MacBook Pro Touchpad Click Not Registering Fixes

Many MacBook Pro users have reported issues with their touchpad click not registering after installing the Big Sur update. This problem seems to occur across various MacBook models and is characterized by the inability to click, both left and right click, on the touchpad. Some users have also experienced this issue when using an external mouse. The trackpad gestures and cursor movement still work, but the click function is unresponsive.

Common Complaints About the Trackpad Click Issue

MacBook Pro users have taken to various online forums to express their frustrations with the trackpad click issue. Several common complaints have emerged, highlighting the widespread nature of this problem.

1. Trackpad not registering clicks after updating to Big Sur: Many users have reported that their trackpad fails to register clicks following the installation of the Big Sur update.
2. Issue when closing the lid without shutting down the Mac: Some users encounter the trackpad click problem when they close the lid of their MacBook Pro without properly shutting down the device.
3. Click function not working on certain parts of the screen: Users have experienced situations where the trackpad click works on specific areas of the screen but fails to respond in others.
4. Problem across MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iMac models: The trackpad click issue is not limited to a particular model or year. Users have reported experiencing the problem on MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iMac models from different years.

These common complaints emphasize the significance of the trackpad click issue, especially for users who heavily rely on their trackpad for navigation and productivity.

Users have expressed their frustrations with the trackpad click issue on various online forums. Complaints include the trackpad not registering clicks after updating to Big Sur, the issue occurring when closing the lid without shutting down the Mac, and the click function not working on some parts of the screen but working on others. Users have also reported the trackpad click problem on MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iMac models from different years. The issue can be particularly bothersome for users who rely heavily on their trackpad for navigation and productivity.

Possible Causes of the Trackpad Click Issue

When faced with the trackpad click issue on your MacBook Pro, it’s essential to consider the possible causes in order to troubleshoot the problem effectively. Several factors could contribute to this issue:

1. Corrupted software: One possible cause is corrupted software resulting from the installation of the Big Sur update. This can disrupt the normal functioning of the trackpad click.
2. Dirty trackpad: Accumulated dirt and fingerprints on the trackpad surface may interfere with the click function. Cleaning the trackpad might resolve the issue.
3. macOS glitches: Glitches or errors within the macOS itself can occasionally lead to the trackpad click problem. These glitches may require further troubleshooting or software updates.
4. Trackpad damage: Physical damage to the trackpad, such as liquid spills or accidental impact, can impact its functionality. In such cases, repair or replacement may be necessary.
5. Hardware failure: In some instances, the trackpad click issue may be caused by underlying hardware failure. This could be due to a faulty component or wiring malfunction.
6. Malware infections: Though less common, malware on your MacBook Pro could potentially interfere with the trackpad’s normal operation. Running a reliable antivirus scan is advisable to rule out any such issues.

Considering these potential causes will help guide your troubleshooting process and determine the most appropriate solution for your trackpad click issue.

Quick Fixes for the Trackpad Click Issue

Before diving into more advanced troubleshooting, there are a few quick fixes that users can try to restore the trackpad click function. These quick fixes include:

1. Disable Force Click: Disabling force click can help resolve issues related to gesture confusion. To do this, go to System Preferences > Trackpad and uncheck the “Force Click and haptic feedback” option.
2. Adjust Trackpad Settings: Adjusting trackpad settings can also help resolve trackpad click issues. Users can experiment with changing the tracking speed, clicking pressure, and other settings to see if it improves the click functionality.
3. Restart the Mac: A simple restart can sometimes fix minor software glitches that may be causing the trackpad click issue. After restarting, check if the trackpad click is working as expected.
4. Run Maintenance Scripts: Running maintenance scripts can help optimize the performance of the Mac and potentially fix trackpad issues. Users can use third-party apps like Onyx or CleanMyMac X to run these scripts.
5. Check for Software Updates: Keeping the macOS and other installed software up to date can address known bugs and issues. Go to System Preferences > Software Update and check for any available updates. Install them if there are any.
6. Check for Physical Damage or Dirt: Inspect the trackpad for any physical damage or dirt that may be hindering the click functionality. Clean the trackpad surface with a soft cloth and mild cleaning solution, if necessary.
7. Disconnect Conflicting Peripherals: Disconnect any external peripherals, such as external mice or trackpads, and check if the trackpad click issue persists. Sometimes, conflicting peripherals can interfere with the trackpad’s functionality.

