If you discover that your Mac’s trackpad is not working properly, then don’t worry, because we have a few solutions that should help you resolve the issue quickly. So, let’s get started, shall we?!

#1. Check for macOS Updates

This may sound like an obvious solution, but you’d be surprised how many people have not yet started running the latest version of the macOS system. In most cases, these updates will usually help to solve any hardware, software or security issues that may be plaguing your Mac and failure to do so, can often end up resulting in a  number of issues that could have been avoided. You can usually check to see if there are any updates available by heading to your Mac’s System Preferences and selecting Software Update. There’s always a chance that this may end up fixing glitchy hardware like your Trackpad, for instance.

 However, you should first make sure that you are connected to the internet with a stable connection in order to effectively download the system update, as they can often come in large file sizes. In this respect, if you have spotty WiFi, you can always get yourself an ethernet lan adapter, which will allow you to connect your Mac to your router for a more stable wired connection.

 #2. Check Trackpad Settings

If there are no updates available to download for your Mac, or if the problem still persists even after updating, then the next step is to check your Mac’s Trackpad settings. More often than not, you’ll be surprised how you can fix a lot of issues by simply tweaking a few settings.

For instance, if you trackpad seems to functioning, but the double-click doesn’t seem to be responding, then it is possible that the time delay for your Mac to recognize the gesture is set at a low point. This is actually one of a number of common problems that many new Mac users experience, because they are not fully familiar with the system yet. You can access your Mac’s Trackpad settings by heading to System Preferences > Trackpad, from there you should be able to browse through the available settings and adjust them to suit your needs as necessary. You should also be able to adjust your pointer’s tracking speed from that section as well. In this case, we would suggest setting it somewhere around the middle which more often than not is the most suitable place for most users.

If your Trackpad happens to be completely unresponsive, then don’t worry, as it could also be a setting issue as well. For instance, if you already have an external mouse counted to your Mac, then that may actually be what’s causing the issue in the first place. You should try to disconnect it and then check to see if the trackpad is working properly. If your trackpad is now working, then it may be because your system was initially set up to ignore your trackpad’s input when it detects an external mouse.

You can usually fix this issue by heading to System Preferences > Accessibility. From there, you will find the Pointer Control and you can untick the box that says “Ignore built-in trackpad…” It is also possible that having too many external peripherals connected to your Mac directly are affecting your Trackpad and making it not function optimally. In which case, yo can unplug the devices or if you need them for your work, you can always use a multiple usb c hub to help reduce the risk of overworking your Mac by plugging in too many devices directly.

#3. Check Your Mac's Hardware

As mentioned before, trackpad problems can also be a result of hardware failures, and they can either originate from from user error or from the Mac itself. For instance, if you recently spilt liquids on your Mac’s keyboard then chances are that is the main cause of a faulty trackpad. Alternatively, there are times when a Mac’s trackpad is behaving slowly or erratically, and that could be a result of a low battery level, for example. So, make sure you check and assess every aspect to se if you can fix the problem at home, before taking it to a technician for repairs.

In the meantime, if the trackpad doesn’t seem to be responding but you urgently need to continue with your work, then you can always connect an external USB mouse instead using the best usb c docking station in the market. Alternatively, you can also get your self a wireless Magic Mouse from Apple, which should allow you to connect to your Mac through Bluetooth and continue working, at least until you find some time of your busy schedule to take your device out for repair.