MBP problems with trackpad while charging

I forgot to say that the pad goes back to normal then 🙂

Facing similar issue. How do i solve it...

I'd take the following steps: Try to rule out the adapter first. If it's not the adapter, try to rule out a grounding issue by by using the three-prong power cable. If that doesn't resolve it, try the laptop in another location; family, local library, workplace etc.

And if that doesn't resolve it, it could be the notebook itself and should be brought back to the vendor.

Hi,

I had the same problem. I changed the schuko plug on my charger and the problem was solved. There were 2 big scratches on the metal tips of the plug.

keessie wrote:

So maybe imperfections in the power current confuses the trackpad hardware (car converters are notorious for their bad waveform; instead of a nice sine, they may produce a block shaped voltage wave).

Or unfiltered high frequencies screwing around with the touch sensors. I experienced the same, a couple of years ago, with a cheap Android phone and a Chinese car charger.

Since then I prefer to either spend a bit more money on original Apple or Samsung chargers (both are fine), or just get a second hand.

I have the same problem, but with the new AC charger, not with the one that came together with MacBook. Bart1977 had good points - this is a hardware problem and it is not at all rare among non-original MacBook adapters. However, this can be considered as mailfunctioning and you can give the product back!

I just wanted to add another observation from my side. As some people already mentioned, relaxing your palm on computer takes away the noise and removes this mailfunctioning. Even better would be to touch the computer frame with some metal thing, directly or with wire. This redistributes and kills the noise.

For example, what I did is that I connected the external device via Thunderbolt, and although it is off, it just takes away this noise, so the trackpad works normally again.

What still worries me is if this electric noise can have any influence on a person using the computer. Oscilatting currents do not have healthy effects on living beings 🙂 (except those of several thousands Hertz).

I just starting having this issue recently and I dread having to take my Mac to the shop as I use it everyday for work. So I just googled it to see what if anyone else was having this issue when the charger is plugged in.

Someone mentioned in an earlier post to try using the 3-Pronged plug which is on the extender (which I do not use), and my problem is fixed!! Track pad is working great!

So... bottom line, I think it's a grounding issue as someone stated earlier. USE YOUR 3-PRONG PLUG!!

Hope that helps! 🙂

That palm trick solved the problem for me too, so weird. In my case, I did not have the trackpad problem with the original charger, but that charger died and the new one immediately created the problem with the trackpad when the macbook air is plugged in. I also thought that using the grounded plug might solve the problem, but it did not for me. Maybe because I'm using it in a country with 220v current.

By the way, the palm trick works with either hand. So you can rest your left hand on the computer to the side of the trackpad and use the trackpad with your right hand.

saulhs wrote:

By the way, the palm trick works with either hand. So you can rest your left hand on the computer to the side of the trackpad and use the trackpad with your right hand.

For me, also works good with one hand if and only if, I rest that hand in the computer while I use the trackpad at same time. I know I know it's uncomfortable 😠

This might not be a solution so much as it is more information. My wife has a MacBook Air 13" (Mid-2012) that had been having glitchy trackpad and keyboard issues. I opened up the bottom and removed the battery to find that the cable between the main board and the trackpad had been worn against the frame that holds the batteries. This was probably shorting the cable as the computer heated up from use and pressed against the it. I ended up cleaning it with a little bit of alcohol and placing a tiny bit of electrical tape over the worn joint to see if that would help isolate the cable from the battery frame. So far so good. It seems to have fixed it.

What does this have to do with your problem? The battery array might be interfering with that cable in your Air as well. Or at least they might not be isolated adequately enough from each other. Get the right tools to open the case and take a look for yourself. It's very easy with the right screwdrivers, just make sure to keep track of your screws.

I had this problem too. I had my MacBook Pro serviced at an Apple store (for other reasons) but it did not they did not know know the answer to the trackpad/charger problem. I tried a different charger and the trackpad worked fine so am going to buy a new charger.

I have a really old MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2010). It works perfectly fine; a little slow at times but I even have Sierra on it! I noticed when I plug charger in the trackpad plays up. I did buy the charger from eBay but it said it was genuine (my genuine one broke few years ago and a second one off eBay did so this is my third) but charges fine. I'm wondering if it isn't genuine because it said it was and I paid about £30 for it and has the serial number on it etc. Tried cleaning around trackpad and I don't understand that pressing your hand on it to make it work. No point taking it to Apple because their service is rubbish and the one for me is too far to go and it's an old Mac so doubt they could do anything, plus it would cost a ridiculous amount.

I know it has been a lot of time since this post... maybe you have already the solution or even, you dont have the same mac today... i had the same problem 3 days ago and i observed after testing that it has nothing to do with the cable or computer... as you said 4 years ago it has something to do with electricity principles. It seems that some electrical outlets dont have a proper "grounding" and it affects in some way the functioning of the MBP or MB trackpad or mouse. Just test your computer with several outlets... and you´ll figure the issue. ¿The Solution? Find a new home 😉 or a new electrical outlet... or find an electrician to do what they do.

I got the same problem in Macbook Air when I changed my charger. But it is surprising holding the laptop in palm and using track pad works for me too. Strange but it works. thanks for sharing. I think the track pad is not working due to some static discharge issues, so when we hold in our hands I guess our body conducts the static charges due to which the track pad works well. Maybe the Original Apple laptop charger is designed not to send these charges to its laptop whereas the replacement charger is not designed to do the same.

I have this problem too. Maybe we should try 60W charges instead of 85W? May help. I'll try it.