The trackpad is one of the most essential components on a MacBook Pro for navigating macOS and interacting with apps. When it stops responding to clicks, it can really disrupt your workflow and productivity. If you‘re currently dealing with a MacBook Pro trackpad that‘s not clicking, don‘t panic! There are several potential causes and corresponding fixes you can try on your own before resorting to professional repair services.
In this comprehensive troubleshooting guide, I‘ll walk you through the common reasons why your MacBook Pro trackpad may not be clicking, and provide step-by-step instructions on how to resolve the issue yourself. As someone who has repaired hundreds of MacBooks over the past decade, I‘ve seen this problem many times and helped countless clients get their trackpad back in working order.
We‘ll start with the quickest and easiest solutions first, and then move on to more advanced techniques if those don‘t do the trick. I‘ll also share some tips on how to prevent trackpad malfunctions in the future and discuss when it‘s time to throw in the towel and seek professional assistance. Let‘s get started!
The Most Common Causes of a MacBook Pro Trackpad Not Clicking
There are a few different reasons why your MacBook Pro‘s trusty trackpad may suddenly stop registering clicks. The most common culprits include:
1. Software-related issues – Sometimes a buggy app, outdated driver, or glitchy operating system can cause your trackpad to freeze up and become unresponsive. Luckily, this type of problem is usually pretty easy to fix.
2. Incorrect trackpad settings – If your trackpad settings have been changed, either inadvertently or on purpose, it can affect its ability to recognize clicks. For example, if the "Tap to click" option gets disabled, you‘ll need to physically press down to engage a click.
3. Debris buildup – Over time, dirt, dust, oils, and other grime can accumulate on the surface of your trackpad and make it more difficult to click. A thorough cleaning may be all that‘s needed to get it working properly again.
4. Moisture exposure – Accidentally spilling liquid on your MacBook Pro or using it in a humid environment can cause the trackpad to malfunction if water seeps into the internal mechanism. You‘ll want to let it dry out completely before attempting any fixes.
5. Hardware damage – A more serious but less common reason for a non-clicking trackpad is physical damage to the component itself, often due to a manufacturing defect or user-inflicted trauma like a drop or heavy impact. In these cases, a professional repair or replacement is usually necessary.
Now that we‘ve covered the typical causes, let‘s go through some troubleshooting steps and DIY fixes you can try, starting with the simplest solutions. Be sure to test your trackpad after each step to see if it starts clicking again.
Restart Your MacBook Pro
One of the first and easiest things you should try when your trackpad stops clicking is a simple restart. Just like with many electronic devices, turning it off and back on again can clear up temporary software glitches and restore normal functioning.
Here‘s how to properly restart your MacBook Pro:
- Click on the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen.
- Select "Restart" from the dropdown menu.
- Confirm that you want to restart your computer.
- Wait for your MacBook Pro to power down and then boot back up to the login screen.
Once you‘re back up and running, test out your trackpad to see if it‘s clicking like it should. If so, then you‘re good to go! If not, keep reading for more potential fixes.
Check for macOS Updates
Apple regularly releases software updates that include bug fixes, security patches, and other improvements. It‘s a good idea to check for any available macOS updates when you‘re experiencing trackpad issues, as a newer version of the operating system may resolve the problem.
To check for and install macOS updates:
- Click on the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen.
- Select "About This Mac" from the dropdown menu.
- Click on the "Software Update" button in the overview window.
- If any updates are found, click "Update Now" to download and install them.
- Restart your MacBook Pro when prompted to complete the update process.
After your Mac finishes rebooting, give your trackpad another try. If it‘s still not clicking, move on to the next solution.
Adjust Your Trackpad Settings
In some cases, your trackpad may stop clicking because of incorrect settings. For example, if the "Tap to click" option is disabled, you‘ll need to press down firmly on the trackpad to register a click. Here‘s how to check and adjust your trackpad settings:
- Click on the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen.
- Select "System Preferences" from the dropdown menu.
- Click on "Trackpad" in the preference pane.
- Make sure the "Tap to click" checkbox is enabled.
- Adjust the "Click" slider to a lighter or firmer setting to see if that helps.
- If you don‘t want to use tap to click, make sure "Force Click and haptic feedback" is enabled.
Test your trackpad again after tweaking the settings. If it‘s still not responding, don‘t worry – we‘ve got a few more tricks up our sleeve.
Clean Your Trackpad
A dirty or grimy trackpad can interfere with its ability to register clicks. Oils from your fingers, crumbs, dust, and other debris can build up over time and make the surface less responsive. Giving your trackpad a good cleaning may help restore proper clicking.
Here‘s how to safely clean your MacBook Pro‘s trackpad:
- Power down your MacBook Pro completely.
- Disconnect the power cable and any other peripherals.
- Dampen a lint-free cloth with water. Make sure it‘s not soaking wet.
- Gently wipe the trackpad surface to remove any dirt or grime.
- Use a dry corner of the cloth to wipe away any excess moisture.
- Allow the trackpad to air dry completely before powering your Mac back on.
Avoid using any cleaning products or solvents on your trackpad, as they may damage the finish or seep into the internal mechanism. Steer clear of rough cloths or paper towels that could scratch the surface.
