How to Fix MacBook Pro Trackpad Not Working?

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Trackpads on MacBooks are very important input devices. It has found usage all over, whether youre navigating applications, scrolling documents, editing photos, or just browsing the web. If your MacBook Pro Trackpad is Not Working, working can be very frustrating as plugging a USB mouse needs a dongle, and wireless ones are not easily available and affordability is also an issue.

If you are facing such a problem, dont worryyoure not alone. Many people face such problems and to help you all solve this here are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

Different Ways to Fix "MacBook Pro Trackpad Not Working"

There can be many reasons for a trackpad not working, ranging from hardware to software. Most of the issues are fixable and there are steps you can follow to perform the fix. Here are some of the steps to Fix "MacBook Pro Trackpad Not Working".

• Restart Your MacBook
• Clean Your TrackPad
• Check and Update TrackPad Settings
• Disable Force Click
• Reset SMC
• Reset PRAM/NVRAM
• Update macOS
• Disconnect External Devices
• Run Apple Diagnose
• Contact Apple Support

Instant Fix − Before trying other processes please find and connect a mouse to your Macbook. For Ease of access, a mouse is recommended.

Method 1: Restart Your MacBook

One of the most basic methods for solving basic issues is restarting your Mac. This clears up temporary files created by software that might affect the trackpad.

Step-by-step process to restart your MacBook,

• Click on Apple Menu > Restart > Confirm Restart.
• Press the following key combinations, Control + Command + Power Button.

This will restart your Mac and hopefully, your MacBook's trackpad will be back working.

If yes, you have fixed “MacBook Pro Trackpad Not Working”.

If No, don’t worry there are 9 more methods that could help you.

Method 2: Clean Your TrackPad

Your TrackPad isn’t immune to wear and tear, there can be Physical damage or debris on it. This can cause the trackPad not to work. Here is something you can do,

Find any dirt, dust, or moisture on trackPad, and use a clean cloth to remove the dirt or debris on it. Ensure that there is no physical damage on the trackpad and it is dry before using it.

Method 3: Check and Update TrackPad Settings

A misconfigured setting can also make the trackpad not work properly. This can be caused accidentally by you or any application might have caused it. You can update it back to fix your trackpad. Here, are steps to follow to update your Trackpad Settings,

• Open system Settings (command+space > system Settings > enter).
• Click on Trackpad.
• Tap to Click should be toggled ON
• Tracking Speed should be between 3 to 5 (I prefer that if you want faster it's ok).

Check for Pointer Control

• Open system Settings (command+space > system Settings > enter).
• Click on Accessibility > Pointer Control.
• Toggle OFF: ignore the built-in trackpad when the mouse or wireless trackpad is present.

Method 4: Disable Force Click

Some features are provided to make things better for the users but sometimes it makes things clumsier. Force Click is one such feature, added to make the trackpad use pressure sensing as a proxy for physical clicks.

This feature sometimes triggers other associated features when the user puts more pressure than intended. So, if you have it turned on, turn it off.

Method 5: Reset PRAM/NVRAM

PRAM Stands for Parameter Random Access Memory and NVRAM stands for Non-Volatile Random Access Memory. One fix to the trackpad not working is resetting the PRAM/NVRAM. Here is a step by step-by-step process to reset PRAM/NVRAM on a MacBook,

• Shut down your MacBook (apple icon > shutdown).
• Restart by holding Option+Command+P+R along with the Power button.
• Release all keys when the Apple icon appears and let the Macbook start.

Method 6: Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)

SMC stands for System Management Controller is the hardware that controls low-level hardware functions. One fix to the trackpad not working is resetting the SMC. Here is a step by step-by-step process to reset SMC on MacBook,

• Shut down your MacBook (apple icon > shutdown).
• Restart by holding Shift + Control + Option along with the Power button.
• Release all keys when the Apple icon appears and let the Macbook start.

Method 7: Update macOS

Sometimes an older version of macOS can create issues with your trackpad. Updating your macOS can fix errors related to software. Here is how to update macOS,

• Open System Settings (commad+space > system settings > enter).
• Click on General > Software Update.
• If you see the update now button on the window. Update your macOS otherwise, it's up to date.

Method 8: Disconnect External Devices

Any External device, like a USB drive, or Bluetooth keyboard or mouse can hinder the trackpads working. Disconnecting all these devices can be a fix. So, to fix the MacBook Pro Trackpad Not Working, disconnect all peripherals, turn Bluetooth OFF

Method 9: Run Apple Diagnostics

Apple provides you with a built-in method to check if there are any hardware problems, including issues with the trackpad. Apple Diagnosis checks for hardware issues, here is how to run Apple Diagnostics,

• Shut down your MacBook (apple icon > shutdown).
• Start your MacBook and press and hold D.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the diagnostics. If a problem is detected, you’ll see an error code.

Method 10: When to Contact Apple Support

If you can’t diagnose and fix the issue, you need to reach out for professional help. Your MacBook’s trackpad might have a hardware problem that requires repair or replacement.

To Get Apple Support, Go to the nearest Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider. Or Go to Apple Support website to schedule a repair.