Try these quick fixes to see if they resolve the trackpad click issue. If the problem persists, continue to the next section to explore more advanced troubleshooting steps.

Advanced Troubleshooting Steps for the Trackpad Click Issue

If the quick fixes mentioned earlier don’t resolve the trackpad click issue, there are more advanced troubleshooting steps users can take to address the problem.

1. Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC): This step helps in resolving hardware-related problems that may be causing the trackpad click issue. To reset the SMC, follow these steps:
   • Shut down your MacBook Pro.
   • Connect the power adapter to your device.
   • Press and hold the Shift + Control + Option keys along with the power button for about 10 seconds.
   • Release all the keys and turn on your MacBook Pro.
2. Resetting the NVRAM or PRAM: Another common method to address hardware-related problems is resetting the NVRAM or PRAM. Follow these steps to do so:
   • Shut down your MacBook Pro.
   • Press the power button and immediately hold down the Option + Command + P + R keys.
   • Keep holding the keys until your MacBook Pro restarts and you hear the startup sound again.
   • Release the keys and wait for your MacBook Pro to restart.
3. Running diagnostics on the Mac: Running diagnostics can help identify any underlying hardware issues that may need to be addressed by an authorized service provider. To run diagnostics, follow these steps:
   1. Shut down your MacBook Pro.
   2. Press the power button and immediately hold down the D key.
   3. Keep holding the D key until the Apple Diagnostics or Apple Hardware Test screen appears.
   4. Follow the on-screen instructions to run the diagnostics.
4. Using an antivirus tool: In cases where malware is suspected to be causing the trackpad click issue, using a reliable antivirus tool can help detect and remove any infections. CleanMyMac X is a trusted antivirus tool that can help safeguard your MacBook Pro. Follow the instructions provided by the antivirus tool to scan and remove any malware.

“If the quick fixes mentioned earlier don’t resolve the trackpad click issue, there are more advanced troubleshooting steps users can take.”

By following these advanced troubleshooting steps, you can effectively address the trackpad click issue on your MacBook Pro. However, if none of these steps resolve the problem, it may be necessary to seek professional assistance from an authorized service provider.

Manual Trackpad Reset and Cleaning

If all other troubleshooting steps fail to resolve the trackpad click issue, manual trackpad reset and cleaning may be necessary. This section will guide you through the steps to reset the trackpad settings and clean the trackpad surface.

Manual Trackpad Reset

For Intel-based Macs, you can perform a manual trackpad reset by navigating to the Library/Preferences folder. Within this folder, locate and delete specific trackpad property files to reset the trackpad settings. This can help resolve any software-related issues that may be affecting the trackpad click function. Follow the steps below:

1. Go to the Finder menu and select “Go”.
2. Click on “Go to Folder” and enter “~/Library/Preferences” (without quotes).
3. In the Preferences folder, locate the trackpad property files with names like “com.apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad.plist” or “com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.trackpad.plist”.
4. Delete these files from the Preferences folder.
5. Restart your MacBook Pro and check if the trackpad click function has been restored.

If you have a Mac with Apple silicon, resetting the trackpad to its default factory settings can be done through the System Preferences. Follow these steps:

1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen and select “System Preferences”.
2. Choose “Trackpad” from the System Preferences window.
3. Click on the “Reset…” button.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset the trackpad settings.
5. Restart your MacBook Pro and check if the trackpad click issue has been resolved.

Cleaning the Trackpad

In addition to resetting the trackpad, cleaning the trackpad surface can help remove dirt and restore functionality. Follow these steps to clean the trackpad of your MacBook Pro:

1. Turn off your MacBook Pro and unplug any connected peripherals.
2. Dampen a soft cloth with a mild cleaning solution, such as a mixture of water and mild soap.
3. Gently wipe the trackpad surface in a circular motion, applying light pressure.
4. Avoid using excessive moisture or harsh cleaning agents that could damage the trackpad.
5. Allow the trackpad to air dry completely before turning on your MacBook Pro.

