How to Fix MacBook Trackpad

If your MacBook trackpad is not working properly, you can fix the problem without going to a repair shop. In this article, we will tell you about the causes of the device malfunction and how to fix MacBook trackpad without outside help.

9 Tips to Get Your Trackpad Working Again

The simple steps described in this article below will help to fix the problem with the input device.

1. Rebooting the Device

If you want to reset the trackpad, proceed as follows:

1. Close all applications. 
2. Hold down the power button until “Power Off” appears on the screen.
3. Press Enter, turn off, and then turn on your MacBook.

2- Cleaning the Trackpad

To clean the trackpad, moisten a cloth with water and wipe the surface. If it is very dirty, you can use a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution.

3. Disconnecting Peripheral Devices

Turn off your headphones, speakers, printer, and other peripherals, and then restart your MacBook. Click the Apple symbol, and go to Special Features, Pointer Control, and Motor. Uncheck the check box next to “Ignore trackpad when the mouse is connected”.

4. Resetting Settings and Deleting Files

First, restore the default settings:

1. Click on the Apple symbol.
2. Then, Scroll and Zoom tab, and uncheck “Click to click”.
3. Select the check box for “Scroll direction: natural”.

If the settings file is corrupted, delete files that begin with “com.apple.” plus:

• AppleMultitouchTrackpad.plist;
• preference.trackpad.plist;
• driver.AppleHIDMouse.plist;
• driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.trackpad.plist;
• driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.mouse.plist.

In the Finder, press Command+Shift+G at the same time, type ~/library/preferences/, and press Enter.

5. Uninstalling or Updating Drivers

Update the external device drivers to the latest version. Check whether the trackpad works. If nothing has changed, uninstall the drivers and restart the computer.

6. Resetting PRAM or VRAM

Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds. Release it, wait for the device to turn off, and restart your MacBook. If you want to reset settings, press Option, Command, P, and R until you hear a boot sound or the Apple icon appears.

7. Resetting SMC for Intel-based MacBooks

This is how you perform a reset:

1. Unplug the device from the mains.
2. After 15-20 seconds, press Shift, Control, Option, and the power button until booting starts.

The trackpad problem may be resolved after your MacBook has been rebooted.

8. Upgrading MacOS

Install updates proceeding as follows:

1. Click the Apple icon.
2. Click “Software Update.”
3. If available, install updates and reboot.

9. Reinstall macOS

Reinstall the operating system:

1. Turn off your MacBook.
2. Press the Power button and then Command and R until the Apple logo appears.
3. When prompted, enter the firmware password.
4. Select “Reinstall.”
5. Follow the prompts on the screen.

If nothing works, contact a technician. You may need to replace the trackpad with a new one.