Somehow, trackpad has locked me out of my computer

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Somehow, trackpad has locked me out of my computer

Ok, so this should be impossible to do, but leave it to Apple to overlook this issue, especially in a age where you can’t find wired mouses. I need help immediately please.

I use Bluetooth mouse and Bluetooth trackpad usually. So that is how this laptop is set up. I needed to move my 2013 15” MacBook Pro 2.6Ghz i7 Retina, 16Gb ram to another location and just use the internal trackpad for a bit so I took it and turned it on in the different location. The internal trackpad would work as usual during sign in, but once logged in, it stopped working ! (stupid design should be noted).

So I figured it needed the Bluetooth devices so then I could switch it back over to internal trackpad only usage. Well after turning them on and using them to find that setting, no luck. There was no way I could find to disable the BT devices and switch back over to internal trackpad only. So after that the only logical option is to turn Bluetooth off so the computer will obviously automatically switch back over to internal use. = NOPE !

Once I did that, nothing worked, not the internal trackpad nor the BT devices. Only option was to shut down and turn back on via the power button. Same thing happens, internal trackpad works while signing in, but once I log in, it stops working. I don’t know if a wired mouse would work at this time, but if so, I don’t own one and I need to use my computer now. They don’t even sell them locally anymore from what I know. I’m literally locked out of my computer by Apple overlooking this simple possible thing to happen if you make a computer that doesn’t automatically switch back to internal trackpad if you turn off Bluetooth.

I tried to start up in Safe Mode. Same thing happens. So what can I do here ? Is there a way to start up with a button combo to either turn Bluetooth on automatically ? Or to reset that option that turns the internal trackpad off ?

I simply can not see how they design a computer that allows you to disable internal trackpad and Bluetooth at same time. That’s just not good design and there is not one reason why someone would want to do that. During sign in there should be a auto detect if Bluetooth is off, it automatically enables the internal trackpad no matter what the settings are.

Anyway, all help appreciated, I’m in a bind here.

Thanks to all in advance !

MacBook Pro 15", macOS 10.13

Posted on Jul 2, 2019 5:28 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Roulette Records Author

Level 1

32 points

Jul 3, 2019 2:19 AM in response to HWTech

Thanks for the input HWTech. Luckily I was able to manipulate the situation and get bluetooth re-enabled. No thanks to Apple's shotty design. Hopefully they address this with one simple fix one day.

Anyway, for anyone else reading this, who has accidentally done this, here is how you get it back quicker than it takes to go track down a obsolete wired mouse.

When powering back on, BEFORE you sign in/login you will notice your internal trackpad works fine. This is because the computer hasn't taken on your personalized settings yet (and it also proves there is nothing wrong with your computer or trackpad or any hardware issue). THIS is how you will be able to fix the issue. But first let me rewind. Before turning off your computer (if you did turn it back on, login and --), look at the top of your screen and locate the Bluetooth icon (if you chose to not display this in settings, then you can't do this and go find a wired mouse). Put a small piece of tape on your screen directly over the bluetooth icon. I recommend a small piece of blue painters tape, but any tape will do, just be exact.

Now power down and back on. Once computer is powered back on but BEFORE you login, move the cursor to the same exact spot as the tape. Don't move it again. Now sign in by using "tab" to choose the next text box and hit return for enter (therefore not needing to move your mouse to sign in).

Ok, now your logged back in, and your trackpad is frozen as usual. BUT your cursor is in the correct spot ! Just click now and it opens the bluetooth dropdown window. (for some reason click works but not your trackpad movement). With that dropdown menu open now use the up and down arrows on your keyboard (keyboard works too btw) to highlight "Turn Bluetooth On", then click or hit return/enter.

VIOLA !!! Problem solved. Now your bluetooth devices work. Turn them on, and go to System Preferences--->Accessibility--->Mouse & Trackpad. There UNCHECK the ticker box that says: "Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present". This should keep this from happening again. BUT it is still a glitch because once bluetooth is off, a "mouse or wireless trackpad" is NOT "present" and it should re-enable the built-in trackpad. BUT it does not when you turn bluetooth off while using bluetooth devices and here-in lies the design issue. Because it is common to do that.

Now Apple, can you please write a very simple code that keeps this from happening. Jeeez.

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Answer 2

Jul 2, 2019 7:32 PM in response to Roulette Records

You have already answered your own question. You need to use a wired USB mouse to re-enable Bluetooth. I'm sure someone you know has a USB mouse you could borrow. You can always take it to the Apple Store for assistance and to have the laptop checked out.

You may also have overlooked part of the problem. Maybe you actually have a hardware issue with the laptop.

Have you tried an SMC reset and PRAM reset (hold the PRAM reset for a full minute or for at least three chimes).

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Somehow, trackpad has locked me out of my computer

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