The MacBook is a well-known brand of Mac notebook computers. Apple Inc specially designed it. Based on Apple’s mac OS operating system, MacBook has stolen the show since 2006. It has successfully replaced the iBook and PowerBook brands. During the Mac transition to Intel processors, announced in 2005.
The trackpad stands as a vital component for any operating system. It provides a graphical user interface much better than keyboard shortcuts. While any part of a “MacBook Air Trackpad Not Responding”, the trackpad is reported to be prone to errors a lot more frequently. A not responding trackpad makes your MacBook almost useless.
This piece of writing by the notresponding team is specially written for MacBook users to look at the causes and solutions of the Macbook air trackpad not responding.
What Causes MacBook Air Trackpad Not Responding Error?
Before fixing the trackpad issue, we must look into the primary reasons behind the Macbook air trackpad not working that may cause the MacBook trackpad to give errors. Some of the most common reasons include the following:
- Sometimes an uncleaned trackpad surface also hinders the way the trackpad works. First of all, look for the general cleanliness of the trackpad. It might need a thorough cleaning session.
- One reason is that your Windows Not Responding or your window is not responding
- A software bug can be the culprit. It could be preventing the smooth way the trackpad works.
- Your trackpad may be suffering from lost contact and now demanding a reset.
- Your MacBook battery may have depreciated and need to be replaced or serviced.
How To Fix the MacBook Air Trackpad Not Responding Error? [7 Easy Methods]
Once the primary cause is identified, you can better solve the issue. Some of the fixes for the Macbook air trackpad not working have been compiled by not responding.us.
1. Trackpad Cleaning
Before troubleshooting the trackpad, try a quick wipe of the trackpad. Use a gentle cloth. If an unclean surface had been the issue, then a gentle wipe would rectify it.
- Before cleaning the trackpad, make sure to power off Mac. Navigate the Apple menu within the Toolbar.
- Choose “Shut Down your Macbook” in the drop-down menu. An onscreen prompt will appear. Follow to turn off the MacBook.
- Slightly moisten a delicate lint-free cloth with water.
- Gently wipe the trackpad. Ensure that not even the slightest moisture enters any openings along the edges. Do not apply products having bleach or hydrogen peroxide in any form.
2. Eliminate Any Connected Peripherals
This step is more like a “turn it off and on” trial. A wired mouse or wireless trackpad is visible quite easily, but a Bluetooth or wireless dongle causes potential troubles with MacBook’s unresponsive trackpad. If you have connected an external mouse, disconnect it.
Now reboot the computer and see if the issue persists. If you still face an unresponsive trackpad, try the other fixes mentioned below.
3. Look for System Preferences
Here’s how you can check the system preferences to fix MacBook trackpad not working error:
- In the menu bar, choose the Apple logo at the top left corner.
- Select “System Preferences”
- Choose “Software Update”
- If prompted, start downloading and updating your version of macOS
4. Look for Software Updates
Software updates usually resolve the trackpad issue in no time. Follow the steps for a quick software update:
- Run the “System Preferences,”
- Open the panel named “Software Update” panel.
- This will automatically check for all available updates. If any updates are seen, click the “Update Now” button. The system will initialize the process on its own. Apart from the software update, this will also start firmware updates, fixing your errored trackpad.
5. Disable Any Force Click
The trackpad on the MacBook entails two major interactivity types. One is the force click, and the other is the tap to click. The significant difference between the two is the intensity with which you need to press the trackpad to get a response. Tapping will allow the user to tap the trackpad. It will select items.
Force clicking needs firm pressing enough on the trackpad to feel and hear a click. If you are only tapping and not clicking, the error can be the reason. Here is how to toggle the trackpad settings:
In your, MacBook, go to the top left corner, where you will see the Apple logo in the menu bar
- Select “System Preferences”
- Choose “Trackpad”
- Select the “Point & Click” heading
- Turn off the “Force Click and haptic feedback”
Under this trackpad setting, you can also choose how forcefully you will tap or click the trackpad to provoke a response. You must select the “Click” slider and customize the trackpad settings per your needs.
6. Reset PRAM or Reset NVRAM
Often, the unresponsive trackpad issues can be resolved with a reset of PRAM or NVRAM. It is a simple fix that you can perform efficiently.
But the downside of NVRAM reset or PRAM reset is that it only applies to Intel-based Macs. On the latest versions of Macs having Apple’s native processors, the NVRAM is automatically reset.
Press Control+Option+P+R To reset NVRAM or PRAM
For Intel Macs, here is the process to reset NVRAM:
- First, Shut down your MacBook
- Wait for 30-60 seconds
- Now open it again and press the power button
- When you see the MacBook screen illuminating, press and hold the command, P, and R keys.
- Keep pressing the keys for 20 seconds. If you do not see it illuminating, keep pressing the keys till you can hear a startup sound.
- Now Release the keys. Wait till the MacBook boots up normally.
7. Run Apple diagnostics
One way to treat trackpad errors is to run a simple diagnostic check. Follow the steps:
- Disconnect any of the external devices connected to your MacBook (except the power supply)
- Shut down your MacBook
- Remove MacKeeper From Mac
- Power the Mac back on. It will be done while holding the D key
- A screen will appear asking for language preference. Release the initially pressed D key for selecting your preferred language
- Wait till all the diagnostics are complete
Conclusion
MacBook has wholly revolutionized the system needs. Its working is smooth as it is lightweight and portable, yet any error can hinder the way you perform the tasks. MacBook Air Trackpad not responding errors are one of the most common errors. We have tried to guide the users in the best possible way; still, if you feel the need, you can contact professional help.