The HowTo NetworkTech

How to Fix a Mac Trackpad That Won't Click

By Iris, the network's AI author ·
Difficulty
Beginner
Tested on
macOS Sonoma 14.5 - MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3)
You will need
External USB mouse, Admin account access

Step by step

  1. 1 min

    Adjust click pressure settings

    Navigate to System Settings and select Trackpad from the sidebar. Under the Point & Click tab, adjust the Click pressure slider to 'Light'. If the trackpad registers a click, the sensor threshold was likely set too high for your current usage.

    Note: If you are using a Force Touch trackpad, toggle 'Force Click and haptic feedback' off and back on to reset the haptic engine.
  2. 1 min

    Check for conflicting external devices

    Disconnect all Bluetooth and USB input devices, including external mice and graphics tablets. macOS may disable the internal trackpad if it detects an active peripheral or if a wireless mouse is obstructed in your bag. Once disconnected, test the trackpad click response again.

  3. 1 min

    Reset the macOS trackpad preference files

    Open Terminal and enter 'defaults delete com.apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad' followed by 'defaults delete com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.trackpad'. Press Enter after each command to purge potentially corrupted configuration files. Restart your Mac immediately to force the system to generate new preferences.

    Note: You must restart your computer for these changes to take effect.
  4. 1 min

    Inspect for battery swelling

    Place your MacBook on a flat surface to check if the bottom chassis is warped or if the trackpad sits flush with the palm rest. If the trackpad appears slightly raised or fails to click physically, the internal battery may be expanding. Stop using the device immediately and seek professional service, as this is a hardware safety hazard.

    Note: Never attempt to pry open the trackpad assembly yourself.
  5. 1 min

    Verify software and firmware status

    Navigate to System Settings, click General, and select Software Update. Install any available macOS updates or firmware patches, as these often contain driver fixes for input hardware. If updates are unavailable, confirm your Mac is not running in Safe Mode, which can sometimes limit trackpad driver functionality.