Fix MacBook Trackpad Not Working after Ventura Update or Reset

A trackpad is not working after updating to the Latest macOS Ventura, macOS Monterey version which affects Apple Silicon machines. Is the trackpad not clicking? Is the trackpad not responding? Are you the one who is facing Mission Control set to “Swipe up with 3 fingers” not working so unbearable situations with Mac or MacBook? Then you are at the right place; here, you will get a solution to fix Mac Trackpad not working. Apple Trackpad is very smart that works on finger gestures and touch sensitivity. Behind the Hardware sensors, there are many settings related to your MacOS. Let’s Quickly look at where to check if you have a problem with your Trackpad Compatible iPad and Mac Models listed in this article.

Such essential settings and work through useful for your iMac, and Mac mini has Magic Trackpad 2 Silver, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air that has a built-in TrackPad.

There are many reasons behind this frozen trackpad of Mac. But you can fix it as I had set a few days before. Try the fixes below.

Question: One of my friends shared the story after I Reset/ Clean install I found the problem on trackpad gesture not working, Double click to open the folder also not worked for me.

Solved Trackpad gestures stop working randomly after Ventura/Monterey update

Trackpad not working after Ventura upgrade or Monterey

That’s a temporary issue if you are getting an accidentally triggered message “Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present“. hope you get to fix this issue automatically in a subsequent macOS update, For Now, Connect External USB Mouse to your Mac and Uncheck the option by connecting to External USB Mouse.

Connect the external USB mouse to your Mac and uncheck the above option when you see the message. this will fix your issue.

Kill Process

Several users reported the issue with Three finger gesture not working with Trackpad for Mission control, app expose, launchpad, and show desktop. Here’s the quick solution, after the kill dock process uses the terminal to get all the Gestures working as expected.

1. Open Terminal on Mac, From Spotlight search [Command + Space], Type Terminal.
2. And Type, killall Dock and Hit the return to run the command.
3. That’s it. also, check Trackpad settings for the Mission control gesture on Mac. As explained in this article.

Solution 1: Restart You Mac

Trackpad pinch to zoom gesture fails occasionally macOS Monterey Update.. Firstly we will start with a comprehensive solution to fix the MacBook Air’s trackpad not working. The trackpad is not working on Mac Bluetooth (Remove Device from Bluetooth system preference and Reconnect it). This fix is a bit strange, but you must try to fix the trackpad on any macOS Version update.

• #1: From the “Apple Logo” menu restart your Mac.
• #2: After successfully Mac restarts close the lid and leave it for 3 to 4 minutes.
• #3: Now open the lid and check if the trackpad is working or not.

Solution 2: Double-Click Trackpad Not Working or Unresponsive

• Change Double Click speed to normal speed because the fastest Speed for Double click doesn’t record if you are tapping a finger on Rampage at normal speed. I recommend setting that speed to medium speed. Follow this step,
  • On MacOS Monterey: Apple logo from top Mac Menu > System Preferences > Accessibility> Mouse & Trackpad > Now Change Double Click speed to normal on the slider.
  • On macOS Ventura: Go to the Apple Logo > System Settings > Accessibility > Pointer Control > Double-click speed, Set to normal.

• Auto Disable or ignore Built-In Trackpad or Mouse when connecting to External or Third-Party Accessories. The last checkbox option is for Auto disable while using an external Trackpad or mouse. Uncheck “Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present.”
• If your Buit-In Trackpad is damaged or not working then we can use External Magic Trackpad.

Solution 3: Delete Trackpad PList File from Mac Library

Force Delete Property List file for Trackpad or USB mouse that we can find under the Library Preferences file. After a hard reboot, your Apple Mac, the Property list file will rebuild.

• Open Finder from Mac > From Top Mac Menu > Go > Go To Folder > Type “/Library/Preferences” and Hit Go button to get PList files. Find the below files and Delete it. After Deleting the files, Restart your mac and Check that your issues are fixed or not.
  • com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.trackpad.plist (Magic Trackpad)
  • com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.mouse.plist (Magic Mouse)
  • com.apple.driver.AppleHIDMouse.plist (wired USB mouse)
  • com.apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad.plist
  • com.apple.preference.trackpad.plist

Solution 4: Mac trackpad is hard to Click

Customize the Trackpad sensitivity or Tracking Speed. Sometimes mouse pointer is unresponsive. We can manage it from the Mac settings.

• For macOS Ventura: Go to the Apple logo > System Settings > Trackpad > Point & Click > Click (Light & Medium & Firm).

