HT203171: If your pointer is jumpy when you use a trackpad, Magic Trackpad, or Magic Mouse

Learn about If your pointer is jumpy when you use a trackpad, Magic Trackpad, or Magic Mouse
rodders888

Q: Trackpad issues

my track pad problem on my MacBook Air is that i don't have to click it. sometimes if the cursor is on a link and my finger is on the pad, it opens the link without clicking it. Any idea what can cause this?

Aperture 3

Posted on May 29, 2013 12:56 AM

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Q: Trackpad issues

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  • by jeremy_v,

    jeremy_v jeremy_v May 31, 2013 7:55 AM in response to rodders888
    Community Specialists
    May 31, 2013 7:55 AM in response to rodders888

    Hi rodders888,

     

    Thanks for visiting Apple Support Communities!

     

    It sounds like "tap to click" may be enabled on your trackpad. See these article for more information:

     

    Magic Trackpad: About the Tap to Click feature

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4331

     

    HT4331-magic_trackpad-trackpad_sys_pref-001-en.jpg

     

    OS X Mountain Lion: Change the way your trackpad works

    http://support.apple.com/kb/PH10674

    Tap to click: If you select this option, tapping the trackpad with one finger is the same as clicking.

    Best,

     

    Jeremy

  • by stylinchas,

    stylinchas stylinchas Jun 1, 2013 12:20 PM in response to jeremy_v
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 1, 2013 12:20 PM in response to jeremy_v

    I have exactly the same problem, I unchecked all the Tap to Click and other possible settings in the Trackpad control panel long ago in an effort to fix this. Now, the only checked box is Natural Swipe Direction.

     

    Like Rodders888, I leave the mouse onscreen and, without me touching the keyboard or trackpad, the trackpad will issue clicks that, if the cursor is over text, selects first one word and then the paragraph, and then deselects everything, exactly as would happen if you were repeatedly clicking.

     

    I have also cleaned the surface, and removed and re-paired the trackpad with the computer, and all the other non-effective online solutions that are offered. It seems that we are not the first to experience this very frustrating problem. Now working with my old Bluetooth mouse with the plastic roller ball - a poor substitute for the trackpad.