Opened up your MacBook today but the trackpad was not working? Oh dear, you must be a little worried and annoyed at the same time. But don’t just rush to the Apple store but indulge a little in this blog right here which will guide you if your MacBook trackpad is not clicking. Trust us, you can find out the solutions right here and there might not be any need to go out annoyingly.
Why Is My MacBook Trackpad Not Working?
A non-functional MacBook Trackpad can completely ruin your experience. Before, we dive into the various ways to fix the issues let’s have a look at some of the common reasons why this issue may surface in the first place –
- Your TrackPad itself is to be blamed. This means it could be a hardware-related issue or it has accumulated dirt.
- You recently downloaded an application that is interfering with the functionality of your trackpad.
- It could be that you have tweaked some settings because of which you are unable to use your MacBook’s trackpad.
- Your Mac is in dire need of an update.
MacBook Trackpad not Working in 2022
Fix 1: Bring The System Up To Date
We tend to forget the system update due to our busy schedules, but this is what is needed of the hour. If you wonder why then let us tell you that updating firmware helps in fixing the bugs, drivers, and even the operating system.
For this, launch the ‘System Preferences’ > ‘App Store’ and click ‘Update All’. if there is any trackpad firmware update, you can find it in this box only. Update it once you locate it before anything else. This helps in improving the stage of the trackpad not working.
Source: cnet.com
Fix 2: Delete Recently Installed Apps
If your MacBook trackpad is not working after installing any new app and your Mac has gone out of sync, it is advised that you uninstall or delete these new apps.
For this, you can use Launchpad or Finder.
With Launchpad, click on its icon and place the cursor on the app that needs to be deleted. Press and hold the icon until it starts to shake while hitting the delete button.
With Finder, click on the application, find the app you are willing to delete and drag it to the trash. Here, go to Finder and empty trash to permanently remove the app.
And if you wish to pass through all of it, just download Cleanup My System from the download button given below. This smart tool takes care of junk, cache, trash, and privacy at one end providing Uninstaller at another. You do not need to search apps one by one through the above methods as Cleanup My System will help you with all of it. Get Cleanup My System from the Mac App Store now and then run the application. Go to the Uninstall Manager module and run the scan to view all of the installed applications. Now remove one or more applications directly from the app along with its related files.
Fix 3: Reset The Mac SMC
Resetting System Management Controller (SMC) is one of the best ways to fix major kinds of hardware and power-related issues. Now here come methods to remove the battery, be it removable or non-removable one.
Removable Battery:
For this, turn off your Mac completely, to begin with, and after this, you just need to remove the adapter or power connection. Open the Mac and remove the battery very carefully. With this, press and hold the power button for a few seconds. The PC will itself discharge and the SMC will be reset.
Once done, place back the battery in the Mac and connect the power source and check if the touchpad is now working.
Non-Removable battery:
New MacBook usually does not possess removable batteries and this case is pretty different from the above method. Shut down your Mac and connect it with the power source. Now hold Shift + Control + Option + Power button, all at the same time. Your SMC will reset automatically.
Open the Mac and see if the touchpad is working.
Fix 4: Reset The PRAM
This is another effective method to follow when the MacBook trackpad is not clicking.
For this, turn off the Mac completely. After this, press & hold Command + Options + P & R button from the keyboard for around 8-10 seconds. Turn on the Mac, see the gray screen and release all the keys.
You will hear 2 booting sounds which mean PRAM resetting is done.
Fix 5: Consider Erasing The property Files
Still, left with the issue of the MacBook trackpad not working? No worries, you can step on this next step. This property list contains preference files related to software and application bundles stored on MacBook.
Before doing so, make sure to take a backup of everything on Mac. You can do this by using the in-built Time machine.
Let’s see how to erase the property files or property list(plist).
Step 1: Open Finder > Go > Go to folder > type /Library/Preferences. Click Go.
Step 2: as many files unfold, just select where trackpad & mouse is written. Delete the files that you think are not required. It includes:
- apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.trackpad.plist – Magic Trackpad
- apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.mouse.plist – Magic Mouse
- apple.driver.AppleHIDMouse.plist – wired USB mouse.
- apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad.plist
- apple.preference.trackpad.plist
Step 3: Reboot your MacBook.
Conclusion
This guide above will let you pass through the situation of the MacBook trackpad not working the way it should be. Make sure you perform these steps without fail and you may not need to go to the Apple store.
But when any of them doesn’t hit the right spot, you can consider visiting the store.
Let us know your experience with this and valuable suggestions in the comment section below. With that, keep following us on YouTube and Facebook for regular updates.