📢 Newsroom Update

Apple introduces M4 Pro and M4 Max. Learn more >

Macair certain parts of screen aren't clickable

Hello, I recently started having an issue with 1/4 of the right side of my screen appearing non-functional. I can use my trackpad or wireless mouse over the other 3/4 of the screen but any icons on desktop or even a web browser on the 'dead' side of the screen just cannot click.


I found the following response to someone having the indentical issue. The reply made note of putting the Mac in safe mode. I did this and I was able to get to the right side of the screen. I noticed the USB drives no longer shows up which was also noted.


My question is simply what did putting this is safe mode do for a permanent fix. The reply from Apple support didn't go into any other detail that I could find. I would like to know what this shows about the actual issue. I need to be able to use my USB ports but of course need to use the right 1/4 part of my screen. Thoughts? Thanks in advance for any input!


Oct 18, 2023 11:11 AM in response to sayali28

Hello sayali28,


Thanks for connecting with Apple Support Communities. We'd like to provide you with a troubleshooting steps that may help to resolve this issue that you're having while clicking your mouse, on a certain part of the screen.


Do you have the same issue when using the trackpad on your MacBook Air?

  • If not, then the issue is with the mouse. Check with the manufacturer for help: Contact a third-party vendor - Apple Support
  • If the issue issue happens with the trackpad, then let's start up your Mac in safe mode. Completing this step can help you identify whether issues you’re experiencing are caused by software that loads as your Mac starts up. Your screen may flash and load slower. This is all expected behavior: Use safe mode on your Mac

Keep in mind, safe mode may not work with a USB connected device.

"Some features might not work in safe mode, affecting video capture, graphics performance, file sharing, Wi-Fi, accessibility, audio devices, and devices connected via USB, Thunderbolt, or FireWire."


Let us know if this helps.

Take care.


MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Oct 31, 2024 8:33 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 1, 2024 1:33 PM

What the f? The same thing happened at the same exact time as well. Yesterday afternoon, 1/4 of my screen became unclickable on MacOS 10.15 Catalina. I did the security update as well and it is the same exact issue. Apple did something to our computers. I have a MacBook Pro Intel 2019

13 replies

Nov 1, 2024 8:40 AM in response to Lilike1969

I tried moving the dock around. Moving to the left side still leaves the right side of the screen unclickable. Moving the dock to the right side makes the right side clickable, but now the left side of the screen is unclickable. My question is Apple, are you really going to deliberately malfunction older macs and tell us the problem is the track pad, knowing full well that it is clearly a software issue? How else do you explain so many people having the same exact issue in the same day? I read another thread where support was adamant that it was a track pad issue because the computer was old. They almost refused to acknowledge that the issue happened whether with the track pad or mouse. Come on guys. Do better.

Nov 2, 2024 5:17 PM in response to Techmanethan

It does work, thanks!!!! But how exactly does this app interfere with the scope of the trackpad function? Can someone explain?

Another query: I don't recall having installed Grammarly at all. The 'Grammarly Desktop' app seems to have been 'created' on Friday 1 Nov 2024 at 5:45 am' (whilst I was asleep) and 'Modified' on Friday 1 November 2024 at 8:05 am (I assume this was when I turned the laptop on). And indeed, the problems started right when I turned it on.

And I appear to be signed in, and Grammarly appears on my Dock (I did not put it there.) How did all this happen without me doing anything (or without my awareness)?

Oct 31, 2024 5:20 PM in response to tutorr

I have the same issue. This morning, exactly the following issues were encountered as in the OP. I am having an issue with 1/4 of the right side of my screen, appearing non-functional. I can use my trackpad or wireless mouse over the other 3/4 of the screen but any icons on desktop or even Chrome browser on the 'dead' side of the screen just cannot click.

  • When I move desktop items to the left side, the trackpad works on them. when I move them back to the right, they are not clickable.
  • When I reduce and shift the open web browser to the left of the laptop screen, trackpad is working fine on all areas of the page. When I expand back to the right, 1/4 of the right hand side of the web page is un-clickable.
  • Alerts are not clickable, as they often appear on the top right.
  • Opening a word document - functions/tools on the top right are not clickable, but when I reduce size and shift to the left, the same functions became active/clickable.


What is the reason for this? And what can be done to fix it WITHOUT reverting to safe mode? Thank you.

Oct 31, 2024 6:03 PM in response to Lilike1969

Update, reading some (often 10+ years old!) advice, I played with the dock. When I move it to the right hand side (vertically), then the non-clickable area moves to the left 1/4. Go figure.

Going full screen solves the issue for the web browser, with the 1/4 right becoming clickable. But not for a simple word document, where 1/4 right side is still not clickable.

Nov 1, 2024 12:16 PM in response to tutorr

The issue is with a mouse or trackpad on the Macair. The area of the right side of the screen just isn't clickable!! You can not right click an icon or move a window if you select on that side of the screen. I am using safe mode but not having USB is truly an issue but also, I have no sound control for any videos or music. This Macair worked perfectly except for the screen issue. I would really like to have an idea what could be done. This is a perfectly good Mac and this just happened in the last few days.


You are reading that others are experiencing the same issue. I do NOT have a problem with my trackpad and really is the only thing I use on a daily basis. I would appreciate any input!

Macair certain parts of screen aren't clickable

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.