Apple Trackpad Problems
Xena Donovan
I had upgraded my old MBP to Sonoma and was experiencing the issue. The trackpad would only move the cursor but not respond to click requests. The same thing was occuring with a couple of bluetooth mice i have connected to the MBP.
I have a MacMini that's running Sonoma and have had zero mouse problems so there's something specific to MBP version of the software. Rebooting does help but once it locks up the only way to reboot is through a hard reset.
Don't know if this will help anyone, but after I updated my laptop was having sporadic issues with the trackpad not selecting/deselecting things on the desktop, but not directly an issue with apps. Turns out I left a bluetooth keyboard in my desk drawer that was holding space + shift when things shifted, and being connected to the laptop obviously caused absolute chaos. Just in case anyone out there is going for a full downgrade to sort the problem out and haven't thought of it! (mildly embarrassing).
I am having this issue. The track pad even disappears from the system settings side bar. It started as sporadic, but stopped resolving with a power cycle, so I went to the Genius Bar today. They reset the SMC, but the issue is back hours later. SMC reset Reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support at least lets me get something done. Not sure why the phone support I got after holding for 1.5 hours didn't try this?
right, for me it is the button that goes crazy, random auto selections then the clicks stop. I can move the pointer around, but the left and right click just stops. HOWEVER if you have a magic mouse, it works fine. using that for a minute seems to sort it out. something gets unfrozen. I have checked the activity monitor and it was fine, nothing too heavy going on. This only happened after the update.
The problem with the trackpad and any mouse - i also have a bluetooth mouse - occurs when you add an external display through the USB - C port. I have an adapter which i like to use through that port that allows power + HDMI connection plus others. After an hour or two all mice cease to function properly.
Solution: plug the external display through the HDMI port. Other USB-C connections don't seem to affect the trackpad or other mice. WHen the external monitor is plugged in through the HDMI port there's never a trackpad/mouse problem.
It's a hard issue to replicate as the trackpad malfunctions sporadically. Basically, every once in a while it seems like the laptop is overworked (it's not, but it is acting like there is no RAM available to operate). I'll go to move the cursor, and nothing will work. If I wait for a few seconds, the cursor starts responding again. I can tell this is a 14.0 issue cause it's never happened before. I just wanted to post something here to see how widespread it might be.
As useful as it is, Force Click might cause problems with the trackpad. Also, some users might accidentally apply enough pressure to launch features associated with Force Click. So, turn off Force Click if you find it hinders rather than helps.
Alternatively, go to Apple icon > System Settings > General > Software Update. Your Mac will automatically check for updates your apps require and apply them. Both steps require manual updating or navigating through several system settings.
As innocent as they are, peripherals like a mouse, Bluetooth headphones, and mics sometimes take the blame when your MacBook trackpad is not clicking. Thankfully, the solution is simple. Just disconnect all devices, wired or wireless, and you can use the trackpad again.
I had this happen to me too. What happens when the alkaline batteries start to leak is they leave behind a white residue of potassium carbonate. That sort of seals the cap on. The notch in the cap is roughly about the thickness of nickel or a quarter. I had to use a quarter to get enough leverage to get the cap off.
These are the worst. Apple keyboards and magic trackpads are notorious for this issue. You really have only 2 options, get the battery out and try to clean the connector to the battery, or get a new one :( The only way to pry the battery out via the entry point of the battery. You cant go through the back. Maybe a pair of forcepts or a spudger or both.
The spudger was a great idea. I was able to get mine out by just using a small flathead screwdriver and tapping the trackpad forcefully on my palm. I used the screwdriver to loosen the batteries, around the edges, the the tapping did the rest.
I thoroughly cleaned the interior of the battery compartment with paper tissue until I could see the contact at the bottom sparkle, and then I dried it with a hair dryer on low for about 15 mins, until the metal was just a bit too hot to touch (about 65C).
