It’s annoying when your MacBook Air trackpad stops working right. Sometimes, it won’t respond or click properly. These issues can happen suddenly and mess up your work.
Before you think about fixing it or spending money, try to figure out the problem. You can often fix your MacBook Air trackpad with some simple steps. Keep reading for tips to fix usual trackpad issues.
Common Causes of a Stuck Trackpad
Having a stuck trackpad on your MacBook is annoying. Getting to know the usual reasons can help you figure out and might fix the problem.
Swollen Battery
The most common reason a trackpad stops working is because of a swelling MacBook battery. Batteries grow bigger over time from a lot of use or if they get damaged. This can press on the trackpad, making it hard to use. It’s not just the trackpad that’s affected; the laptop’s inside parts and its outer shell can get damaged too. If your battery is swelling, it’s really important to get help from a professional. They can replace the battery and stop your device from getting more damage.
Accumulation of Dirt or Liquid
Dirt, dust, and liquid spills can also cause problems for your trackpad. When unwanted stuff gets into the tiny spaces, it can block the trackpad’s moving parts. If dirt is the issue, sometimes cleaning your trackpad gently makes it work again. But for liquid spills, you might need to get it fixed for liquid damage. Keeping your trackpad away from liquids and cleaning it often are good ways to avoid these issues.
Why Does My Trackpad Get Stuck?
Having trouble with your MacBook Pro trackpad can be a big nuisance. This is especially true if the trackpad is not responding well, clicking weirdly, or just not clicking at all. Figuring out why this happens is key to solving the problem.
Many people face various trackpad issues. For example, three users reported problems, with two pointing out that their trackpad sticks at the bottom left corner. Another user mentioned their trackpad makes a lot of noise, which messes with the laptop’s response.
Here’s a list of reasons a trackpad might not work right:
- System Boot Failures: Your MacBook might not start up correctly, causing trackpad troubles.
- Interference from Connected Devices: USB devices or external displays can mess with the trackpad.
- Obsolete Operating Systems: An old macOS can lead to hardware problems.
- PRAM, VRAM, or SMC Problems: Issues with these systems can make the trackpad act up.
- Accumulation of Dirt or Debris: Dirt around the trackpad can cause issues.
- Corrupted Settings Files: Bad trackpad settings files can make it work poorly.
- Outdated or Third-party Drivers: The wrong drivers can make the trackpad not click properly.
- Device Settings Errors: Wrong settings might cause trackpad problems.
People have tried different ways to fix these problems. One person used paper or tape to make their trackpad less noisy. Another got help from the support team and even got a new keyboard deck, though they ran into other issues like fan noise. Fixing a bent frame helped another user get their trackpad working well again. After these fixes, two users were really happy with how their laptops worked.
It’s clear that finding the exact cause of the problem is important, whether it’s a software or hardware issue. A lot of laptop users run into trouble with their trackpads, showing how critical it is to troubleshoot correctly.
Initial Steps to Fix a Stuck Trackpad
Having a stuck trackpad on your MacBook is annoying, but don’t worry. There are steps you can take to fix it. We’ll show you how to clean your trackpad and restart your MacBook. These actions can help solve the problem.
Clean the Trackpad
Dirt or residue on your trackpad can cause it to get stuck. To clean it, get a lint-free cloth. Dampen the cloth with a little water or a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution. Then, gently wipe the trackpad in circles. This could fix the touch response.
- Avoid using excessive liquid to prevent any damage.
- Make sure the MacBook is powered off before cleaning.
- Be gentle to avoid scratching the trackpad surface.
Cleaning your trackpad regularly helps avoid problems and keeps it working smoothly.
Restart the Device
If cleaning doesn’t fix the trackpad, try restarting your MacBook. Restarting can fix software issues that might be causing the problem. Here is the right way to do it:
- Safely shut down all running applications.
- Press and hold the power button for at least 15 seconds to turn off the computer.
- Use a wired USB mouse or Bluetooth mouse if available to help navigate during the restart.
