The trackpad is a fantastic component of the Mac that allows you to interact with the system in such a way that keyboard shortcuts won’t allow. Just click and drag that’s the actual work of the trackpad on Mac, so you can imagine how trackpad plays an important role while accessing your Mac. But what if the trackpad won’t work? It could be a nightmare situation. Some users reported that their trackpad just clicks and drags by itself, and some users reported that the trackpad gets spontaneously unresponsive.

The reason behind the trackpad is not working issue on Mac could be sundry. It might be happening due to the macOS version or an app is causing the issue. Also, when your system is overworked and trackpad might be unable to keep up with your clicks and commands. If that’s the case, fixing the trackpad is the next activity you should perform.

If your trackpad is not working on Mac, then you probably have landed on the right post. Read on the effective article that will help you to know how to fix trackpad is not working issue on Mac.

Without further ado, let’s gets started.

See also: Here’s How to Reset Your Mac to Factory Settings

What causes the trackpad not to work?

Following are some valid reasons that might cause the trackpad not to work.

1. We already know if something does not work, it could be due to hardware or software issues.
   • When it comes to hardware, issues can be found something like click or drag is not registering in the system even if you did due to faulty hardware.
   • On a software level, the trackpad just gets clicked by itself randomly due to a glitch or a bug.
2. Intermittent Bluetooth connection can also cause the issue, when Bluetooth signals get blocked by certain objects the device could work unfamiliarly
3. When the trackpad runs off the battery it can misbehave.
4. A faulty lightning cable can cause the trackpad not to work if you are using its wired connection.

Troubleshooting methods to fix trackpad not working on Mac

Follow the troubleshooting methods mentioned below. If one method does not work move onto another, stick to the one which will work for you.

Restart your system and trackpad

Here, the system is referred to as the computer, performing a restart on your system along with the trackpad is the smartest thing you can do. Don’t worry, we will show you how you can restart your Mac without a trackpad, just follow the steps mentioned below.

How to restart the trackpad?

Unpair your trackpad before restarting the device.

Step 1: Visit System Preferences, and go to Bluetooth.

Step 2: Highlight the trackpad and click the X button.

Step 3: Press enter to unpair your trackpad with your Mac.

Step 4: Turn off the magic trackpad as mentioned below:

• For Magic Trackpad 1: Hold the power button located on the side.
• For Magic Trackpad2: Flicking the switch on the rear.

How to restart Mac without a trackpad?

Step 1: Close applications which are running on Mac by pressing command+Q. To navigate or switch on the next app just press the command + tab. Press command+option+escape to force close the running apps.

Step 2: Press the power button till you see the Shut Down window on the screen.

Step 3: Press enter to Shut down.

Change the trackpad sensibility

Here, w will adjust the click sensibility of the trackpad in System Preferences.

Do as mentioned below by visiting your System Preferences.

• Trackpad >Track to click.
• Visit Accessibilty > Mouse & Trackpad > Trakpad Options… > Tick Enable dragging.

Remove third-party drivers

It is noticed that third-[aty drivers can cause issues. These drivers are available for printers, audio interfaces, etc. They are likely to interfere with the system’s functions resulting in other devices not working as it supposes to be. A third-[arty driver known as “Wacom’s driver” used for Wacom Tablet users, can make your magic trackpad not work on your Mac. If that’s the case, removing such drivers can fix the issue.

Step 1: Visit Finder.

Step 2: Locate the app in the Finder.

Step 3: Just drag the app into the Trash icon or select the app and choose file > Move to Trash.

Step 4: If asked, enter the user name and password of an administrator account on Mac.

And the app will be deleted successfully.

Clean your trackpad

Sometimes dust or debris gets stuck into the trackpad, resulting in the click dosen;t work. When you put those oily fingers over the trackpad, it gets dirty which can cause the touch to misbehave. Here’s how to clean the trackpad safely, without affecting or voiding any warranty or consumer law rights.

• Power off the device, unplug the Mac from the power cables.
• Take a microfiber cloth to clean the trackpad surface gently.
• Also, use a Q tip to remove the dust from the edges.
• Tap around the edges of the trackpad gently without damaging any component.
• Flip the trackpad the other side around and tap again gently to remove the dust particles.

Reset PRAM and NVRAM on Mac

PRAM (parameter RAM) and NVRAM (nonvolatile RAM) are used to store information such as brightness, volumes, etc. If things settings get corrupted it needs to get reset. And resetting the PRAM and NVRAM can fix the trackpad not working issue.

Step 1: Visit Apple > Shut Down and your Mac to turn off.

Step 2: Press the power button and then hold option+command+p+r.

Step 3: Now, just release all the keys after 20 seconds, now the Apple logo should appear on the screen after the second startup sound.

Reset SMC on your Mac

SMC (system management controller) makes sure that the click done by you on the magic trackpad gets register on the system. If you are experiencing the same thing, then resetting SMC on your Mac and fix the issue.

Know whether your system has a T2 security chip, hold option and go into Apple > System Information…, click on Controller or iBridge under the Hardware menu ist. look at the Model Name, you get to know whether your Mac has a T2 security chip or not as mentioned in the image below.

Shut Down your Mac, detach the power cables from the power socket, and follow the steps mentioned below accordingly.

For iMac without T2 security chip:

Step 1: Wait for 15-30 sec.

Step 2: Plug the power cables wait for 5 sec and power on the Mac.

MacBook without a T2 security chip (Removable Battery):

Step 1: Remove the battery.

Step 2: Hold the power button for 5-8 sec.

Step 3: Insert the battery and power on the MacBook.

MacBook without a T2 security chip (Non-Removable Battery):

Step 1: Wait for 5 sec.

Step 2: Reconnect the adapters.

Step 3: Hold Shift+control+option and power button for 10 sec.

Step 4: Release all the buttons, MagSafe light should be able to blink.

Step 5: Power on MacBook.

iMac or MacBook with T2 security chip:

Step 1: Hold the power button for 10 sec.

Step 2: Wait for 5 sec and press the button again to power on.

Replace the batteries

Another valid reason when your trackpad won’t work is the batteries, when the trackpad won’t get sufficient power from the battery it misbehaves. It just clicks by itself which is quite annoying sometimes. If you are using an iMac that allows you to remove the batteries, then remove the battery and check if it’s swelled or manage. If that’s the case, then consider replacing the batteries.

Or else, if your machine is under warranty, take the advantage of it. Apple entre will assist you further.

What if Nothing Works?

All the troubleshooting guides mentioned above are valid fixes. At this point, the magic trackpad should be get fixed. If the issue still continues to persist, then it is advised to re-install the entire macOS from the scratch. This will not affect your data, but we highly recommend you create a backup.

Magic trackpad might be not working due to a corrupted operating system, reinstalling macOS can take some time but if this works, it is well worth trying. Here’s how to do that:

Step 1: Visit Apple, and Shut Down the machine.

Step 2: Press the power button and hold command+R.

Step 3: Hold the keys until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

Step 4: If asked, enter the password.

Step 5: Select Reinstall macOS, when the macOS utility screen appears.

Step 6: Follow the on-screen instructions, and wait for the process to get complete.

Check if your magic trackpad is working or not. Reinstalling macOS should fix the issue. Else, you can visit the nearest Apple Support Centre, they will assist you and help you to fix the issue related to the magic trackpad.

That’s it for now, hope this helps! Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below. Till then stay tuned for more info.

See next: My MacBook Restarts Randomly and Here’s How I Fixed it.