Is the MacBook Keyboard & Trackpad Not Working? Quick Fixes
If your MacBook keyboard or trackpad suddenly stops working, it can be very frustrating. Whether you are facing unresponsive keys, a frozen trackpad, or erratic behaviour, there are simple solutions to resolve the issue.
In this guide from Used Laptops Dubai, we shall walk you through quick and effective fixes to get your MacBook’s keyboard and trackpad working again.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix MacBook Keyboard & Trackpad Issues
Restart Your MacBook
- A simple restart can often resolve software glitches.
- Click on the Apple menu > Restart and check if the keyboard and trackpad start working properly.
Check for macOS Updates
- Sometimes, outdated software causes hardware malfunctions.
- Go to System Settings > General > Software Update, and install any available updates.Â
Reset the SMC (System Management Controller)
If your MacBook has an Intel chip, resetting the SMC can help fix keyboard and trackpad issues:
- Shut down your MacBook.
- Press Shift + Control + Option on the left side of the keyboard, then press the power button for 10 seconds.
- Release all keys and turn your MacBook back on.
For MacBooks with Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3 chips), restart your device as the SMC resets automatically.
Reset the NVRAM/PRAM
If the issue persists, resetting the NVRAM/PRAM can help:
- Turn off your MacBook.
- Hold Option + Command + P + R while turning it back on.
- Keep holding the keys for about 20 seconds, then release them.
Check External Devices
- Sometimes, connected accessories interfere with the keyboard and trackpad.Â
- Disconnect all external devices (USB drives, keyboards, mice) and restart your MacBook to see if the problem is resolved.
Boot into Safe Mode
Safe Mode helps identify software issues that may be causing unresponsiveness:
- For Intel MacBooks: Restart and hold the Shift key until the login screen appears.
- For Apple Silicon MacBooks: Shut down your Mac, then turn it on while holding the Power button until you see startup options.
- Select your disk and hold Shift while clicking Continue in Safe Mode.
If the keyboard and trackpad work in Safe Mode, the issue might be caused by third-party software.
Delete Trackpad and Keyboard Preferences
Corrupted preference files can cause unresponsiveness. You can delete them by following these steps:
- Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
- Type ~/Library/Preferences/ and press Enter.
- Find and delete these files:
- com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.trackpad.plist
- com.apple.driver.AppleHIDMouse.plist
- com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.mouse.list
- Restart your MacBook.
Check Accessibility Settings
Your MacBook may have Mouse Keys or Slow Keys enabled, which can interfere with normal typing and tracking. To check:
- Go to System Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard & Pointer Control.
- Turn off the Mouse Keys and Slow Keys if they are enabled.
Run Apple Diagnostics
If the issue persists, there may be a hardware problem. Running Apple Diagnostics can help detect issues:
- Shut down your MacBook.
- Turn it back on while holding D until the diagnostics screen appears.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to check for hardware issues.
Contact Apple Support or Visit a Repair Center
If none of the above solutions work, indeed, the issue lies within the hardware of your keyboard or trackpad. We recommend contacting Apple Support or visiting a reputable repair shop like Used Laptops Dubai for professional help.
Conclusion
In most cases, a non working MacBook keyboard or trackpad can easily be resolved by restarting your Mac, updating macOS, resetting settings, or checking accessibility options. If hardware failure is suspected, professional repair services may be needed.Â
Need expert MacBook repairs or a replacement? Visit Used Laptops Dubai for reliable service and high-quality MacBooks at great prices.