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Trackpad not working in Mac/Macbook: How to Fix [10 Methods]

In this guide, we will show you various methods to fix the issue of Mac/Macbook Trackpad or Apple Magic Wireless Trackpad not working. Whether it’s the built-in trackpad on your MacBook or an external wireless trackpad that you use with your iMac, you couldn’t deny the fact that it’s probably the best pointing device out there. Beholding a slew of nifty gestures, it has completely streamlined the macOS usage experience.

However, in spite of all the goodies attached, it isn’t free from its fair share of issues. Many users have voiced their concern that the Apple Magic/Mac Trackpad is not working along the expected lines. For some, the clicks and gestures aren’t functioning whereas others have reported that their Mac isn’t able to identify the Apple Magic Trackpad. If you are also getting bugged with any of these issues, then this guide shall help you out. Follow along for the fixes.

How to Fix Trackpad not working in Mac/Macbook

Trackpad not working in Mac

It is recommended that you try out each of the below-mentioned workarounds and then see which one spells out success for you. So with that in mind, let’s get started.

FIX 1: Restart Trackpad/Macbook

If you are using the Apple Magic Trackpad then consider restarting it once. On the other hand, if you are on a Macbook, then restart it from the Apple menu and then check out the results.

Trackpad not working in Mac

FIX 2: Toggle Bluetooth

If you are using the Apple Magic Trackpad, then disable and re-enable the Bluetooth on your Mac. This will refresh the Bluetooth settings and this in turn might rectify the underlying issue as well. So refer to the below steps to give it a try:

  1. Click on the Control Center icon and select Bluetooth.Trackpad not working in Mac
  2. Then turn off the toggle next to Bluetooth.Trackpad not working in Mac
  3. Now wait for a few seconds and then re-enable Bluetooth.
  4. Your trackpad will now automatically connect to your Mac.
  5. If that doesn’t happen, then do it from the Devices section.
  6. Check if it fixes the issue of the Macbook/Mac Trackpad not working.

FIX 3: Disable “Ignore Built-in Trackpad”

The macOS comes with an option, that, when enabled, would ignore the built-in trackpad on your MacBook if a wireless mouse is connected as well. Therefore, you should consider disabling that feature and then check out the results.

  1. To begin with, open System Preferences and go to Accessibility.
  2. Then select Mouse & Trackpad from the left menu bar.
  3. Now uncheck “Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present.”Trackpad not working in Mac
  4. Check if it fixes the issue of the Macbook/Mac Trackpad not working.

FIX 4:  Tweak Trackpad Settings

If you have made any changes to the Trackpad’s settings, gestures, or functionality, then it might conflict with its normal usage. Therefore, you should consider removing all those tweaks and then see if it does any good.

  1. To begin with, open System Preferences and go to Trackpad.
  2. Then try tweaking the settings of various Trackpad options.Trackpad not working in Mac
  3. They would be present under Point & Click, Scroll and Zoom, and the More Gestures tab.
  4. Check if it fixes the issue of the Macbook/Mac Trackpad not working.

FIX 5: Disable Universal Control and Handoff

Universal Control allows you to manage nearby Macs and iPads using your Mac’s mouse and keyboard, granted all the devices are signed in with the same Apple ID. While it is no doubt quite a handy feature, however, in some instances, the wireless device might have a tough time functioning in this multi-device setup. Therefore, you should consider turning off this feature and then see whether it rectifies the trackpad issue.

  1. Click on the Apple logo and select System Preferences.
  2. Then go to Display and click on Universal Control.Trackpad not working in Mac
  3. After that, uncheck the following options:
    • Allow your cursor and keyboard to move between any nearby Mac or iPad
    • Push through the edge of a display to connect a nearby Mac or iPad,
    • Automatically reconnect to any nearby Mac or iPad.
      Trackpad not working in Mac
  4. Once done, go to System Preferences > General.
  5. Then uncheck “Allow handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices”.Trackpad not working in Mac
  6. Check if it fixes the issue of the Macbook/Mac Trackpad not working.

FIX 6: Connect via USB/Lightning Cable

  1. Instead of using it wirelessly, try connecting the trackpad with your Mac using the Lightning to USB cable or USB-C to Lightning cable.
  2. Then leave it in that wired connection for a few minutes and then unplug it.
  3. Now pair it via Bluetooth and check if it is working with your Mac or not.

FIX 7: Disable “Shake mouse pointer to locate” 

This feature increases the size of the cursor when you move it continuously. While it helps in finding the cursor, however, it could sometime be the cause of an underlying issue as well. So consider turning it off and then check out the results.

  1. Click on the Apple logo and select System Preferences.
  2. Then go to Accessibility and select Display from the left-hand side.
  3. Now go to the Pointer tab and uncheck “Shake mouse pointer to locate”.Trackpad not working in Mac
  4. Check if it fixes the issue of the Macbook/Mac Trackpad not working.

FIX 8: Reset Bluetooth

In some instances, your trackpad might not be able to establish a successful connection with your Mac due to the latter’s Bluetooth module being corrupted. In such cases, you will have to reset the Bluetooth module on your Mac, as instructed below.

  1. Open Launchpad and go to Other > Terminal.
  2. Now execute the below command in the Terminal window
    sudo pkill bluetoothd

    Trackpad not working in Mac

  3. Once done, re-pair your trackpad with your Mac and check out the results.

FIX 9: Reset NVRAM

Both M1/M2 and Intel-based Macs come with NVRAM [Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) which holds information about the configuration of your Mac. They store information related to your desktop settings, mouse, keyboard, time zone, and display resolution, among others. So if this stored data gets corrupted, then its associated hardware or software component might not be able to perform as expected. Therefore, you will have to reset the NVRAM, using the instructions given below:

  1. If you have an M1 or M2 Mac, then just a normal restart will reset the NVRAM.
  2. For an Intel-based Mac, you should first turn off your PC.
  3. Then before the gray screen appears, press the CMD, Option, P, and R keys together.Trackpad not working in Mac
  4. Keep on pressing these keys until your Mac restarts and you hear the startup sound.
  5. Once that happens, you may release the keys and the NVRAM reset is now complete.
  6. Check if it fixes the issue of the Macbook/Mac Trackpad not working.

FIX 10: Delete Trackpad Plist Files

If none of the aforementioned methods managed to work out in your favor, then it might be the case of the trackpad’s preferences and configuration settings getting corrupted. To rectify it you will have to delete its config file [Property List-PLIST] and let the OS recreate it from scratch. Here’s how it could be done:

  1. Launch Finder and press Shift+Command+. keys to show hidden files.
  2. Then go to Library > Preferences folder and delete the following file:
    apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.mouse.plist – Apple Magic mouse
    apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.mouse.plist – USB mouse
    apple.driver.AppleMultitouchTrackpad.plist – Magic Trackpad
    apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad.plist – Mac Trackpad
    apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad.plist – Mac Trackpad

    Trackpad not working in Mac

  3. Once done, restart your Mac and the files will be re-created.
  4. Now reconnect your trackpad and it should now function without any issues.

That’s it. These are the ten different emthods that shall help you fix the issue of the Macbook/Mac Trackpad not working. If you have any queries concerning the aforementioned steps, do let us know in the comments. We will get back to you with a solution at the earliest.


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