 1: Check for macOS Updates
This may sound obvious, but it is surprising how many users aren’t using the latest version of the operating system, the latest drivers, or latest firmware. Many of the trackpad issues on MacBooks and iMacs are caused by glitches or bugs in the operating system or drivers. Note: The best practice is to update all the drivers regularly. That’s how you will prevent many potential problems on your Mac.
Method # 2: Check The Settings
If your Mac operating system is up to date, and you still have a non-working trackpad, check the settings. Many complaints can be fixed by merely tweaking few options. Here is how to launch your trackpad settings. Now, depending on the problem you have with your trackpad, do the appropriate procedure.
Double Click Not Working?
If you can move the pointer across the screen, but the double-click feature doesn’t work, it is possible that the time delay for your Mac to recognize the gesture has been set too low. This is a common problem for many new trackpad users, who are used to operate only with a mouse. However, that’s why we can edit the settings and adjust the trackpad to our needs.
Is Your Pointer Hard to Control?
Some users suffer from an overly responsive pointer, which is hard to control. If this is happening in your case, you should try adjusting the tracking speed. Here is how to do that.
Completely Unresponsive Trackpad?
If none of the previous tricks didn’t solve your problem, and your trackpad is entirely dead, this might be the lifesaver for you. If it does, your system has been set up to turn off trackpad input when a mouse is connected. You can easily disable this feature by following the next steps. Note: This method may also help if your Mac doesn’t have a mouse connected, but thinks that another peripheral device is a mouse. This often happens with some third-party devices like printers, gaming controllers, keyboards, etc.
Method # 3: Check Your Mac’s Hardware
Sometimes even if you have set all the settings right, Mac’s trackpad may not work due to a hardware flaw. And, if you haven’t succeeded fixing the problem by this point, the odds are that your trackpad issue is of a hardware nature. Don’t get me wrong here. I am not saying that your trackpad’s hardware is damaged. Sometimes the solution might be located in the things that you even didn’t think of.
MacBook’s Trackpad Works Occasionally?
If owning a MacBook, and its trackpad works occasionally (sometimes it works correctly, but sometimes doesn’t) you may need to check your MacBook’s battery. Exploding and swelling MacBook batteries have been known problem for a couple of years. Unfortunately, Apple claims that it is expected behavior. However, a faulty battery can occur your trackpad behavior and can cause bigger issues on your MacBook. In this case, you should contact Apple Support, especially if your device is still under warranty. If for any reason you can’t, or you don’t want to reach Apple, you can take out the battery, and run your MacBook plugged in. You will experience a significant improvement in the behavior of your trackpad.
Method # 4: If Nothing Helps, Try Deleting Property List Files
If everything else failed, you could try deleting the Property List files. They are the place where your Mac stores users’ settings and information about applications and bundles installed. Deleting them will force your computer to create new ones. Note: Before performing this method, make sure you back up your Mac using Time Machine.
Wrap Up
If none of the above worked, you should take your Mac to a repair service. The best option would be if you could go directly to Apple. They would definitely help you in solving the problem. But, before, let us know what problems you have on your Mac trackpad. Additionally, did you find any of these simple methods helpful for solving your issue, or was it some more serious problem? Maybe, you have got your own troubleshooting solutions that you can share with our readers? We would love to hear from you. Feel free to leave us your thoughts in the comment section below.
Fix: TrackPad Scroll Not Working on MacOSHow to Fix Mac Stuck on Setting Up Your MacFix: Outlook for Mac’s Search Not WorkingHow to Fix Mac Microphone not Working
