MacBook trackpad stuck: 10 tips on how to fix it

There are situations when your MacBook trackpad is stuck or doesn't work properly. If you encounter such problems, there are a few things you can do to fix them. Further, in this article, we will consider the main reasons why the trackpad gets stuck and also give you tips on how to fix a MacBook stuck trackpad by yourself.

Why is my MacBook trackpad not clicking

The most common cause of a stuck trackpad is a bloated battery. It presses on the other side of the trackpad and prevents it from moving.

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.

If it seems to you that the real cause of the malfunction is one of the above, bring your MacBook to AppleParts for diagnostics. We will solve the problem accurately and professionally, your equipment will continue to work as before and will remain under warranty.

If the input device is not physically damaged and does not need to be replaced, most problems can be fixed by yourself, even without special knowledge about MacBooks.

Other common causes of MacBook trackpad stuck:

• system boot failure;
• Interference caused by connected devices;
• the operating system is not updated;
• problems with PRAM, VRAM, or SMC operation;
• the trackpad failure is caused by accumulation of dirt
• device settings failure;
• corruption of trackpad settings files;
• third-party or old drivers are installed;
• macOS has corrupted files.

10 tips how to fix a stuck trackpad on MacBook

To fix the problem without going to a service center, all you need to do is use our guide. Follow the steps on how to fix the trackpad on MacBook one by one.

1. Cleaning the trackpad

If the input device is severely contaminated, the electrical conductivity that determines the trackpad's response to touch is impaired. It is not only the finger touch response that is impaired, but also the response is not proper when you work in gloves or use a pen. In this case, it is enough to clean it.

How to fix the trackpad on MacBook in this case? Moisten a lint-free cloth, such as a microfiber cloth, with water and thoroughly wipe the surface of the device. If the trackpad is too dirty, and you cannot clean it completely with water, use a 70% solution of isopropyl alcohol instead of water.

Also: How to fix sticky keys on MacBook

2. Rebooting the device

If the trackpad stops responding in click mode, reset it using the following instructions:

1. Close all applications. Use Command+Tab combination to switch between applications; Command, and Q to close them; Command, Option, and Escape for forced stop of applications that do not respond.
2. Press the power button until the "Shutdown" screen appears on the display.
3. Finish by pressing Enter, and then turn on the MacBook.

3. Disconnecting peripheral devices

Sometimes the reason why the trackpad on MacBook is clicking or stuck may be various peripheral devices that prevent the system from booting properly and recognizing devices. For example, headphones may be recognized as a mouse, etc. This can also happen with the trackpad, for example, it may not be recognized if a mouse is connected. To do this, disconnect unnecessary peripherals and reboot your MacBook.

You also need to check the trackpad settings:

1. Open System Preferences by clicking on the Apple symbol in the upper left corner.
2. Go to the path "Accessibility", "Pointer Control", "Motor".
3. If you see a checkbox next to "Ignore trackpad when mouse is connected", uncheck it.

4. MacOS update

Apple releases updates to the operating system on a regular basis, so make sure you have the latest version of macOS installed.

To check for updates:

1. Click the Apple icon to go to System Preferences.
2. Click "Software update" and if there are updates available, install them.
3. Reboot the device.

Also: What is macOS Sonoma and how to install it on your MacBook

5. Resetting the settings

The cause of malfunctions, such as a MacBook trackpad stuck, is often caused by its incorrect settings. You can try restoring them to default settings:

1. Go to system settings by clicking on the Apple symbol.
2. Go to the trackpad settings.
3. Make sure the "Tap to click" checkbox is unchecked in the "Scroll and zoom" tab.
4. In the "Scroll and zoom" tab, check if "Scroll direction: natural" is checked.

6. Deleting trackpad properties files

If a file in the settings list is corrupted, you may experience problems with the trackpad. To fix the problem, you need to delete the following files:

• com.apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad.plist;
• com.apple.preference.trackpad.plist;
• com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.trackpad.plist;
• com.apple.driver.AppleHIDMouse.plist;
• com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.mouse.plist.

The path to these files is as follows: "Finder", pressing the Command + Shift + G combination, typing ~/library/preferences/ in the window that opens, and pressing "Enter".

7. Uninstalling or updating third-party drivers

To connect different devices, such as a printer or audio system, to your MacBook, you need to install their drivers. This often causes the trackpad malfunction. In this case, simply uninstall the driver or try updating it if a newer version is available.

Go to the applications folder via Finder, see if there are any updates and install them if available. Check the trackpad operation. If nothing has changed, move the folder with drivers to the Recycle bin and restart the computer.

8. Resetting PRAM or VRAM

Follow these steps to reset parameters and possibly fix trackpad issues on Apple MacBook:

1. Press and hold the on/off button for 10 seconds.
2. Release the button and wait for the device to turn off completely.

Reboot your MacBook and reset special memory settings:

1. Press the power button.
2. Press and hold the Option, Command, P and R key combination for 20 seconds.
3. Release the keys when you hear the device boot up or the Apple logo appears on the display.

Wait for your MacBook to boot up and check if the trackpad works.

9. Reset SMC

This step is for those who have an Intel-based MacBook. The System Management Controller is responsible for the operation of the display, keyboard, and other components. If you are experiencing a stuck trackpad on a MacBook, resetting the controller settings can help fix the problem.

To perform an SMC reset:

1. Disconnect the MacBook from the power source and charger connector.
2. Wait for 15-20 seconds.
3. Press the four keys: Shift, Control, Option, and the Power button.
4. Hold down these keys until the MacBook starts booting.
5. When you see the Apple logo appear or hear the boot sound, release all keys.

After following these steps, the MacBook should reboot and the trackpad issue can be fixed.

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

10. Reinstall macOS

This is a drastic step that can also help to fix the MacBook trackpad. To reinstall the operating system, you need to make sure there is access to the internet and the battery is charged, or the device is plugged in.

Follow these steps to reinstall macOS on your MacBook:

1. Go to the Apple menu and turn off your MacBook.
2. Press the On/Off button, and then press the Command and R keys simultaneously.
3. Hold down the keys until the Apple logo appears (a rotating globe may also appear on the screen).
4. If the firmware password is requested, enter it.
5. When the macOS utility window appears, select reinstall.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions and wait for the process to complete.

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 Apple Parts 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 AppleParts 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)