• For macOS Monterey:- Go to Apple Logo from mac menu > System Preferences > Trackpad.

under Point & Click Tab, the Last option is the Tracking speed slider. Keep this speed normal. This will fix MacBook pro trackpad sensitivity issues.

Solution 5: Disable Force Click

Disabling force click can be helpful when your Mac’s trackpad is not working. Kindly note that this fix will only work for the MacBook’s which have the 3D touch.

On MacOS Ventura:-

1. Go to the Apple Logo from the top menu > System Settings.
2. Scroll to Trackpad Option > Disable and Re-enable “Force Click and haptic feedback“, for Click then press firmly for Quick Look, Look up, and variable speed media controls.
3. That’s it.

On MacOS Monterey:-

• #1: Open “System Preferences” from the “Apple Logo” menu.
• #2: Select the “Trackpad” and click on the “Point & Click” tab.
• #3: Click on “Force Click Haptic feedback” and uncheck it.

Solution 6: Check the Accessibility Option,

You may want to add another fix option to this article – open the “accessibility option” by holding down the “Command-Option-F5” keys simultaneously. Ensure that all boxes are unchecked under “Mouse and keyboard.”

One of these boxes got checked on my Mac during a software update, and the mouse froze on the screen, and many keys on the keyboard were unresponsive. Apple tech had no solutions to the problem!

MacBook trackpad not clicking on left side or Right Side

if the issue with not Physical click on Trackpad, Physical button is okay on Both sides, Buy Left or Right-click doesn’t respond then Check the Trackpad settings, Go to the Apple logo from the Top Mac menu > System Preferences > Trackpad > Point & Click > Select Secondary click from the drop-down option “Click in Bottom Left Corner” or “Click in Bottom Right Corner“.

Drag and Drop Not Working on Mac Trackpad

If Dragging is not Working, Enable the Three-finger Drag under the Accessibility settings, Go to the Apple Logo from the top mac menu > System Preferences > Accessibility > Pointer Control > Trackpad Options > Select “Enable Dragging” and Set “Three Finger drag” > Ok. That’s it.

Enable dragging on MacOS Ventura: Go to the Apple Logo > System Settings > Accessibility > Pointer Control > Trackpad Options > Enable toggle “Use trackpad for dragging”. Select Dragging style: Without Drag Lock, With Drag Lock, and Three Finger Drag.

Mission Control Not Working on Trackpad mac [Ventura & Monterey]

Mission Control is the essential screen to quickly switch between apps windows and Desktop screen [if created more than one]. Here’s the shortcut that we can easily open using the Trackpad gesture on Mac. Follow the below steps for installed macOS Version.

Ways to open Mission control in 3 different ways,

• Use Swipe up Three or Four Finger on Trackpad, Or Double Tap on the magic mouse with Two fingers.
• Open the Mission Control app from the applications folder on Mac.
• Press the Mission control key [F3 key only] from Apple Keyboard.

On MacOS Monterey: Enable Mission control with Swipe up with three fingers

1. Go to the Apple Logo > System Preferences.
2. Next, Trackpad and See the settings for Mission control.

On MacOS Ventura: Enable Mission control with Swipe up with three fingers

1. Go to the Apple Logo > System Settings.
2. Next, Click on Trackpad > Select “Swipe up with three fingers” for Mission Control. To change the option, Swipe up with four fingers or Turn it off.

Fix: Drag and Drop Not Working on Mac

Solution 8: Safe Mode

Safe mode on Mac, Determine the software issue caused when we start mac and loads Mac software on startup. The safe mode process is different for M1 Mac and Intel Mac. Check if your Mac M1 or Intel.

For M1 Mac Safe Mode:

• Shut down your Mac. Wait for 20 seconds. Next, Press and Hold on the Power button until you see the Startup Disk with Settings option appear on the Screen.
• Now, Tap Select the Startup Disk. Then, Press and Hold on the Shift key and click on Continue in the Safe mode option. Release the Shift key then and log in to your Mac in Safe mode.

For Intel Mac Safe Mode:

• Shut down your Mac. Wait for 20 seconds. Turn on your Mac then Quickly Press and Hold Shift key until you Mac see a login screen with a Safe mode label at the top right corner of the screen.

Exit from Safe Mode on Any Mac by Restarting your Mac. Go to the Apple Logo from the top Mac menu > Restart.

