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Fix a Mac trackpad that will not work

We'll rule out settings, external mouse, and SMC, then isolate the cause—disabled trackpad, driver fault, or hardware failure—or tell you when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
10–25 min
What you'll need
  • External USB mouse (optional, to use while troubleshooting)
Step 1 of 6

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Steps

Goal: Rule out settings and external mouse, then isolate SMC or hardware failure.

  • Confirm the trackpad is enabled in System Settings (Accessibility > Pointer Control).
  • Good: Trackpad enabled. Proceed to Disconnect external mouse.
  • Bad: Trackpad off—turn it on and disconnect any external mouse.

Check trackpad settings

Goal: Confirm the trackpad is turned on.

  • Open System Settings, Accessibility, Pointer Control. Confirm trackpad is enabled. Disconnect any external mouse.
  • If the trackpad was disabled, it should respond after enabling.
  • Good: Trackpad works. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Still not working. Proceed to Disconnect external mouse.

Disconnect external mouse

Goal: Rule out auto-disable when a mouse is connected.

  • Unplug any USB or Bluetooth mouse. Some Macs disable the trackpad when an external mouse is connected.
  • If the trackpad works with the mouse unplugged, turn off “Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse is present” in Accessibility.
  • Good: Trackpad works without mouse. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Still not working. Proceed to Reset SMC.

Reset SMC

Goal: Reset the SMC to fix hardware input issues.

  • Apple Silicon: shut down, unplug power 30 seconds, plug back in, power on. Intel: shut down, press Shift+Control+Option on left and power button together for 10 seconds, release, power on.
  • Good: Trackpad works after reset. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Still not working. See When to get help.

Check physical damage

Goal: Rule out cracks, liquid, or visible damage.

  • Inspect the trackpad surface for cracks, liquid residue, or visible damage. A cracked or wet surface may not respond.
  • If you see liquid, power off and let it dry. Do not use until dry.
  • Good: No damage; trackpad works. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Physical damage or liquid spill. See When to get help.

When to get help

Call Apple or a technician if:

  • Settings, restart, and SMC reset do not help.
  • Physical damage or liquid spill.
  • Cracked trackpad surface.

Trackpad replacement may be needed. Do not open the Mac unless you are experienced.

Verification

  • Cursor moves when you move your finger on the trackpad.
  • Single-finger tap registers as a click.
  • Two-finger scroll works.
  • Trackpad is enabled in Accessibility and no damage to the surface.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Settings and mouse Confirm trackpad enabled in Accessibility; disconnect external mouse.
  2. Restart Shut down fully and power on.
  3. SMC and NVRAM Reset SMC; on Intel, reset NVRAM.
  4. Call a pro Settings, restart, and SMC do not help; physical damage or liquid spill.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Mac model and trackpad type:
  • Trackpad status: enabled or disabled in Accessibility
  • Whether an external mouse was connected:
  • Steps already tried:

Is the trackpad enabled in System Settings?

Trackpad can be disabled in Accessibility or when a mouse is connected.

Open System Settings, Accessibility, Pointer Control. Confirm trackpad is enabled. Disconnect any external mouse. Good: trackpad enabled and working. Bad: still off or not responding—restart.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Enable trackpad in Accessibility

Enable in Accessibility first, then disconnect external mouse.

System Settings, Accessibility, Pointer Control. Turn on trackpad. Disconnect external mouse. Restart if needed. Good: trackpad works. Bad: still not working—reset SMC.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Disconnect any external mouse and test

Some Macs disable the trackpad when a USB or Bluetooth mouse is connected.

Unplug any USB or Bluetooth mouse. Test the trackpad. If it works, turn off "Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse is present" in Accessibility. Good: trackpad works without mouse. Bad: still not working—restart, reset SMC.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Restart and reset SMC

SMC glitch can prevent trackpad input.

Restart the Mac. If still not working, reset SMC (Apple Silicon: unplug 30 sec; Intel: Shift+Control+Option+power). Good: trackpad works. Bad: still not working—check physical damage or call a technician.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Trackpad is working

Cursor moves and taps register. Keep trackpad enabled. If the issue returns, reset SMC again or check for macOS updates.

Done

Call a technician

Call Apple or a technician if: settings, restart, and SMC reset do not help; physical damage or liquid spill; cracked trackpad surface. Trackpad replacement may be needed. Do not open the Mac unless you are experienced.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a Mac trackpad not work?
Trackpad disabled in settings, external mouse connected, SMC glitch, or hardware failure. Check settings and disconnect external mouse first.
Can I fix a Mac trackpad that will not work myself?
Yes. Check trackpad is enabled in Accessibility, disconnect external mouse, restart, reset SMC. Physical damage or liquid spill may need a technician.
When should I call a technician for a Mac trackpad?
If settings, restart, and SMC reset do not help. Physical damage, liquid spill, or a cracked trackpad surface often need repair or replacement.

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