MacBook Pro trackpad not working can be quite an inconvenience for the users. So, if you are a MacBook user and facing problems like double-click not working, frozen trackpad, or anything else, you don’t have to worry anymore. Here, I will be discussing some simple solutions to this problem.
Solutions for MacBook Pro Trackpad not Working
Since a trackpad is an integral part of a Macbook, you need the easiest and the most effective solutions to solve this problem.
Solution 1. Update the OS of your Macbook
One of the obvious solutions for this problem is to update the OS of your Mac. However, there are many users who overlook this solution. One of the reasons for this error to occur is the use of an outdated OS and driver version.
You have to go to the App Store and go to the tab of “Updates”. Here, you will see the list of updates that are available for your device. It will be best if you download all the updates listed here. You can follow the instructions showing on-screen to download the updates. However, if you want to download the updates for just the trackpad, then you must download any updates with the name of “Trackpad Firmware Update”. After you have installed the updates, check if the Mac trackpad not working problem is solved. If not, you can go to the next solution.
Solution 2. Check the Settings that are Relevant to the Trackpad
If you are still facing the problem after applying the above solution or there are no updates available, then you have to check the settings of your trackpad. By setting some of the options, you can fix this problem. Discussed below are the different kinds of trackpad problems that you can face and the ways to fix them.
Double-Click of The Trackpad is not Functioning
Sometimes you can find that the trackpad is working correctly, but only the double-click is not functioning. There is a chance that the system time delay for recognizing the double-click is set very low.
This is the reason for the problem if the user is new to using a trackpad.
To go to the settings of the double click, you have to go to the top left corner of the screen and click on the Apple icon. After that, click on the option of “System Preference” and then select the option of “Accessibility”. From the left sidebar, you have to scroll down and locate the “Mouse & Trackpad” option.
Here, you will be able to see many options. However, the option that you need to adjust is the “Double-click speed”. You have to turn down the pointer from the current position. Set the pointer in the middle. This setting is appropriate for most of the users. However, the speed preference is up to you and you can set it lower if you want. Now, check if the Mac trackpad not working problem is fixed or not.
Controlling the Pointer is Hard
If you are having trouble controlling the pointer by using your trackpad, then you have to customize the tracking speed. To set this option, you have to click on the icon of Apple. Then, select the option of “System Preferences.” After that, click on the option of “Trackpad”. On the bottom of this page, there is a slider called “Tracking Speed”. Bring the pointer to the middle. This setting is appropriate for most of the users. However, you can adjust it as per your preference. Now, check if the MacBook Pro trackpad not working problem is solved or not.
Trackpad has Become Unresponsive
Many users also face the problem where their trackpad stops working completely. The reason for this error is problems in the settings. You can check if there is an external mouse attached to your Mac. Disconnect if you have any mouse attached. Now, check if the trackpad is working. If it starts working, then it means that your Mac is set to deactivate the trackpad whenever you connect an external mouse.
However, you will be able to change this setting if you are using the version of OS X 10.7 Mountain Lion or later. Go to the option of “System Preferences”, and then click on the “Accessibility” option. Then, from the left pane of this option, click on the option of “Mouse & Trackpad”. After that, locate the option of “Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present” and check the box located beside it. This can solve the Mac trackpad not working problem.
Another reason for this problem to occur can be because the Mac is recognizing other accessories like the mouse. So, you can disconnect all the connected devices like gaming controllers, printers, keyboards, etc connected to your Mac and see if the problem is fixed.
Solution 3. Reset the SMC of your Mac
Resetting the SMC is another effective process in solving this trackpad problem. However, the process of resetting the SMC will vary based on whether the Mac you are using is having a non-removable or removable battery.
Procedure of Resetting SMC for Mac with Non-Removable Battery
- Make sure that your Mac is connected to the power source.
- After that, you have to hold down the button of Control, Shift, Power, and Options button for about 10 seconds. This will reset the SMC automatically.
Procedure of Resetting SMC for Mac with a Removable Battery
- The process of resetting SMC for a Mac with a removable battery is a bit different from that of a Mac with a non-removable battery. So, first, you have to switch off your Mac.
- Make sure that all the power connections are disconnected from the Mac.
- After this, carefully remove the battery from your Mac.
- While the battery is removed from your Mac, you have to keep the power button pressed for 10 seconds. This will completely discharge the battery and the process of resetting the SMC will be complete.
- Now, put the battery into your Mac, connect the adapter and turn on the laptop. After this, check if the MacBook Pro trackpad not working problem is solved.
Solution 4. Reset the PRAM of your Mac
You can also fix the trackpad problem by resetting the PRAM of your Mac. Follow these steps to complete the process:-
- Turn off your Mac.
- Now, press the button of R, P, Options and Command for about 10 seconds.
- After that, switch on your Mac and when you will see that the screen has turned gray, release the keys.
- The PRAM reset is complete when you will hear the booting sound.
Now, check if the Mac trackpad not working problem is resolved.
Conclusion
Using a Macbook without a working trackpad is very difficult. So, you can use the above solutions to solve the trackpad problem. These solutions are very effective and easy. Hence, you will face no problem in following them.