Trackpad/Keyboard lagging on external monitor (MacBook Air M1)

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Trackpad/Keyboard lagging on external monitor (MacBook Air M1)

I have the same issue using the a MacBook Air M1 and found a pattern.

It is reliably not working when the cursor is on the external screen, but it does work reliably when I use the cursor on the Macbooks's built-in screen even while connected to the external screen.

"Not working": Intermittently the cursor freezes for a short time (lengths varies, e.g. 0.5s, 2s, 4s). Atypical scenario is scrolling through Google search results. However, it's not only the cursor, e.g. I see it also lagging if I type a letter in the google search input field.

Hence, I conclude it has nothing to do with the trackpad as it happens for keyboard, too.

It is probably a port, adapter/driver, or graphics problem... I would reword the original thread -- linked below -- as the screen is lagging.

I can reproduce this when I change display settings. For example I switch the external screen's settings to 50Hz and back to default setting 60s. It seems hereafter, the lagging occurs more frequently and for longer periods. Alternatively refreshing the page e.g. Google search results helps to reproduce for me, too.

My setup: MacBook Air M1, Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, Acer display with HDMI cable.

I use the same monitor on a daily basis with a Windows machine for work which is working fine. Hence, it's

Reopening this thread: Trackpad won't click and drag with extern… - Apple Community

MacBook Air

Posted on Oct 15, 2022 11:14 AM

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Answer 1

Chris_V89

Community Specialist

Oct 16, 2022 4:56 PM in response to idbiqp

Hey there idbiqp,

Thanks for reaching out to the Apple Support Communities. To get started, have you had a chance to test the issue with a different cable, a different port on the MacBook, or a different monitor all together? This may be able to help isolate the issue further to a specific component.

You could also test the issue in safe mode to help determine if the issue could be caused by software that loads as your MacBook starts up.

For help with booting into safe mode, and what to do if the issue does or doesn't occur in safe mode, check out this link here: How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support

Apple silicon

1. Shut down your Mac.

2. Turn on your Mac and continue to press and hold the power button until you see the startup options window.

3. Select your startup disk, then press and hold the Shift key while clicking “Continue in Safe Mode.”

4. Log in to your Mac. You might be asked to log in again.

If the issue continues in safe mode

If the issue continues while in safe mode, or your Mac restarts several times and then shuts down while starting up in safe mode, you should reinstall macOS and make sure that your Apple software and third-party apps are up to date.

If the issue doesn't continue in safe mode

If the issue doesn't continue while in safe mode, leave safe mode by restarting your Mac normally. Then test for the issue again. The issue might be resolved.

If the issue returns after leaving safe mode, startup items are probably at fault. Apps can install such items in numerous places, and they aren't always easy to find or recognize. For that reason, you should first make sure that you've installed any available updates for your Apple software and third-party apps.

If updating your software doesn't help, try any of these solutions:

- Test your login items.

- To learn whether software in your user account is causing the issue, set up a new user account, then log in to it and try to reproduce the issue in that account.

- Unplug all accessories from your Mac, including printers, drives, USB hubs, and other nonessential devices. You could have an issue with one or more of those devices or their cables.

- Reinstall macOS.

If you still need help, please contact Apple Support.

Keep us updated on the results, and we'll continue from there.

Have a great day!

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Trackpad/Keyboard lagging on external monitor (MacBook Air M1)

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