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Left-click not working on trackpad or mouse

My trackpad began malfunctioning suddenly. Instead of clicking, it would click + hold (selecting all text). Very soon after, left-click stopped working. I'm able to navigate with the trackpad, but the click doesn't register (the trackpad does physically click). Sporadically, I have some left-click function with the trackpad and mouse when the computer is awakened from sleep, but not always and never for very long.

When the mouse is plugged in, left-click doesn't register. I disabled the trackpad when the mouse is plugged in under Universal Access, but I still am unable to get the left-click to register with the mouse. I'm able to navigate, scroll and right+click with the mouse. I'm able to left-click when using the mouse keys.

My battery is in good condition (diagnostics were fine and it was replaced last year) and isn't swollen, which I know can be an issue that leads to trackpad problems. A technician saw no problems with the logic board. I am running OS X Lion.

Does this sound like an issue with the trackpad that will be corrected if the trackpad is replaced? Or is it another issue? If the trackpad is disabled when the mouse is plugged in, why is the mouse also having a left-click issue?

MacBook Pro (15-inch Mid 2009), Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Sep 13, 2013 5:39 PM

Best reply

cardo289

Level 1

5 points

Posted on Dec 16, 2017 5:59 AM

If you are in the vicinity of a previously connected bluetooth input device, find it and turn it off, or remove it from your bluetooth pairings. Same thing happened to me, and a couple of days troubleshooting, I found that I had my bluetooth mouse in my computer bag. It was on, connected, and depressed in the bag, which interrupted the function of the trackpad.

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49 replies

Nov 8, 2016 2:33 PM in response to JoeHave

I had the same problem. Thought you were all crazy as this must be a software problem or a failing computer.

After multiple reboots and a large amount of frustration I found an old Logitech wireless mouse in my rucksack that when I threw it into the corner the mouse must have turned on

Turned it off and problem disappeared! Lesson learnt, listen to the wisdom of the crowd!

MacMyse

Level 1

4 points

Dec 10, 2016 4:32 AM in response to kristenfromfl

I have a USB mouse/keyboard combo. Left click stopped working intermittently. Usually I'd power the machine down and when it came up the mouse would function properly. Today after 12 reboots I managed to right click over the blue tooth icon at the top of my screen and turn blue tooth off using the keyboard to navigate "Bluetooth: OFF" menu item. Functionality came back it seems with in a second of turning blue tooth off. I"m guessing bluetooth is finding another mouse/device nearby. I'll follow up if I'm able to confirm this.

Nov 30, 2017 9:17 AM in response to kristenfromfl

is probably due to a 'stuck' control key.

Go to System Preference -> keyboard -> modifier keys to disable the control key

Jan 26, 2018 10:10 AM in response to kristenfromfl

I just solve problem - it is hardware based , defective trackpad, so exchange internal trackpad and you are done.

Left-click not working on trackpad or mouse