Is your MacBook or MacBook Pro trackpad not working? We've covered four different troubleshooting methods below.

Let's start with the easiest way to get your trackpad working again.

1. Check for macOS Updates

update macos

This sounds obvious, but it's amazing how many people aren't running the latest version of the operating system, firmware, and drivers for their MacBook.

To see if any updates are available for your trackpad, open System Preferences and click on Software Update.

Really, you should install any updates that are pending. But for the purposes of fixing your trackpad, you're interested in anything called Trackpad Firmware Update (or similar). If you come across something, click on the Update button and follow the onscreen instructions.

2. Check Relevant Settings

Assuming there were no updates available (or they didn't solve your issue), the next port of call should always be your trackpad's settings. You can fix lots of complaints by simply tweaking a couple of options.

Double-Click Not Working

fix double click mac

If your trackpad seems fully functional with the exception of its ability to double-click, it's possible that the time delay for your system to recognize the gesture is set too low.

If you're new to using trackpads (rather than a traditional mouse) or you aren't as fleet-fingered as some people, this is a likely cause.

To access the double-click settings, go to System Preferences > Accessibility and scroll down the left sidebar until you come to Pointer Control.

You'll see various options available, but the one you need to adjust is Double-click speed. Turn it down from its current position; somewhere around the middle is adequate for most users, but feel free to go as low as necessary.

Pointer Is Hard to Control

macos trackpad speed

If you find the mouse's pointer is overly responsive, you could try adjusting the tracking speed.

Once again, head to System Preferences > Trackpad. You'll see a slider at the bottom of the window titled Tracking speed. As before, a setting somewhere around the middle should be suitable for most users.

Trackpad Is Completely Unresponsive

If your trackpad is entirely dead, don't despair—it could also be a simple settings issue.

The way to test this is to check for a physical mouse connected to your system, either via USB or Bluetooth. If you have one, try disconnecting it. Does your trackpad now work? If so, your system has been set up to ignore trackpad input when it detects a mouse.

As long as you're running OS X 10.7 Mountain Lion or later, you can change this setting by going to System Preferences > Accessibility > Pointer Control and unticking the checkbox next to Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present.

It's also possible that your Mac thinks another peripheral accessory is a mouse. Try disconnecting everything (keyboards, printers, gaming controllers, and so on) from all your machine's ports and see if it makes a difference.

3. Check Your Mac's Hardware

More often than not, trackpad issues that aren't due to settings are caused by various hardware problems. They can originate either from the Mac itself or from user error.

The Pointer Is Jumpy and Jittery

If your pointer is jumping around the screen, there could be a range of non-serious causes—many of them down to simple human error.

First, check your battery level. If it's low, plug in your machine and try again—it really could be that simple! Next, make sure that jewelry such as wedding rings and bracelets are not catching the pad as you work; they could cause the pad to read multiple signals at once and get confused.

Finally, make sure your fingertips aren't damp or sweaty. Trackpads and water don't mix well and can cause erratic behavior.

Everything About the Trackpad Is Temperamental

Sometimes your trackpad works correctly, sometimes it acts up. Sometimes it lets you move the pointer, sometimes it doesn't. If this is the case for you, more often than not the problem is your MacBook's battery.

Swelling and exploding MacBook batteries have been an issue in some older models. Apple claims that it's expected behavior—which is highly dubious—but either way, its occurrence can impact your trackpad.

Your first move should be contacting Apple support if your device is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare. If not, and you think you have the swollen battery issue, try taking the battery out and running your machine from mains power (you can also pay someone to do this for you). You will almost certainly see a significant improvement.

4. Delete "Property List" Files

macos plist files

If all else has failed, the last trick you can try before conceding defeat is deleting the Property List (PLIST) files.

macOS uses PLIST files to store a user's settings and information about bundles and applications installed on a machine. Deleting them will force your Mac to recreate new ones.

Note: Before proceeding, make sure you back up your Mac using Time Machine.

To delete the PLIST files linked to your mouse and trackpad, open Finder then click Go > Go to Folder. Next, type /Library/Preferences and hit Go.

Look for the following plist files and delete them:

  • com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.trackpad.plist (Magic Trackpad)
  • com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.mouse.plist (Magic Mouse)
  • com.apple.driver.AppleHIDMouse.plist (wired USB mouse)
  • com.apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad.plist
  • com.apple.preference.trackpad.plist

Reboot your Mac, and see if this cured the problem. As a last resort, you can erase and restore your Mac to factory settings.

MacBook Touchpad Workarounds

If none of the above suggestions worked, you probably need to take your machine in for repair. There are lots of repair options available, but the exact route you should take depends on whether or not you have AppleCare.

Even if you do need a repair, there are still some workarounds that you can take in the meantime.

Disable the Trackpad

The most obvious temporary solution is to disable your trackpad altogether and use a standard mouse. The process is simply the reverse of the previously mentioned troubleshooting tip.

Just head to System Preferences > Accessibility > Pointer Control and tick the box next to Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present.

Use an External Trackpad

The Apple Magic Trackpad 2 performs exactly the same way as your MacBook's trackpad, except it's an external accessory that sits on your desk.

It's perfect if you're used to using the trackpad or if you're not a fan of Apple's Magic Mouse, and it's completely wireless too. Unfortunately, the external trackpad is not cheap, but it's your only option for a Mac-friendly external touchpad and it's better than the Magic Mouse.

Fixing the MacBook Trackpad

We've covered Apple's support options in great detail before. You can either use the Genius Bar in an Apple Store, take it to an Authorized Service Provider, or use a non-Apple affiliated independent shop.

Your only other option: try to fix your Mac yourself. There are lots of tutorials on YouTube, but some of the best repair guides are available on iFixit.

Warning: DO NOT try this unless you're very confident in your skills. Doing so will void your warranty. If your machine is still under warranty, you should let Apple do the work. Tampering with the lithium-ion battery in a Mac can also be very dangerous.

Fix Other Issues With Your Mac

What issues have you stumbled across with your MacBook's trackpad? Did you find any of these simple solutions helped solve your problems or was it something more serious?

Reach out to us on Twitter and we will try to help!