MacBook Pro 14" (18,3) M1Pro pointer/trackpad input stops working

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MacBook Pro 14" (18,3) M1Pro pointer/trackpad input stops working

I have this newer MacBook Pro 14" (18,3) M1Pro operating on OS 12.4 Monterey.

At random times the pointer input just quits responding and the arrow hops to the upper left corner of the screen. This could happen when I have Bluetooth on or off although seems more prevalent when I have Bluetooth on.

None of the inputs work at all - not the built-in internal track pad nor if I have either a Bluetooth Trackpad or Apple Bluetooth mouse enabled.

I am still able to operate the computer otherwise so I can switch between apps with Command-Tab and save my work and such so it's not totally catastrophic, but is horribly frustrating.

Also, since I can't use the trackpad at all the only remedy is to hard shut down the computer with the fingerprint/power key. But, once it's restarted all is back to normal.

I suspect software just because both the built-in trackpad and any pointer device attached via Bluetooth don't do anything once this happens.

Anything the wisdom of this group might think I should look into? Thanks in advance.

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 12.4

Posted on Jun 11, 2022 7:58 AM

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Answer 1

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PRP_53

Level 10

85,591 points

Jun 11, 2022 8:05 AM in response to Curbside

1 - Restart in Safe Mode. This will perform a Disk Repair, clear cache files and only load Apple Software, extensions and fonts. The boot up will be slow and can take some time - Normal.

2 - Does the issue present in this mode ?

3 - Sometimes a Safe Boot followed by a Normal Boot will just put things right.

4 - If not - there could be something in the main User Account playing up. To further isolate this - Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac. Then log out of the Main User account and log into the dummy account and test again if the issue persists.

5 - If the issue is present in the dummy account - then, this appears to be a System Wide issue on the computer.

6 - If after performing each of the above steps is the order that have been presents and still have issues - please advise for possible further assistance.

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Answer 2

PRP_53

Level 10

85,591 points

Jun 12, 2022 1:45 PM in response to Curbside

Perhaps what you plan to do to the computer is drastic and not totally needed ?

If you have the time and willing to explore the below method ?

The next best thing for us to having an actual On-Hand experience on this computer is to follow the steps below

Download the Application Etrecheck directly from a well Respected ASC Contributor. And Safe to use.

The application is free or paid from added features.

Run the application with Full Disc Access ( Security & Privacy - Full Disc Access ).

It will take a Snap Shot - both the hardware and software.

The Report will Not Reveal Any Personal Information.

Post back the Full Report - copy and paste - using the Additional Text Icon ( 3rd Icon to last )

We can have a look at the report for possible issues and may have possible suggestions to resolve the issues.

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Answer 3

Curbside Author

Level 1

0 points

Jun 12, 2022 1:34 PM in response to PRP_53

Well it works with the extensions turned off (safe mode - I go back a long way!) but, just now, restarted normally it did it again.

I think what I'll do is just reformat the confuser and hope that that works. Who knows what all junk it has gotten polluted with over , though I haven't had it all that long. Will keep everyone posted and, again, thank you!

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