Although MacBooks are quite reliable, like every other product of technology, they sometimes have errors. An uncommon error is when you realize that your MacBook trackpad is not clicking. Without our trackpad functioning well, our computers are somehow useless because almost every activity done on it needs the trackpad.
A considerable number of persons have had their MacBook pro trackpad not physically clicking, so you aren’t alone. Please note that this error is not exclusive to MacBook Pro users only, if you encounter this on your MacBook Air the detailed solutions below still apply.
Why is my Macbook trackpad not clicking?
Before diving into the solutions, let us first consider possible causes. Different reasons could be responsible for this annoying issue. It ranges from a software or a hardware glitch.
A particular program on your device could have caused this, a malfunction in your Operating System could be responsible. Running an outdated OS is another possible reason. Hardware problems like broken internal components, accidents, damaged computer part etc. have been known to cause this error too.
In most cases, this error has been attributed to a swollen battery. In this scenario, your device’s swollen battery has displaced the original position for your trackpad by lifting it thereby displacing it. You can confirm this by poor battery life or swelling at the bottom of your machine.
Many of these causes could be solved by the solutions listed here; you should try them out before visiting an Apple repair shop.
Alternative Ways to operate your computer while resolving the error
If your Macbook pro trackpad is stuck, you are somehow helpless; nevertheless, you could work with your computer using any of the alternatives below.
- 1. Connect an external USB mouse
- 2. Use a wireless Bluetooth mouse.
- 3. Press fn+command+F5 to activate VoiceOver control.
- Turn on Tap to click for your trackpad. If your trackpad can move the cursor but doesn’t click, then follow this instruction to activate Tap to click. You will need VoiceOver for this;
- Open Spotlight with the Command+Space shortcut keys.
- Search for Trackpad and strike Enter to open System Preferences
(Using VoiceOver)
- Press tab then navigate with arrows to focus on Point & Click.
- Select it with control+option+space.
- Strike the tab button then use the arrows to focus on Tap to click.
- Check the box using control+option+space.
How to solve Macbook click not working error
1. Restart your Macbook
Sometimes a common restart could solve the issue. Before trying any solution in this guide, first carry out a quick system restart (or force restart) and proceed if the error persists.
2. Check for Driver Update
Updates are essential parts of any operating system; they often fix issues, tackle bugs, optimize the user experience and much more. The reason your Macbook trackpad is not clicking could be due to an outdated Driver.
Visit your Apple App Store and navigate to the Updates tab at the top of the window. It’s advisable that you install every update available, but to tackle the issue we are dealing with, look for any update called Trackpad Firmware Update (or anything in line with that) then click on Update and follow all onscreen instructions.
3. Check for Mac Update
Sometimes a bug could be the sole cause of this error. Apple often rolls out updates to fix different issues; a simple OS update could solve this.
1. Go to Apple then About This Mac and select Software Update…
2. Allow Mac to check for recent updates.
3. If the is an update available, click on it and follow all onscreen instructions.
4. Resolve System Preferences
When you notice your Macbook click is not working, you should also check your System Preferences as they are some options in there that may have caused this issue.
- Open System Preferences go to Accessibility then Pointer Control (Mouse & Trackpad).
- Uncheck the Enable Mouse Keys box.
- Select Options then turn off Ignore built-in trackpad when Mouse Keys is on.
- Increase the Double-click speed.
- Next, uncheck the Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present then check if the error persists.
You should temporarily turn off your Bluetooth as sometimes Mac may think you are using an external mouse or trackpad over Bluetooth connection. You could also increase your Tracking Speed as a slow trackpad sometimes feel unresponsive.
5. Carryout an NVRAM and PRAM reset
Suppose the Macbook trackpad not clicking error persists. In that case, you will need to reset the NVRAM (nonvolatile random-access memory) and the PRAM (parameter random access memory).
Both are chunks of memory that hold minor settings on a Macbook Pro. Sound volume, time zone, and screen brightness are common settings that could be stored on PRAM or NVRAM.
- Go to Apple then Shut Down your computer. Allow it to power off completely, then proceed.
- Briefly press the power button then immediately press and hold down the Option + Command + P + R keys simultaneously.
- After the Apple logo appears a second time, or after 20 seconds or after the second startup sounds, immediately release all keys.
6. Carryout and SMC reset
You could solve the Macbook air trackpad not clicking by carrying out an SMC reset. Resetting a confused or corrupted System Management Controller often fixes a wide range of issues on your computer, it could also help resolve the Macbook pro trackpad not clicking error. You should unplug your system charging adapter.
- Go to Apple and Shut Down your computer then close its lid.
- Allow the device to stay off for a while then open the lid and simultaneously press and hold down the Power + Shift + Control + Option buttons for up to 15 seconds.
- Release all the buttons and wait for a while then power on your Macbook and check if the error still exists.
Most users often leave the adapter plugged in because a change in its colour indicates an SMC reset has occurred.
7. Delete specific Property List files
Plist files or Property List files contain user’s settings, preferences, or information about applications and bundles installed on your Macbook.
These files are automatically created and stored on your machine as you use it. When a plist file is deleted due to it being corrupted, macOS automatically recreate new ones. Nevertheless, to be on the safe side, it is best you take a backup of your device.
- Open Finder, tap on Go then Go to Folder…
- Type in /Library/Preferences then hit Enter.
- Locate and delete the following plist files:
- com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.trackpad.plist
- com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.mouse.plist
- com.apple.driver.AppleHIDMouse.plist
- com.apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad.plist
- com.apple.preference.trackpad.plist
If you can’t find a specific file on this list, go to the next.
- When done, clear your trash and reboot your Macbook.
More Ways to resolve Macbook pro trackpad not clicking error
Any of the seven solutions above should help solve the issue. However, if it persists, you can try any of the solutions below.
- Dirt, a grain of sand, or unwanted particles could be causing this issue. You can insert a thick sheet of paper around the button to remove it. Most users resolve to blow out the dirt by placing their lips on the side that is not clicking.
- Like we noted above, a swollen battery could be the sole cause of this error. It is better you replace the battery, but for now, remove and try bending the battery outward for a temporal fix.
Conclusion
You can fix the “Macbook trackpad not clicking error” by restarting your device, installing the necessary updates, carrying out an SMC, PRAM, and NVRAM reset, or any other solution present in this article. If the error persists, it is best you take your Mac to an Apple repair shop. Drop a comment below and tell us which solution worked for you.
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