Brian Baer

Q: Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present not "sticking"

Just bought a MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015) and updated to macOS Sierra Version 10.


When I goto:


  System Preferences | Accessibility | Mouse & Trackpad 


and choose "Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present" it works perfect with my Magic Mouse -- turn on the mouse the trackpad stops working.


However after I reboot the computer the "Ignore ... is present" selection is still checked inside System Preferences, but the trackpad still works when the mouse is turned on.  I've tried turning off/on the mouse, but that doesn't help. I have to go into the System Preferences and turn off the option and turn it back on to have it work again -- obviously a less than optimal solution.


Anyone know a fix to this problem?


Thanks,


Brian

Posted on Oct 5, 2016 7:30 AM

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Q: Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present not "sticking"

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  • Helpful answers

  • by jameson.h,

    jameson.h jameson.h Oct 6, 2016 8:06 AM in response to Brian Baer
    Community Specialists
    Oct 6, 2016 8:06 AM in response to Brian Baer
    Hi Brian Baer, 

    I understand the preference to ignore the Trackpad when the Mouse is connected isn't staying selected on reboot.  Let's start with testing this behavior when booting into safe mode, after safe mode and in a new user.  Take a look at the articles below on how to enter safe mode and create a new user.  

    OS X El Capitan: Start up in safe mode

    How to test an issue in another user account on your Mac

    Please let me know the outcome of these tests, and thank you for visiting Apple Support Communities.  
  • by Brian Baer,

    Brian Baer Brian Baer Oct 6, 2016 10:11 AM in response to jameson.h
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Notebooks
    Oct 6, 2016 10:11 AM in response to jameson.h

    Hello,

     

    A slight correction to: "isn't staying selected on reboot". The option (i.e. the blue check box) does stay selected between reboots. The desired behavior (i.e. the touchpad being deactivated) does not.

     

    This occurs for the two existing accounts (both administrative). I created a new user with standard privileges and the problem exists for that new account as well.

     

    The problem exists when I rebooted in safe mode.

     

    Brian

  • by irina_w,

    irina_w irina_w Oct 12, 2016 6:39 AM in response to Brian Baer
    Community Specialists
    Oct 12, 2016 6:39 AM in response to Brian Baer
    Brian, 

    Thank you for the follow-up and clarification on this issue.  I think the best option to further assist you with this would be to reach out to us via phone.  

    Contact Support

    Cheers.  
  • by seventy one,

    seventy one seventy one Oct 12, 2016 6:59 AM in response to Brian Baer
    Level 6 (15,302 points)
    Peripherals
    Oct 12, 2016 6:59 AM in response to Brian Baer

    Hello Brian,

     

    Had I been around to answer when you first posed your question my reply would have been to do exactly as you have done.   De-select the check box in Systems preferences and then re-select it.   I agree it is not an ideal solution but to some degree it is determined by your need to reboot the computer.   A new Macbook such as you have does not need to be constantly powered off.   Shutting the lid is all that you need do unless you are not going to use it for a few days.

    Do let us know what transpires if you pick up the phone as Irena suggests, what they advise and whether it was successful.  It will help others to know, too.

  • by BDBaer_MSU,

    BDBaer_MSU BDBaer_MSU Oct 12, 2016 11:14 AM in response to irina_w
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Oct 12, 2016 11:14 AM in response to irina_w

    Unfortunately this computer was passed onto it's final (out-of-state) user and I no longer have access to do any more diagnostics on it.