There are several reasons behind trackpad issues on Macbook Pro. In this article, Mytour will guide you through the simplest and most straightforward methods to fix trackpad issues on Macbook Pro.
Note: Prior to fixing trackpad issues on Macbook Pro, it's advisable to connect an external mouse or trackpad to your computer for easier troubleshooting.
Fixing Trackpad Issues on Macbook Pro
1. Fixing Trackpad Issues on Macbook Pro by Upgrading the Operating System
Old operating systems could be the culprit behind trackpad issues on Macbook Pro. To update the operating system on Macbook Pro, follow these steps:
Step 1: Click on the Apple logo at the top left corner of the screen.
Step 2: Select System Preferences.
Step 3: Click on Software Update.
Step 4: When the new operating system update appears, click on Update Now to download it to your machine.
Step 5: Once the update process is complete, click on Restart Now to reboot your machine.
2. Fixing Macbook Pro trackpad issues by disabling Force Click
The trackpad on Macbook Pro has two primary interaction modes: Force Click and Tap to Click. The difference between these two modes lies in the force applied on the trackpad. With Tap to Click, you only need to lightly tap on the trackpad to perform an action, whereas Force Click requires you to press firmly on the trackpad until you hear a click. If you press the Macbook Pro trackpad but don't get any response, the Force Click feature might be enabled. To disable the Force Click feature on Macbook Pro, follow these instructions:
Step 1: Click on the Apple logo at the top left corner of the screen.
Step 2: Select System Preferences=>Trackpad.
Step 3: In the Point & Click section, turn off Force Click and haptic feedback.
You can also adjust the sensitivity of the trackpad by dragging the slider in the Click section to control the response to finger input.
3. Fixing trackpad issues on Macbook Pro by resetting trackpad settings
Sometimes user setting changes can cause trackpad issues on Macbook Pro. In such cases, resetting trackpad settings to default is an effective way to fix the issue. Here's how to reset trackpad settings:
Step 1: Click on the Apple logo at the corner of the screen=>System Preferences=>Trackpad.
Step 2: Uncheck the box in the Tap to click section.
Step 3: In the Scroll & Zoom section, check the box next to Scroll direction: Natural.
Now your Macbook Pro trackpad has reverted to default settings.
4. Fixing trackpad issues on Macbook Pro by resetting NVRAM/PRAM
NVRAM/PRAM on Macbook Pro stores some user settings, including trackpad settings. If the information in NVRAM/PRAM is corrupted, the trackpad on Macbook Pro may malfunction. Resetting NVRAM/PRAM is quite simple, you just need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Completely shut down your Macbook Pro and wait for 30 to 60 seconds.
Step 2: Turn on your Macbook Pro again.
Step 3: As soon as the Macbook Pro screen lights up, press and hold the Option+Command+P+R key combination.
Step 4: Hold down these keys for 20 seconds until you hear the Macbook Pro restart sound.
Step 5: Release your hands and let the Macbook restart.
Note: Manual NVRAM/PRAM reset is only applicable to Macbook Pro with Intel chips. On Macbook Pro with Apple chips, NVRAM/PRAM is automatically reset every time you turn the machine off and on.
5. Fixing trackpad issues on Macbook Pro by resetting SMC
Trackpad issues on Macbook Pro may stem from the SMC (System Management Controller). SMC is responsible for controlling some hardware components on Macbook Pro, including the trackpad. Similar to NVRAM/PRAM, you can reset the SMC to fix trackpad issues on Macbook Pro.
Learn more: How to reset SMC, the system management controller on Mac
6. Fixing trackpad issues on Macbook Pro by deleting trackpad property file
A corrupted property list file can cause trackpad issues on Macbook Pro. You can follow the instructions below to delete the faulty trackpad property file.
Step 1: Open Finder=>Go=>Go to Folder or press Command+Shift+G.
Step 2: Enter the path /Library/Preferences/ and then click Go in the newly opened dialog box.
Step 3: Locate the 2 files named com.apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad.plist and com.apple.preference.trackpad.plist.
Step 4: Delete the 2 files above and then restart your Macbook Pro.
7. Fixing trackpad issues on Macbook Pro by adjusting sensitivity
When using the trackpad on Macbook Pro, you may encounter issues such as unresponsiveness, slowness, or inability to keep up with finger movement speed. You can adjust the sensitivity of the trackpad to resolve this issue.
Step 1: Click on the Apple logo=>System Preferences=>Trackpad.
Step 2: In the Tracking Speed section, drag the slider to the right if you want to increase the sensitivity of the trackpad, or to the left if you want to decrease sensitivity.
8. Fixing trackpad issues on Macbook Pro by changing double click settings
Many Macbook Pro users encounter difficulties when performing double click operations on the trackpad. To make double click operations easier, you can adjust some settings as follows:
Step 1: Open System Preferences on your Macbook Pro=>Accessibility.
Step 2: Select Pointer Control on the toolbar on the left.
Step 3: In the Double-click Speed section, drag the slider left or right to adjust the time between two clicks on the trackpad for double click operation.
9. Fixing trackpad issues on Macbook Pro by running diagnostic program
Macbook Pro comes with a hardware diagnostic program called Apple Diagnostics. You can use this program to automatically identify trackpad issues on Macbook Pro. Here's how to use Apple Diagnostics:
- For Macbook Pro with Intel chip:
Step 1: Disconnect all external devices from Macbook Pro except the charging cable.
Step 2: Completely shut down Macbook Pro.
Step 3: Turn on Macbook Pro again and hold down the D key.
Step 4: When you see the language selection screen, release the D key and select the language you want to use.
Step 5: Wait for Apple Diagnostics to find and identify issues with the Macbook trackpad.
- For Macbook Pro with Apple chip:
Step 1: Disconnect all external devices from Macbook Pro except the charging cable.
Step 2: Power off Macbook Pro.
Step 3: Turn on Macbook Pro and hold down the Touch ID/Power button until you see the Startup screen.
Step 4: Press the Command+D key combination.
Step 5: Wait for Apple Diagnostics to search for and identify trackpad issues.
If Apple Diagnostics reports a hardware issue with the trackpad, you should take the device to an Apple authorized service provider for warranty service.
Trackpad issues on Macbook Pro can cause a lot of inconvenience for users. We hope the instructions above will help you resolve trackpad issues on Macbook Pro quickly. Wishing you success!
