Magic Trackpad Doesn't Click

[Marrk]

My Magic Trackpad suddenly lost its click function. Wireless or on a cable doesn't matter. Also, tried it on a MacBook Pro with an M1 chip and one with an Intel chip. Tried rebooting the laptop. Tried turning the trackpad on and off. Google search says it might be dirty, but I can't see where the dirt might be. How do I fix this? Can it be fixed?

Suggestions welcome. Thanks.

 

[ferrarr]

As a workaround for now, you can enable "Click to Tap". In Settings > Trackpad.

 

[Marrk]

@ferrarr It has always been enabled.

 

[pm-r]

My Magic Trackpad suddenly lost its click function.

Try using a damp cloth and wiping your fingers over it before using your mouse and see if that helps.

You may be losing your body capacitance or the humidity in your house is very dry..

It might work, and did it just suddenly start acting up or not working???

Have you got a real Mouse with real buttons (not just electrical sensing) that you could try?




- Patrick
=======

 

[Marrk]

Try using a damp cloth and wiping your fingers over it before using your mouse and see if that helps.

Doesn't help.

... and did it just suddenly start acting up or not working???

Very suddenly.

Have you got a real Mouse with real buttons (not just electrical sensing) that you could try?

Nope


Here's another data point: The Magic Trackpad is not a recent purchase. In fact, it's kind of old. Do these devices have a shelf life?

 

[pm-r]

Very suddenly.

I don't mean to insult, does it have an on-off switch that may have accidentally got turned off or the batteries died?

Sorry, but I don't have one or know the details of how they work or why they would suddenly quit unless something went kaput inside.

All I know is I can't use one as they just do not respond properly and I have been told this is due to my lack of body's capacitance.

Hopefully a normal user can chime in with a piece of advice for you.




- Patrick
=======

 

[Marrk]

I don't mean to insult, does it have an on-off switch that may have accidentally got turned off or the batteries died?

Sorry, but I don't have one or know the details of how they work or why they would suddenly quit unless something went kaput inside.



- Patrick
=======

No insult taken.

I noted in my OP that I turned the trackpad off and on, and I also ran it using a cable instead of wirelessly. If the trackpad were turned off, or the battery were dead, nothing on it would work, but in this case, the trackpad works except for the click function.

 

[pm-r]

but in this case, the trackpad works except for the click function.

I am sorry, but I have absolutely no idea why it would suddenly quit especially since you haven't added any new software or done anything different to upset it.

Even though I have no idea why it might fix things, I would be inclined to cold boot your Mac into Safe Boot Mode, run Disk Utility > First Aid and then reboot normally, and if it still does not work properly I guess it's back to a Google search and see if there's anything you can see that might be related to fix things:

How to fix Macbook trackpad not working or not clicking​

MacBook trackpad not clicking? 10 fixes to try

When your Mac's touchpad is not working, you quickly realize how useless your laptop is. Looking for tips to fix it? It’s right here, in this article!

cleanmymac.com

​

But I guess like all man-made things, they can break and need to be replaced or at least grab a cheap working Mouse so you can still use your Mac/



- Patrick
=======

 

[Marrk]

I am sorry, but I have absolutely no idea why it would suddenly quit especially since you haven't added any new software or done anything different to upset it.

No need to apologize. I appreciate your effort.

How to fix Macbook trackpad not working or not clicking​

MacBook trackpad not clicking? 10 fixes to try

When your Mac's touchpad is not working, you quickly realize how useless your laptop is. Looking for tips to fix it? It’s right here, in this article!

cleanmymac.com

​

I looked at that list, but I did not attempt any of the resets (yet).

Even though I have no idea why it might fix things, I would be inclined to cold boot your Mac into Safe Boot Mode, run Disk Utility > First Aid and then reboot normally,

If I get a break in my work, I may attempt this. The problem is with the Magic Trackpad, not the trackpad on the laptop. I have tried to google search things like "Magic Trackpad Won't Click," but to no avail. I think a new Magic Trackpad is around 125 smackeroos. It maybe time to get one, and a new Magic Keyboard, and start fresh.

 

[pm-r]

I think a new Magic Trackpad is around 125 smackeroos. It maybe time to get one, and a new Magic Keyboard, and start fresh.

Have you considered any of the Logitech trackpads and/or keyboard or combinations or other companies similar products other than Apple's, many of which sell some excellent products at a fraction of Apple's price?



- Patrick
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[Marrk]

Magic Trackpad started clicking again. Then, it stopped. Then, it started again. But it won't click and drag.

I'm guessing this is a hardware, not a software, problem.

 

[Rod]

Sounds like it.

 

[Marrk]

Sounds like it.

These are old devices, and I don't see that there any moving parts on them. I guess my only choice is to replace it.

Thanks to all who weighed in on his thread.

 

[pm-r]

These are old devices, and I don't see that there any moving parts on them. I guess my only choice is to replace it.

It certainly doesn't look like there any easy user replacement or repair parts available looking at the IFixit repair guides unless one is possible and electronics whiz Guru.

Apple Magic Trackpad Repair

Apple Magic Trackpad Repair Help: Learn How to Fix It Yourself.

Repair guides for the Magic Trackpad. Released in 2010.

www.ifixit.com

Magic Trackpad 2 Repair

Magic Trackpad 2 Repair Help: Learn How to Fix It Yourself.

Second generation desktop trackpad released by Apple on October 14, 2015. Model A1535.

www.ifixit.com

I think Apple should give you a trade-in credit on the new one.



- Patrick
=======

 

[Marrk]

@pm-r I don't mind buying a new one, but thanks for the info. I'll look into the trade-in idea.