Once your trackpad is clean and dry, power up your MacBook Pro and see if you can click normally. Hopefully a quick cleaning did the trick, but if not, let‘s keep troubleshooting.
Reset the SMC on Your MacBook Pro
The System Management Controller (SMC) is responsible for many low-level functions on your MacBook Pro, including trackpad behavior. Resetting the SMC can sometimes resolve trackpad issues if they‘re caused by a software or firmware glitch.
The process for resetting the SMC differs depending on whether your MacBook Pro has a removable battery or not. For models with a non-removable battery (most MacBook Pros released after mid-2009):
- Shut down your MacBook Pro.
- Connect the power adapter.
- Press and hold the Shift+Control+Option keys on the left side of the keyboard AND the power button simultaneously for 10 seconds.
- Release all the keys and the power button.
- Start up your MacBook Pro as usual.
For MacBook Pros with a removable battery:
- Shut down your MacBook Pro.
- Disconnect the power adapter.
- Remove the battery.
- Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
- Reconnect the battery and power adapter.
- Start up your MacBook Pro as usual.
After resetting the SMC, use your trackpad to see if it clicks properly. Hopefully this resolved the issue, but if you‘re still having trouble, we‘ve got a couple more software-related fixes to try.
Boot Into Safe Mode
Safe Mode is a special diagnostic environment that only loads the essential components macOS needs to run. Third-party apps, extensions, and other add-ons are disabled in Safe Mode, which can help you determine if one of them was causing your trackpad to malfunction.
Here‘s how to boot your MacBook Pro into Safe Mode:
- Turn off your MacBook Pro.
- Turn it on while immediately pressing and holding the Shift key.
- Keep holding Shift until you see the login screen.
- Log in to your account. You may need to log in twice if you have FileVault enabled.
- You should see "Safe Boot" in the upper right corner of your screen, indicating you‘re in Safe Mode.
Once booted into Safe Mode, test out your trackpad. If it works normally, that suggests a third-party app or extension was likely the culprit. You can exit Safe Mode by restarting your MacBook Pro as usual.
If your trackpad still won‘t click in Safe Mode, you may be dealing with a hardware issue rather than a software one. There‘s one last diagnostic tool we can try before seeking professional help.
Run Apple Diagnostics
Your MacBook Pro has a built-in diagnostic tool that can help identify any hardware issues, including problems with the trackpad. Here‘s how to run Apple Diagnostics:
- Disconnect all external devices except the power adapter.
- Shut down your MacBook Pro.
- Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold the D key.
- Keep holding until you see the Apple Diagnostics screen.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to run the diagnostic test.
- Note any reference codes or error messages that may indicate a hardware problem.
If Apple Diagnostics finds an issue with your trackpad or another component, it will provide more information and direct you to the appropriate support channel for repair service.
When to Seek Professional Repair Service
If you‘ve tried all the software troubleshooting steps and your MacBook Pro trackpad still won‘t click, it‘s likely you have a hardware issue that requires professional attention. Some common hardware-related problems that can cause a non-clicking trackpad include:
- Loose or damaged trackpad cable
- Faulty trackpad actuator or sensor
- Broken trackpad assembly
- Logic board failure
Unless you have experience with MacBook repairs and the proper tools, it‘s best to leave hardware fixes to the professionals. Contact Apple Support or schedule an appointment at your nearest Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider for further assistance.
Out-of-warranty MacBook Pro trackpad repairs typically cost between $100 to $250, depending on your model and the severity of the damage. If your Mac is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, the repair may be free or heavily discounted.
In the meantime, you can use an external USB or Bluetooth mouse with your MacBook Pro as a temporary workaround until you‘re able to get the trackpad fixed.
Tips to Prevent MacBook Pro Trackpad Issues
While some trackpad problems are unavoidable, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of yours developing a clicking issue:
- Keep your MacBook Pro and its trackpad clean and free of debris.
- Be gentle with your trackpad and avoid excessive force when clicking.
- Use a trackpad protector or palm rest cover to prevent scratches and wear.
- Keep your MacBook Pro away from liquids and humid environments.
- Make sure macOS and your apps are up to date.
- Regularly backup your data in case of a hardware failure or other issue.
By following these best practices and addressing any trackpad problems promptly, you can extend the life of this crucial component and save yourself some frustration down the road.
The Bottom Line
A MacBook Pro trackpad that won‘t click can be a real productivity killer, but fortunately there are many potential fixes you can try yourself before shelling out for a professional repair. Start with the simple software troubleshooting steps like restarting, updating macOS, adjusting settings, and cleaning the trackpad. If those don‘t work, try resetting the SMC, booting into Safe Mode, and running Apple Diagnostics to check for hardware issues.
If you do end up needing a trackpad repair or replacement, be sure to go through Apple or an authorized service provider to maintain your warranty and ensure the job is done right. In the meantime, an external mouse can help you stay productive until you‘re able to click with your MacBook Pro trackpad once again. Stay calm, work through the troubleshooting steps methodically, and don‘t hesitate to seek expert assistance if needed. You got this!