MacBook Trackpad Not Working

The trackpad not only mimics the functionality of a traditional mouse but also provides users with a host of additional features. On Mac computers, users can take advantage of gestures to swipe, tap, slide click, open Notification Center, and more. Having issues with the trackpad could be a traumatic experience for many as that will leave only the keyboard as an input device. Having access to a mouse will make troubleshooting the trackpad issue much easier but even without one do not despair as there are ways to move the cursor with the keyboard keys.

Press the Command+Option+F5 keys on your keyboard simultaneously to open the Accessibility Options. Once inside, use the Tab button on the keyboard to navigate through the window menu. Select the 'Enable Mouse Keys' option by pressing Spacebar on your keyboard. Select 'Done' and press the 'Enter' key. Now you can use the following keys to move the cursor in the corresponding direction

7 - up left
8 - up
9 - upright
U - left
I - click
O - right
J - down left
K - down
L - downright

Now that we have a way to move the cursor, let’s proceed by resetting the trackpad. Click on the Apple logo found on the menu bar and go to 'System Preferences' followed by 'Trackpad.' Inside the trackpad settings window, open the 'Point & Click' tab, and adjust the available settings according to your specific needs. Do not forget to look under 'Scroll & Zoom' and 'More Gestures' for additional settings.

If the trackpad registers a single click as a double-click and opens files instead of simply selecting them, you can adjust this behavior by going to the 'System Preferences' window. Once there, go to 'Accessibility' followed by 'Mouse & Trackpad.' Take advantage of the 'Double-click speed' slider to adjust it according to your preferences.

macOS updates often include fixes for various issues, so check if any new updates have been released. To do so, open 'System Preferences' again but this time go to 'Software Update.' If any new macOS version updates are available, click on the 'Update now' button to install them. Alternatively, you can open the App Store, go to 'Updates,' choose 'Software Update' from there, and click on 'Update.