MacBook Trackpad Not Clicking? 10 Quick Fixes
Quick Fix
Try an SMC reset: Shut down your MacBook, then press and hold Shift + Control + Option and the power button together for 10 seconds. Release all keys, then press the power button to turn on. This often resolves trackpad issues caused by system glitches.
Understanding MacBook Trackpad Click Problems
MacBook trackpads can stop clicking due to hardware issues, software glitches, or system settings. Modern MacBooks use Force Touch trackpads that don’t physically click – they use haptic feedback to simulate clicks. Older models have mechanical clicking mechanisms.
Software updates can sometimes disable trackpad functionality or change settings unexpectedly. Physical issues like a swollen battery pushing against the trackpad from below are also common causes, especially in older MacBooks.
Before attempting hardware repairs, the software solutions below resolve most trackpad clicking issues and are safe to try on any MacBook model.
Method 1: Check Trackpad Settings
- Click the Apple menu and select System Preferences (or System Settings on newer macOS)
- Click Trackpad
- In the Point and Click tab, ensure settings are correct
- Check that Tap to click is enabled if you want tap gestures
- Adjust Click pressure if using Force Touch trackpad
- Try setting click to Light to see if it responds better
- Toggle Force Click and haptic feedback off and on
Method 2: Reset SMC (System Management Controller)
For MacBooks with T2 chip (2018 and later):
- Shut down your MacBook completely
- Press and hold Control + Option + Shift on the left side for 7 seconds
- While holding those keys, also press and hold the power button
- Hold all four keys for another 7 seconds
- Release all keys and wait a few seconds
- Press the power button to turn on your MacBook
For older MacBooks (2017 and earlier):
- Shut down your MacBook
- Press and hold Shift + Control + Option and the power button
- Hold for 10 seconds
- Release all keys
- Press the power button to start your MacBook
Method 3: Reset NVRAM/PRAM
- Shut down your MacBook
- Turn it on and immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R
- Hold these keys for about 20 seconds
- On older Macs, you’ll hear the startup sound twice
- On Macs with T2 chip, hold until Apple logo appears and disappears twice
- Release the keys and let your Mac start normally
- Check if trackpad clicking is restored
Method 4: Boot into Safe Mode
- Shut down your MacBook completely
- Turn it on and immediately hold the Shift key
- Release Shift when you see the login window
- Log in (it may take longer than usual)
- Test if the trackpad clicks in Safe Mode
- If it works in Safe Mode, a third-party app may be causing the issue
- Restart normally and remove recently installed apps
Method 5: Enable Tap to Click as Workaround
- Go to System Preferences > Trackpad
- Check the box for Tap to click
- This lets you tap the trackpad instead of pressing
- Enable Secondary click with two-finger tap for right-click
- This provides full functionality while troubleshooting click issues
- You can also enable three-finger drag in Accessibility settings
Method 6: Check for Battery Swelling
- Look at your MacBook from the side on a flat surface
- Check if the bottom case is bulging or uneven
- A swollen battery pushes up against the trackpad from inside
- If you notice bulging, stop using the MacBook immediately
- A swollen battery is a safety hazard and needs professional replacement
- Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store
Method 7: Update macOS
- Click the Apple menu > System Preferences
- Click Software Update
- If an update is available, click Update Now
- Let the update install completely (don’t interrupt)
- Restart when prompted
- Apple sometimes fixes trackpad bugs in macOS updates
- Check trackpad functionality after updating
Method 8: Delete Trackpad Preference Files
- Open Finder and press Command + Shift + G
- Type
~/Library/Preferencesand press Enter - Find files starting with
com.apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad - Move these files to Trash (or a backup folder first)
- Also look for
com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.trackpad - Restart your MacBook
- macOS will recreate these files with default settings
Preventing Future Trackpad Issues
- Keep your MacBook and macOS updated to prevent software-related issues
- Avoid using your MacBook while charging with non-Apple chargers
- Don’t expose your MacBook to extreme temperatures
- If your battery is old (500+ cycles), consider replacement to prevent swelling
- Clean your trackpad regularly with a slightly damp, lint-free cloth
FAQ
Why does my trackpad click sometimes but not others?
Intermittent clicking usually indicates either a software conflict, a failing Force Touch mechanism, or early-stage battery swelling. Try the SMC reset first, then monitor for worsening symptoms.
Can I use an external mouse while fixing this?
Yes, any USB or Bluetooth mouse will work with your MacBook. This is a good workaround while troubleshooting or if you need to use your Mac for work.
How much does trackpad repair cost?
Apple charges $100-200 for trackpad repairs on most MacBook models out of warranty. If the battery is swollen and causing the issue, battery replacement ($129-199) usually fixes both problems.
Is Force Touch different from regular trackpad clicking?
Yes, Force Touch trackpads (2015 and later) use haptic motors to simulate clicking – they don’t physically move. This means they can fail differently than mechanical trackpads and are often fixed with SMC resets.
Will Apple fix this for free?
If your MacBook is under warranty or AppleCare+, trackpad repairs are usually covered unless there’s physical damage. Some trackpad issues have been covered by Apple’s quality programs even out of warranty.
Can I fix a swollen battery myself?
While technically possible with the right tools, battery replacement involves safety risks. Swollen lithium batteries can catch fire if punctured. It’s strongly recommended to have Apple or a certified technician handle battery replacements.
