c4farrel

Q: Macbook Pro trackpad/mouse issues

I have a 2011 macbook pro and lately the trackpad has a mind of its own and moves sporadically or opens the dashboard randomly. I have tried using both a wireless and non-wireless mouse but the issue never goes away entirely and even the mouse won't be 100% responsive. I had the same exact issue earlier this year but it went away on its own after a few weeks. Two weeks ago (when it started again) I had brought my macbook into the bathroom while I had a quick shower (I was waiting to get tickets on ticketmaster with a +20,000 people queue so I didn't want to risk losing my place in line while showering) and I am wondering if maybe the steam from the shower is what's causing the issue and there may still be moisture trapped need the trackpad? Any solutions for fixing this issue would be greatly appreciated!

iPhone 6

Posted on Oct 3, 2015 11:53 AM

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Q: Macbook Pro trackpad/mouse issues

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  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Oct 3, 2015 12:15 PM in response to c4farrel
    Level 10 (208,000 points)
    Applications
    Oct 3, 2015 12:15 PM in response to c4farrel

    There are several possible causes for this issue. Please take each of the following steps that you haven't already tried until it's resolved. Some may not apply in your case.

    1. Follow the instructions in this support article, and also this one, if applicable. A damaged or defective AC adapter could be the cause, even if it's the right kind.

    2. Press down all four corners of the trackpad at once and release. If there's any effect, it's likely to be temporary, and in that case the unit must be serviced or replaced.

    3. Disconnect or power off each Bluetooth or USB pointing device, one at a time, testing as you go. You may be able to identify one that's malfunctioning. By a "pointing device," I mean a peripheral that moves the cursor, such as a trackpad, mouse, trackball, or graphics tablet. A plain keyboard is not a pointing device. If you have a desktop model without a built-in trackpad, at least one external pointing device must be active at all times.

    4. If your model has an infrared receiver for use with an Apple Remote, disable it.

    5. Start up in safe mode and test, preferably without launching any third-party applications. If you don't have the problem in safe mode, but it comes back when you restart as usual, stop here and post your results. Do the same if you can't start in safe mode. If there was no difference in safe mode, go on to the next step.

    6. Reset the System Management Controller.

    7. If you're using a Bluetooth trackpad or mouse, investigate potential sources of interference, including USB 3 devices.

    8. A swollen battery in a portable computer can impinge on the trackpad from below and cause erratic behavior. If you have trouble clicking the trackpad, this is likely the reason. The battery must be replaced without delay.

    9. A defective peripheral device or a damaged cable can cause the built-in trackpad of a MacBook to behave erratically. If you're using any wired peripherals, disconnect them one at a time and test.

    10. There's also a report of erratic cursor movements caused by an external display that was connected but not turned on.

    11. If you use Handoff, disable it in the General pane of System Preferences.

    12. If none of the above applies, or if you have another reason to think that your computer is being remotely controlled, remove it from the network by turning off Wi-Fi (or your Wi-Fi access point), disconnecting from a Bluetooth network link, and unplugging the Ethernet cable or USB modem, whichever is applicable. If the cursor movements stop at once, you should suspect an intrusion.

    13. Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store to have the machine and/or external trackpad tested.