mchammer72

Q: my trackpad on my mac book pro glitches everywhere

the trackpad on my mac book pro glitches everywhere!

any ideas

MacBook Pro

Posted on Aug 15, 2013 3:25 PM

Close

Q: my trackpad on my mac book pro glitches everywhere

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Carolyn Samit,Helpful

    Carolyn Samit Carolyn Samit Aug 15, 2013 3:26 PM in response to mchammer72
    Level 10 (124,577 points)
    Apple Music
    Aug 15, 2013 3:26 PM in response to mchammer72

    Hi ...

     

    Try this support article >  Portables and Magic Trackpad: Jumpy or erratic trackpad operation

     

    Not sure exactly what you meant by, "glitches" ...

  • by mchammer72,

    mchammer72 mchammer72 Aug 15, 2013 3:31 PM in response to mchammer72
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 15, 2013 3:31 PM in response to mchammer72

    I mean that without me touching the track pad the mouse goes everywhere on the screen opening stuff etc.

  • by mchammer72,

    mchammer72 mchammer72 Aug 15, 2013 3:32 PM in response to Carolyn Samit
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 15, 2013 3:32 PM in response to Carolyn Samit

    I mean that without me touching the track pad the mouse goes everywhere on the screen opening stuff etc.

  • by mchammer72,

    mchammer72 mchammer72 Aug 15, 2013 3:33 PM in response to Carolyn Samit
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 15, 2013 3:33 PM in response to Carolyn Samit

    still does not work

  • by OGELTHORPE,Helpful

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Aug 15, 2013 3:35 PM in response to mchammer72
    Level 9 (52,793 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 15, 2013 3:35 PM in response to mchammer72

    Open the MBP and look at the battery.  The battery resides underneath the trackpad and occasionally it will expand and interfere with the trackpad operation.

     

    Ciao.

  • by Carolyn Samit,

    Carolyn Samit Carolyn Samit Aug 15, 2013 3:35 PM in response to mchammer72
    Level 10 (124,577 points)
    Apple Music
    Aug 15, 2013 3:35 PM in response to mchammer72

    Try cleaning it...  fingerprints can cause erratic mouse behavior.

     

    Swipe with a clean lint free cloth.

     

    And check your settings in System Preferences > Trackpad

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Aug 15, 2013 5:23 PM in response to mchammer72
    Level 10 (208,044 points)
    Applications
    Aug 15, 2013 5:23 PM in response to mchammer72

    There are several possible causes for this issue. Take each of the following steps until it's resolved.

    1. Follow the instructions in this support article.

    2. Open the Bluetooth preference pane in System Preferences and check for unknown or forgotten input devices. Disconnect any USB input devices that you aren't using.

    3. Boot in safe mode and test, preferably without launching any third-party applications. If you don't have the problem in safe mode, but it comes back when you reboot as usual, stop here and post your results. If you can't boot in safe mode, do the same. If you booted in safe mode and there was no change, go on to the next step.

    4. Reset the System Management Controller.

    5. If you're using a Bluetooth trackpad, investigate potential sources of interference, including USB 3 devices.

    6. A swollen battery in a MacBook Pro or Air can impinge on the trackpad from below and cause erratic behavior. If you have trouble clicking the trackpad, this is likely the reason. The battery must be replaced without delay.

    7. There's a report that a (possibly defective) Thunderbolt Ethernet adapter can cause the built-in trackpad of a MacBook to  behave erratically. If you're using such an adapter, disconnect it and test.

    8. There's also a report of erratic cursor movements caused by an external display that was connected but not turned on.

    9. If none of the above applies, or if you have another reason to think that your computer is being remotely controlled, remove it from the network by turning off Wi-Fi (or your Wi-Fi access point), disconnecting from a Bluetooth network link, and unplugging the Ethernet cable or USB modem, whichever is applicable. If the cursor movements stop at once, you should suspect an intrusion.

    10. Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store to have the machine tested.

  • by itsmariahx,

    itsmariahx itsmariahx Aug 20, 2013 4:12 PM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 20, 2013 4:12 PM in response to Linc Davis

    Alright, I made it to step three, and my onscreen mouse seems to be working smoothly as i move my finger along the trackpad many ways.  So what does this mean that it works in safe mode, but not when im logged in?

     

    Edit: When I do log in, and begin to use my mouse it seems to work fine for a few minutes, then it begins to lag. I then wipe the trackpad with a tissue pretty hard so its clicked down, and it works again for a few minutes and begins to lag again. I've washed  my hands, and i haven't touched anything odd, so im not sure why it keeps working for a few minutes then lags. Thanks!