MacBook Trackpad Not Clicking or Stuck

Posted By Volodymyr Chubei | 04 Nov 2025

There are situations when your MacBook trackpad is stuck or does not function properly. If you have encountered similar problems, there are several ways to address them. In this article, we will examine the main causes of trackpad sticking and provide advice on how to fix a MacBook stuck trackpad on your own.

Why is my MacBook trackpad not clicking

The most common cause of a stuck trackpad is a swollen battery. It presses against the back of the trackpad and impedes its movement. The second most common cause is damage to the motherboard, namely, liquid ingress. It’s better if it’s water and worse if it’s coffee, cola, or whiskey. Many users wonder, why is my trackpad not clicking on my Mac? And the answer often lies in these hardware malfunctions.

If you suspect that the real cause of the malfunction is one of those mentioned above, bring your MacBook in for diagnostics. We will solve the problem accurately and professionally.

If the input device does not have physical damage, most problems can be resolved independently. A situation where the trackpad not working on Mac does not always require immediate service assistance.

Other common reasons why your MacBook trackpad stuck:

System boot failure;
Interference from connected devices can make it appear that your MacBook touchpad is stuck;
Outdated operating system;
Problems with NVRAM or SMC (on Intel-based Macs);
Accumulated dirt, which can cause the MacBook trackpad to get stuck in the down position;
Device settings failure;
Damage to trackpad configuration files;
Installation of third-party or outdated drivers;
Corrupted files in macOS.

Also: How to fix sticky keys on MacBook

10 tips on how to fix a stuck trackpad on a MacBook

To resolve the issue without contacting a service center, use our guide. Follow these steps to understand how to fix the trackpad on a MacBook.

1. Clean the trackpad

If the input device is heavily soiled, the electrical conductivity that determines its response to touches is disrupted. How to fix the trackpad on a MacBook in this case? Moisten a lint-free cloth with water and thoroughly wipe the surface.

2. Restart the device

If the trackpad stops responding to clicks, a simple restart can solve the problem. This is the first thing to try if your MacBook trackpad is not clicking.

3. Disconnect peripheral devices

Sometimes, the cause of trackpad on a MacBook clicking or getting stuck can be various peripheral devices. Disconnect everything unnecessary and restart your MacBook. Also, check the settings:

Open “System Settings.” In older versions of macOS, they were called “System Preferences.”
Navigate to “Accessibility” → “Pointer Control” → “Mouse & Trackpad”.
Make sure the “Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present” option is not checked.

4. Update macOS

Apple regularly releases OS updates. Ensure you have the latest version installed, as it may contain fixes for your hardware.

5. Reset settings

Incorrect settings often cause malfunctions, such as MacBook trackpad getting stuck. If your MacBook trackpad is not clicking down, try resetting it to default values in the “Trackpad” section of system settings. Also, pay attention to specific problems, for example, when MacBook trackpad is stuck on right click, this may be due to incorrect gesture configuration.

6. Remove trackpad property files

If the settings file is corrupted, problems may occur. To fix the situation where MacBook touchpad is not clicking, try deleting the corresponding .plist files from the ~/Library/Preferences/ folder.

7. Remove or update third-party drivers

Installing drivers for printers or audio systems sometimes causes trackpad malfunctions. Try updating or removing them.

8. Reset NVRAM (for Intel-based Macs)

On Mac models with Intel processors, resetting NVRAM parameters can help resolve trackpad issues.

How to reset NVRAM on an Intel Mac:

Shut down your Mac
Turn it on and immediately press and hold: Option + Command + P + R
Hold these keys for about 20 seconds (on older Macs with a startup chime, hold until you hear the second chime)
Release the keys and let your Mac start normally

Note: Macs with Apple Silicon chips (M1, M2, M3, M4) automatically reset NVRAM-like settings during normal restarts, so a manual reset is not needed.

9. Reset SMC (for Intel-based Macs)

On Macs with Intel processors, the SMC controller is responsible for many component functions. If you have encountered a situation where a stuck trackpad on a MacBook, resetting the controller settings may help.

How to reset SMC on Intel MacBook (non-removable battery):

Shut down your Mac
Press and hold Shift (left) + Control (left) + Option (left) + Power button simultaneously
Hold all keys for 10 seconds
Release all keys
Press the Power button to turn on your Mac

Note: Macs with Apple Silicon chips (M1, M2, M3, M4) do not have SMC. If you experience hardware issues on these models, simply shut down the Mac, wait 30 seconds, and restart.

Also: How to reset the SMC on MacBook: step-by-step guide

10. Reinstall macOS

This is a radical step that can also help to fix the MacBook trackpad. Make sure you have internet access and a charged battery.

If the tips above didn't help solve the problem and the trackpad still doesn't work, you should consider replacing it. You can buy original trackpads for many MacBooks models on the Techtoro.io website. The entire assortment of the store is guaranteed to be manufactured by Apple, so it is impossible to find a counterfeit among the parts.

If you're not sure you can handle problems on your own, you can always order MacBook repair at Techtoro by mail. Send your device to us and wait until we diagnose the problem. After the repair, we issue an invoice, pay it, and get your MacBook back the next day.

Genuine Trackpad, Silver A2338 (M1 2020)

FAQ

1. How do I get the trackpad unlocked on my MacBook?

Go to system settings and ensure that the trackpad is not disabled via software.

2. How to fix an unresponsive trackpad on a MacBook?

Restarting, resetting settings, clearing files, and reinstalling macOS can help. Cleaning the device itself and resetting NVRAM or SMC (on Intel Macs) are also effective.

3. What can I do if my MacBook won't let me click anything?

Force close all applications and restart your MacBook. This often resolves temporary software failures.

4. Do NVRAM and SMC resets work on M1/M2/M3 Macs?

No. Macs with Apple Silicon chips (M1, M2, M3, M4) do not require manual NVRAM or SMC resets. These functions are handled automatically by the chip. If you experience issues, simply shut down your Mac, wait 30 seconds, and restart it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Volodymyr Chubei
Computer Repair Specialist at TechToro.io

Volodymyr was born in Ukraine and has found his passion for electronics from his childhood. At the age of 13, he was capable of soldering some basic elements of a logic board and today he is one of the co-founders of TechToro.io