Not as hard as it seems. First pry off the plastic cover on the back of the keyboard using a small blade. Inside you will see a small ribbon cable and a small screw holding it in place. Remove the screw and gently rotate the tube inside to get to the ribbon cable. Unclip the ribbon cable (a bit fiddly)and slide the plastic tube out of the opposite end of the keyboard to the batteries. You can then use a long screwdriver or similar to push the battery from the end of the battery compartment into the void left in the centre of the compartment. Clean any corrosion and re-assemble in the reverse order.
My batteries were also stuck in my Apple track pad due to corrosion. I used a small flat head screwdriver to dislodge the batteries. I inserted the screwdriver between the battery and the tube - there is a slight give. Do not force it in - just gently place the head of the screw driver on the edge of the battery and move the battery - going around the battery so that it moves in all directions. The first battery quickly came out of the tube. The second battery was a bit trickier - but it came out in less than 30 seconds. I then used the flat head of the screwdriver to remove corrosion buildup in the tube. Do it gently and scrape the inside of the battery tube - you will see buildup coming out. I replaced the batteries and had no problems connecting the track pad to the Mac.
I took the batteries out of my Mac mouse and it has corrosion the power button seems to be stuck where the batteries connect does not touch right has corrosion how do I clean it how do I take the power button out so I can clean it
I just did a quick test on my macbook air again, start new project, place two components, dragged around a bit, zoomed in and out of /project1 a few times, and boom no more left click and drag. Zooming on trackpad keeps working. Left-click and drag with mouse is working normally. It only happens in TD.
Interestingly once the problems appears - right-clicking on an Operator works - but not connectors. There have also been some issues with connectors not displaying at some zoom levels - which also existed in the previous version.
There are situations when your MacBook trackpad is stuck or doesn't work properly. If you encounter such problems, there are a few things you can do to fix them. Further, in this article, we will consider the main reasons why the trackpad gets stuck and also give you tips on how to fix a MacBook stuck trackpad by yourself.
If it seems to you that the real cause of the malfunction is one of the above, bring your MacBook to AppleParts for diagnostics. We will solve the problem accurately and professionally, your equipment will continue to work as before and will remain under warranty.
If the input device is severely contaminated, the electrical conductivity that determines the trackpad's response to touch is impaired. It is not only the finger touch response that is impaired, but also the response is not proper when you work in gloves or use a pen. In this case, it is enough to clean it.
How to fix the trackpad on MacBook in this case? Moisten a lint-free cloth, such as a microfiber cloth, with water and thoroughly wipe the surface of the device. If the trackpad is too dirty, and you cannot clean it completely with water, use a 70% solution of isopropyl alcohol instead of water.
Sometimes the reason why the trackpad on MacBook is clicking or stuck may be various peripheral devices that prevent the system from booting properly and recognizing devices. For example, headphones may be recognized as a mouse, etc. This can also happen with the trackpad, for example, it may not be recognized if a mouse is connected. To do this, disconnect unnecessary peripherals and reboot your MacBook.
To connect different devices, such as a printer or audio system, to your MacBook, you need to install their drivers. This often causes the trackpad malfunction. In this case, simply uninstall the driver or try updating it if a newer version is available.
Go to the applications folder via Finder, see if there are any updates and install them if available. Check the trackpad operation. If nothing has changed, move the folder with drivers to the Recycle bin and restart the computer.
This step is for those who have an Intel-based MacBook. The System Management Controller is responsible for the operation of the display, keyboard, and other components. If you are experiencing a stuck trackpad on a MacBook, resetting the controller settings can help fix the problem.
This is a drastic step that can also help to fix the MacBook trackpad. To reinstall the operating system, you need to make sure there is access to the internet and the battery is charged, or the device is plugged in.
If the tips above didn't help solve the problem and the trackpad still doesn't work, you should consider replacing it. You can buy original trackpads for many MacBooks models on the Apple Parts website. The entire assortment of the store is guaranteed to be manufactured by Apple, so it is impossible to find a counterfeit among the parts.
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