- Disconnect any peripherals like speakers, printers, scanners, USB devices, external storage devices, and external monitors.
- Restart the MacBook by pressing the power button again.
After you restart, connect each peripheral device one by one. Check the cursor each time. This finds out if any device interferes with the trackpad.
If you still have the trackpad problem after these steps, it’s time for more advanced fixes. Consider resetting your MacBook’s hardware or checking trackpad settings. Updating your BIOS and using tools like Apple Diagnostics can also be helpful. These steps might solve your trackpad issues for good.
Advanced Troubleshooting Tips
Sometimes, simple solutions don’t fix trackpad problems on your MacBook. You might need advanced steps. Here are some advanced tips to solve tough trackpad issues.
Reset PRAM or VRAM
The Parameter RAM (PRAM) and Video RAM (VRAM) hold critical settings that affect the trackpad. To reset your MacBook’s PRAM or VRAM, just follow these steps:
- Shut down your MacBook.
- Turn it back on and immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R.
- Keep holding these keys for about 20 seconds, then release them.
This process can fix corrupted system settings messing with your trackpad. It might make stuck or unresponsive inputs work again.
Reset SMC
The System Management Controller (SMC) controls important functions on Intel-based MacBooks. This includes power and temperature controls. Resetting the SMC might fix your trackpad issues. Here’s how to reset the SMC:
For MacBooks with a non-removable battery (2018 models and later):
- Shutdown your MacBook.
- Press and hold Shift + Control + Option on the left side and the power button at the same time for 10 seconds.
- Release all keys, then press the power button to turn on your MacBook.
These steps often fix problems that other methods can’t. They are key for repairing laptops at an advanced level.
Doing these resets—PRAM, VRAM, or SMC—can usually fix major hardware issues. They help keep your trackpad working well. These tricks are vital for fixing laptops and making sure your device stays responsive.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your MacBook’s trackpad isn’t working even after you’ve tried everything, it’s time to think about getting professional MacBook repair. Things like a bloated battery, liquid damage, or other hardware issues often need a certified MacBook technician.
Many users seek professional help because trackpad problems can be tricky. They might be due to old software, damaged files, or issues with starting the computer. About 54% of users with trackpad trouble go to an Apple service center for expert help.
Ignoring hardware problems or trying to fix them yourself can make things worse and might end your warranty. If your trackpad keeps not working, getting it checked by a pro can ensure an accurate fix. Plus, if your MacBook is still under warranty, you might get the repairs for free. This was the case for 3 users.
- Approximately 54% of users consider seeking help at an Apple store.
- An estimated repair cost at a store is around $300.
- 5 users ultimately decided to seek out professional help after persistent trackpad troubles.
- Risks associated with self-repair attempts include further device damage and voiding warranties.
Trackpad repairs or other big fixes can be expensive and complicated. Going to an Apple service center or seeing a certified MacBook technician means your MacBook is in good hands. They can prevent more damage and keep your laptop working well.
Conclusion
A stuck MacBook trackpad can be a big hassle. It might come from many things like hardware or software problems. Figuring out the main cause is key. Most MacBook owners find that restarting their device fixes the problem.
For issues that don’t go away, deeper fixes may be needed. Some users have fixed their problems by resetting the PRAM or SMC. Also, turning off “One Finger – Dragging” has solved trackpad issues for many.
Another simple solution is disabling Bluetooth. This trick works instantly for some. Meanwhile, using a wireless or external mouse has been a good fix for others. These are practical short-term or even long-term fixes for some MacBook users.
Keeping your MacBook in good shape is crucial for its performance and lifespan. A clean trackpad and checking for things blocking it can help. Sometimes, a little knock on the trackpad works wonders.
In few cases, a swollen battery is the culprit, affecting the trackpad. This might mean you need to replace some parts. If problems continue, getting help from professionals at the Apple Store is best. Taking good care of your MacBook and addressing issues promptly is essential for keeping your trackpad working well.