By following these steps, you can manually reset the trackpad and clean it to potentially resolve the trackpad click issue. However, if the problem persists, it is recommended to proceed to the next section for further troubleshooting steps.

Checking for Trackpad Damage and Seeking Professional Help

If none of the previous steps have resolved the trackpad click issue, it’s crucial to check for any physical damage to the trackpad itself. Spilled liquids or accidental falls can damage the trackpad and require professional repair or replacement. Apple service providers or the Genius Bar can assess the extent of the damage and recommend appropriate solutions. In cases where the trackpad damage is not obvious, seeking professional help to diagnose and fix the issue is recommended.

Advantages of Seeking Professional Help	Disadvantages of Not Seeking Professional Help
Expert analysis of trackpad damage Access to genuine replacement parts Professionally trained technicians Warranty coverage for repairs Assurance of a thorough diagnosis	Possible worsening of trackpad damage Risk of causing additional harm during DIY attempts Voiding warranty by unauthorized repairs Potential loss of data during repair process Time-consuming troubleshooting without expertise

Conclusion

In conclusion, dealing with the trackpad click issue on your MacBook Pro can be frustrating, but there are effective troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the problem. By systematically addressing possible causes, such as software issues, dirt accumulation, or hardware problems, you can restore the functionality of your trackpad and ensure a smooth user experience.

Start with the quick fixes, such as disabling force click, adjusting trackpad settings, and restarting your Mac. These simple steps may resolve the issue without further troubleshooting. If the problem persists, consider more advanced troubleshooting options, like resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) or running diagnostics to identify any underlying hardware issues.

If all else fails, it is advisable to seek professional help from authorized service providers. They have the expertise to diagnose trackpad damage or any other complex issues that may require repair or replacement. Remember, getting professional assistance can save you time, effort, and potential complications.

By following these troubleshooting steps and seeking the necessary expertise when needed, you can overcome the trackpad click issue on your MacBook Pro and enjoy a seamless user experience once again.

FAQ

What is the issue with the MacBook Pro touchpad click?

Many MacBook Pro users have reported that their touchpad click does not register after installing the Big Sur update. This issue affects various MacBook models and is characterized by the inability to click, both left and right click, on the touchpad.

Are there any common complaints about the trackpad click issue?

Yes, users have expressed frustrations with the trackpad click issue on various online forums. Complaints include the trackpad not registering clicks after updating to Big Sur, the issue occurring when closing the lid without shutting down the Mac, and the click function not working on some parts of the screen but working on others.

What are the possible causes of the trackpad click issue?

There are several possible causes for the trackpad click issue on MacBook Pro. Some potential causes include corrupted software after installing the Big Sur update, a dirty trackpad, glitches with the macOS, trackpad damage, hardware failure, and even malware.

Are there any quick fixes for the trackpad click issue?

Yes, before diving into more advanced troubleshooting, users can try disabling force click and adjusting trackpad settings, restarting the Mac, running maintenance scripts, checking for software updates, and checking for physical damage or dirt on the trackpad.

What are the advanced troubleshooting steps for the trackpad click issue?

If the quick fixes mentioned earlier don’t resolve the trackpad click issue, users can try resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) and the NVRAM or PRAM, running diagnostics on the Mac to identify hardware issues, or using a reliable antivirus tool to check for malware.

How can I manually reset and clean the trackpad?

For Intel-based Macs, users can navigate to the Library/Preferences folder and delete specific trackpad property files to reset the trackpad settings. For Macs with Apple silicon, resetting the trackpad to its default factory settings can be done through System Preferences. Additionally, cleaning the trackpad surface with a soft cloth and mild cleaning solution can help remove dirt and restore functionality.

What should I do if none of the troubleshooting steps work?

If none of the previous steps have resolved the trackpad click issue, it’s crucial to check for any physical damage to the trackpad itself. Spilled liquids or accidental falls can damage the trackpad and require professional repair or replacement. Apple service providers or the Genius Bar can assess the extent of the damage and recommend appropriate solutions. In cases where the trackpad damage is not obvious, seeking professional help to diagnose and fix the issue is recommended.