Trackpad Not Working on MacBook: How to Fix?

Description of Trackpad Not Working on MacBook

If the trackpad on your MacBook is not working correctly or has become unresponsive, you can find below the steps to fix this problem.

Trackpad Not Working on MacBook

The Trackpad on MacBook allows users to interact fully with the Graphical user interface without using a mouse or keyboard shortcuts.

In general, the MacBook Trackpad works flawlessly, leading many users to entirely rely on the Trackpad for most of their daily computing needs.

Hence, it can be frustrating if the Trackpad freezes, becomes glitchy, or stops working, especially if you have almost given up using the mouse and become dependent on the Trackpad.

1. Remove Connected Devices

Interference from connected devices (USB 3.0) can sometimes interfere with the proper functioning of the Trackpad, keyboard, and mouse.

Hence, remove all the Connected Devices from your MacBook > Shut Down the MacBook > Wait for 30 seconds and Restart.

After the MacBook restarts, you might be surprised to see the Trackpad working correctly.

2. Install Updates

Click on Apple Logo in the top menu bar and select the About This Mac option.

On the next screen, click on Software Update and follow the instructions to install the Updates (if available).

3. Make Sure Trackpad is Not Disabled

If you have a mouse plugged-in into your device, the problem could be your computer being set to automatically disable the built-in Trackpad when a mouse is plugged in.

Click on Apple logo > System Preferences > Accessibility > select Mouse & Trackpad in left side menu. In the right section, see if you Ignore the built-in trackpad when the option of a mouse or wireless trackpad is present.

If you want to be able to use both Mouse and Trackpad, you need to uncheck this option.

4. Delete Trackpad Property List Files

The problem could be due to corrupted Trackpad-related Property List Files (.plist). This can be fixed by deleting the corrupted .plist files and creating new ones.

Open Finder > click on the Go tab in the top menu bar and select the Go to Folder option in the drop-down menu.

On the pop-up, type /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/ and click on the Go button.

In System Configuration folder, delete com.apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad.plist and com.apple.preference.trackpad.plist files.

Once you are done, Restart your computer, and your MacBook will create new .plist files.

5. Disable Force Click and Haptic Feedback

Users have reported fixing the problem by disabling Force Click and Hepatic feedback.

Click on Apple logo > System Preferences > Trackpad > on the next screen, switch to Point & Click the tab and disable Force Click and Haptic Feedback option.

Restart your computer and see if the problem is now fixed.

6. Reset SMC

MacBook’s SMC can sometimes become confused or corrupted, leading to various problems, including the issue of the Trackpad not working correctly.

The steps to Reset SMC on a MacBook vary depending on the model of your computer. Hence, it is recommended that you refer to this guide: How to Reset SMC MacBook.

7. Reset NVRAM

NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory) stores the settings of most hardware components installed on a MacBook. It is quite possible that Trackpad is not working on MacBook due to corrupted NVRAM.