Some MacBook owners have encountered a frustrating problem – the trackpad isn’t responding as it should. With a non-responsive trackpad, it can be difficult to use your laptop as you normally would.
Here we take a look at the 12 most common reasons why your trackpad might not be working properly on your MacBook.
- Operating System Updates:
Operating system updates are essential for keeping your computer running smoothly, but they can sometimes interfere with how external hardware like the trackpad operates.
If there’s an update available, try downloading and installing it to see if that solves the issue.
- Software Conflicts:
If you’ve recently installed new software or changed settings in another program, this could be preventing your trackpad from functioning correctly.
Uninstalling any programs you installed or resetting settings in other apps may help to fix the issue. If you recently learned how to turn on universal control and used it for a while, try disabling the feature and check if it helps as well.
- Faulty Drivers:
The drivers that control the operations of the trackpad are often provided by Apple and must be on the latest version for everything to function properly.
Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause issues with the MacBook’s trackpad, so make sure you always keep them up to date through Apple’s website or the System Preferences->Software Update menu item on your Mac.
- Accidental Damage:
Accidental damage is one of the most common causes of a malfunctioning trackpad on a Mac Air or Pro—physically bumping or dropping your laptop can cause damage to its internal components, including those responsible for controlling the trackpad functions.
If this is the case, your best option is to take it to a repair shop where they can assess and fix any physical damages that may have occurred during movement or mishandling.
- Overheating Sensors:
Another possible cause could be overheating sensors that prevent certain parts from operating correctly when they reach high temperatures due to intensive activities, such as gaming or video editing, over extended periods without proper ventilation around them.
To solve this issue, all you need to do is give your device some time off and let it cool down before using it again.
- Dust Particles:
Dust particles are another enemy of any device because they usually accumulate inside and interfere with its proper operation.
To remove them, simply turn off your laptop and use compressed air cans designed specifically for this purpose while cleaning out any dirt build-up from both fans and vents located around its exterior.
- Old Batteries:
An old battery will not only reduce performance levels but also lead to malfunctioning peripherals such as mice and keyboards, as well as other input devices like touchpads–especially if it has been used for many years already.
To avoid premature deterioration, invest in quality batteries and rechargeable li-ion cells that last longer than their cheaper counterparts, so you won’t have these problems anymore.
- TrackPad Settings:
Some users report that their Mac’s trackpad isn’t working after disabling certain features within System Preferences > TrackPad, which includes enabling/disabling scrolling gesture support, sensitivity adjustment, tapping feature, etc.
Make sure all of these settings are enabled, so everything works properly once again.
- Hardware Malfunctions:
Sometimes, faulty hardware components, such as defective RAM chips, are responsible for problems related to various peripherals, including those involving touchpads.
If updating drivers or software doesn’t help, then consider taking it to an authorized repair shop since replacing faulty parts is usually necessary to fix these kinds of issues quickly and reliably.
- Loose Cables:
Loose cables connecting different components together may prevent some input devices, such as mice, from being properly recognized by the OS, so be sure nothing has come undone during transportation or regular use before trying anything else.
- Virus Issues:
Viruses & malware infections aren’t rare among Macs nowadays, even though many people still believe otherwise – so scan & clean up suspicious data found before restarting the computer just in case something similar has caused problems with peripherals before too.
- Factory Defects:
Unfortunately, sometimes issues occur due to factory defects that are out of our control.
Luckily enough, manufacturers provide warranties covering defective items, so contact a customer service representative about potential replacements if nothing else works.