Solution 7: Repair MacOS

Repair your MacOS using Built-in apple’s Disk First Aid Option under Disk utility. The repairing process will take a few minutes depending on the Data size saved on your Mac drive. Follow the below steps to Diagnose and Repair corrupted MacOS File and fix itself automatically in the background. Follow the below steps,

1. Open Disk Utility from Spotlight Search.
2. Next, Select the Primary Drive from the Sidebar of the window and click on First Aid Option to Start the Repair process.
3. Click on Run to Start.

Solution 8: Reinstall MacOS

Reinstall MacOS is a helpful solution to fix the issue related to software or Internal bugs. Install a New copy of MacOS on your Mac without Touch Data saved on your Mac. Although, Backup Mac Data first and Start the Reinstall process on Mac in Recovery mode [M1 Mac or Intel Mac].

There is a Different way to Reinstall MacOS ON Mac on M1 Mac/MacBook or Intel Mac/MacBook.

Follow this ReInstall MacOS on Mac Guide.

Solution 9: Hardware issue: Trackpad click button is jammed & In Clicked Mode

How do I unstick my MacBook trackpad?

Is your Mac trackpad jammed or stuck in clicked mode? You have to do some physical actions that help remove dust, fist use your Mouth Air and Blow forcefully as you through heavy air into border space. Or use thick Paper, insert the paper in a slot and move around the button. This will help in removing and cleaning up dirt & dust. If this trick doesn’t work, then you have to replace the upper case assembly.

Several users reported the issue with the Apple Trackpad logicboard is damaged. When they are applying pressure on the bottom edge of the Trackpad Case, it’s working fine or Stopped working.

So we recommended taking it to Apple or an AASP. And Save your Time and Money. or Call Apple Support & Book Appointment at apple genius bar.

if your Trackpad is physically stuck or the repairing cost is more than expected then I recommend buying another external trackpad. That supports your Other Apple Macs and iPad.

Solution 10: Reset SMC on Mac

Resetting SMC is a universal solution for hardware and power-related issues on Mac. So we will reset the SMC of the MacBook with a non-removable battery.

• #1: Turn off MacBook.
• #2: Connect the adapter (MagSafe adapter).
• #3: Press and hold the Power button and Shift+Control+Option buttons simultaneously.
• First time Charging Adapter color will be Red in Shut down mode.
• #4: When you release the keys and find that MagSafe adapter changes color to green than SMC is successfully reset.

Now, Press only the power button to start your Mac.

Step #5: Now restart Mac and check Mac trackpad is working on Mojave is fixed or not.

Solution 11: Reset PRAM on your Mac

Like we have seen how to reset SMC and why to reset SMC. Likewise, resetting PRAM has the same function as SMC. So let’s fix the Mac trackpad is not working on macOS Mojave by resetting PRAM.

• #1: Shut down MacBook.
• #2: Turn it on and immediately press Option+Command+P+R keys altogether.
• #3: Release the keys when you hear the second startup chime man’s Startup sound.

Solution 12: Update Your Mac

It is necessary to keep your Mac updated with the latest firmware software; otherwise, you will face such problems while using Mac. So it is better to update the Apps and system software periodically to use seamlessly. Open the Mac App Store and check for updates.

Useful: Turn on Automatic Software Update on Mac.

Solution 13: Contact Apple Support

If none of the solutions work for you, you should take the help of professionals and solve your problem. Hardware issues may create a big problem like this. Find the real reasons from the apple support center nearby you. Read here how to book an Apple genius bar Appointment.

Magic Trackpad 2 Compatible Devices – iPad, iMac, MacBook or Mac Mini

iPad Models	Mac Models
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation) iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation) iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation) iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation) iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation) iPad Pro 10.5-inch iPad Pro 9.7-inch iPad Air (4th generation) iPad Air (3rd generation) iPad Air 2 iPad (8th generation) iPad (7th generation) iPad (6th generation) iPad (5th generation) iPad mini (5th generation) iPad mini 4	MacBook Air (M1, 2020) MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020) MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018 – 2019) MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015 – 2017) MacBook Air (11-inch, Early 2015) MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020) MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020) MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019) MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016 – 2019) MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016 – 2019) MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2012 – 2015) MacBook Pro (Retina, 15‑inch, Mid 2012 ‑ 2015) MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015 – 2017) iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021) iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2019) iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019) iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2017) iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017) iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, Late 2015) iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014 – 2015) iMac Pro (2017) Mac Pro (2019) Mac Pro (Late 2013) Mac mini (M1, 2020) Mac mini (2018) Mac mini (Late 2014)

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