Master Your Mac Trackpad: 10 Foolproof Fixes for Unresponsive Touchpads

How to Fix Mac Trackpad Not Clicking

A trackpad is widely regarded as the optimal method for interacting with macOS. However, it can be quite exasperating when your trackpad fails to perform as anticipated. In such instances, it is imperative to employ the following solutions, tips, and tricks to overcome any potential issues that may arise.

Modern Mac trackpads are designed with haptic feedback technology, eliminating the need for any movable parts. This advancement ensures their reliability, unlike older models that were prone to mechanical failure, resulting in improper clicking. The Force Touch haptic trackpad was introduced to MacBook devices in 2015.

If your trackpad is older than this, it is unlikely to incorporate haptics. Unfortunately, once an older style trackpad has malfunctioned, there are limited options for repair. Replacing the trackpad module is necessary, and it is recommended to contact Apple or a service center to explore available solutions. Alternatively, you can connect a mouse or substitute trackpad.

If you have a Force Touch haptic trackpad, you might find the feedback setting set too light. To adjust this, go to System Settings > Trackpad and use the "Click" slider. The option, "Light," provides a very light touch, whereas "Firm" offers a more noticeable sensation.

You can further customize the double-click speed if the current action doesn't feel satisfactory. Simply navigate to System Settings > Accessibility > Pointer Control and adjust the "Double-click speed" slider until you are content with the outcome.

Enable Tap to Click on Mac to Solve Clicking Problems

If the click mechanism on your older trackpad has ceased functioning or if you prefer a lighter touch for controlling your Mac, consider enabling the tap to click feature. To do so, navigate to System Settings > Trackpad > Point & Click and toggle the "Tap to click" option.

Once enabled, you can gently tap the trackpad with the same level of force as you would on a touch-enabled device such as a smartphone. Keep in mind that this action should be a tap, not a click. This particular setting is perfect if you prefer your trackpad to operate in complete silence. Additionally, it can be used for secondary clicks, including right-clicking.

How to Right Click on a Mac Trackpad

On macOS, the action known as a "right click" on Windows is referred to as a "secondary click." This feature functions in a very similar manner, allowing users to access a context menu for functions such as copying, pasting, deleting, and more. By default, users can perform a right click by resting two fingers on the trackpad and clicking with one. However, using two fingers can be cumbersome, especially on older trackpads without haptic feedback. If you encounter difficulties, an alternative method is to press and hold the Control button on your keyboard while clicking with one finger, as you would typically do.

To modify this functionality, navigate to System Settings and locate the Trackpad section. From there, access the Point & Click option. Here, you will find a drop-down menu called "Secondary click." Within this menu, you have the ability to choose your preferred method of interaction. You can select the default setting, which involves clicking or tapping with two fingers. Alternatively, you can opt for tapping in the bottom-left or bottom-right corner, a feature commonly seen on many Windows laptops.

How to Drag with a Mac Trackpad

Navigating through touch interfaces has always been somewhat cumbersome, particularly on Apple's expansive trackpads. The conventional approach for this on a MacBook or Magic Trackpad involves the combination of clicking and holding while performing a swipe motion. The most convenient method is to hold the object you wish to click with your thumb and swipe using your index finger.

Accidentally letting go of your item in the wrong place or accidentally triggering a Force Click by pressing too hard with your thumb is a common mistake. To overcome this issue, we suggest utilizing an accessibility workaround known as "three finger drag."

To enable this feature, navigate to System Settings and select Accessibility. From there, click on Pointer Control and locate the "Trackpad Options" button. Within the options, you will find "Dragging style." Choose "Three Finger Drag" and click "OK" to confirm your selection. With this setting enabled, you can now effortlessly grab files, windows, and other elements by performing a light swipe using three fingers.

Here's a better way to navigate without clicking. Simply use the same level of pressure you usually exert while maneuvering your mouse pointer (except now with three fingers on the trackpad). This technique is especially useful for smoothly rearranging files in Finder. You can effortlessly reset your position by lifting your fingers off the trackpad without releasing the item you're dragging.

Disable Force Click to Avoid Triggering Quick Look

Did you ever realize that there are two distinct clicks on your trackpad? The initial click is the typical one used for desktop interaction, web browsing, and more. However, if you apply slightly more pressure, you will experience a second click that activates supplementary features such as Quick Look, Look up, and adjustable speed media controls.

Quick Look is a handy tool for previewing files. Additionally, you can easily rename a file by Force Clicking on its filename. It can also be used to check definitions or spellings of words, as well as to quickly navigate through a movie in QuickTime. However, it is important to remember that Quick Look can only be truly beneficial if you are aware of its presence and make a habit of using it. If you find yourself accidentally triggering it frequently, you may want to consider disabling it.

You can do this under System Settings > Trackpad > Point & Click by toggling “Force Click and haptic feedback” off.

Unresponsive Mac Trackpad? Disconnect Other Pointing Devices

If your trackpad is unresponsive, try disconnecting any other pointing devices, such as a mouse. If the trackpad starts working again, it is likely set to ignore input from the trackpad whenever a similar device is connected. You can change this setting by going to System Settings > Accessibility > Pointer Control and enabling the "Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present" setting.

This setting is useful if you suspect your trackpad is behaving erratically or you frequently tap it without meaning to.

Reverse Your Mac’s Scrolling Behavior

Does it feel like your Mac trackpad is scrolling in the opposite direction? By default, Apple has enabled a feature called "natural" scrolling, which replicates the scrolling behavior you typically encounter on a smartphone or tablet. This functionality requires the use of two fingers to navigate and scroll through content.

If you’d rather reverse this behavior, head to System Settings > Trackpad > Scroll & Zoom and disable “Natural scrolling” toggle.

Customize Trackpad Gestures Too

One of the advantages of utilizing a trackpad is the expanded range of gestures accessible to you. To view, modify, or deactivate any of these gestures, navigate to System Settings > Trackpad > More Gestures. Utilize the dropdown menus to select from various gestures or disable the gesture completely.

This feature comes in handy if you frequently access the Notification Center, which can be done by performing a two-finger swipe from the right side of the trackpad. Alternatively, if you prefer using a four-finger swipe to switch between multiple macOS desktops,

Don’t Forget to Charge your Magic Trackpad

If your Magic Trackpad peripheral is not functioning, it might have depleted its battery. Connect it to your Mac using a Lightning cable to recharge it. This action will also establish a connection with the Mac you plug it into. Rest assured, you can continue using the trackpad while it is in the process of charging.

Trackpad Still Not Working? Replace It

Trackpads are most compatible with macOS, however, using a mouse is also an option. For optimal macOS performance, it is advisable to replace a faulty MacBook trackpad with a Magic Trackpad. Check out our top recommendations for top-notch Mac pointing devices available in the market.

Apple Magic Trackpad

The Magic Trackpad is a sleek, multi-touch trackpad with haptic feedback that works with all models of Mac compatible with macOS 10.11 or later and iPads with iPadOS 13.4 or later.

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