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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

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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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Dec 16, 2017 5:59 AM in response to kristenfromfl

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.

Nov 14, 2013 7:06 AM in response to kristenfromfl

I had a very similar problem today and it was a real silly mistake.

I have an external trackpad that I use occationally. I had taken that trackpad and put it underneath another item, in cleaning the clutter from my desk. As I had not turned it off, at some point the object on top must have pressed it enough to "click". This caused left clicks not to register (but right clicks worked), as well as some odd problems not being able to navigate completely via keyboard.

I hope this helps someone who has this problem, because it's really simple and not obvious. I never really looked beyond what was connected and it is wireless. Note: if you need to do something with a Magic Trackpad which may cause it to play games like this, you can hold the power button for 3-4 seconds and it will power down. Then, just hit the power button again to power up.

So if you have a wireless mouse or trackpad somewhere in the house, go find it. Alternately, take your laptop away from your house and see if the symptoms change.

Oct 8, 2017 7:00 PM in response to kristenfromfl

I have a similar problem with both my mouse and my trackpad. In my case the left click is replaced by a right click, so that a right click results whether I do a left click or a right click. This happens almost every session.


I've complained to Apple on numerous occasions. It happened first when I just had the mouse, so I went to the expense of buying one of Apple's overpriced trackpads, thinking that the problem was with the mouse.But because it happens on both devices at the same time, the problem can't be with the mouse or the trackpad. Instead it must be an Imac problem.


Apple refuses to investigate. They say I must lug the Imac down to the nearest Apple store and have their tecs look at it.

Jan 19, 2017 9:41 AM in response to kristenfromfl

Thank you so much for this post. I just spent an hour trying to fix my mouse as only the right click was working. Then I read your post and thought oh, I better find my track pad. Found it under some folders. You were spot on with your fix.

I decided to turn off the track pad and just try the mouse. It worked great. Thanks again!

Jun 29, 2017 3:53 PM in response to kristenfromfl

Guys, I have checked all the answers posted, as I had the same Problem in my old Macbook. As a result, I focused on the bluetooth devices, specially the mice. I could not fix the issue. Then I remembered reading something about the battery. In fact, I did change my macbook battery several years ago and it is still working reasonably well. However, it seems that it is a Little bigger than the original one as, after replacing it for the old battery, the left-click issue at once disappeared...

Regards and good-luck.

Jul 3, 2017 11:10 PM in response to kristenfromfl

Lol. I also have a magic trackpad but the problem was slightly different. I guess it must have been a bit dirty which was triggering the click. I use the tap to click option so the pressure you need to exert to click it is very slight. All I had to do was wipe down both trackpads with a soft cloth and some eyeglass cleaner (diluted rubbing alcohol basically) and they are both working fine now. Honestly people just try cleaning your trackpad first. It might be as simple as that

Mar 6, 2018 3:09 PM in response to kristenfromfl

This thread has just saved me a whole lot of investigation, thank you so much.


I restarted my MAC Book because the track pad wasn’t working, the mouse cursor worked but nothing could be selected. In the end I restarted the MAC and lost 1 hours worth of work, I then noticed that moving the cursor and the right mouse button worked but no left mouse button.


It wasn’t until I read this thread that I realised my Magic Mouse was in my case and my Dalmatian was sitting on it...two and two were added together and I dug my mouse out of the bag to find I hadn’t turned it off and my dog had been laying on the left mouse button.


Thanks everyone for writing this thread.

Nov 13, 2013 7:47 AM in response to kristenfromfl

I am having the exact same problems and it happened in the exact same way. It started highlighting everything and then shortly after my left clicking stopped working. I have worked all day trying to restore it with no luck, it just keeps getting worse and worse.


Here is everthing I've tried:


1. Resetting NVRAM (just shuts down after long load)

2. Target disk mode (unable to open it as removable harddrive, but ran disk utility, it says unable to repair. but does recognize there is a problem)

2. Resetting SMC (just shuts down after long load)

3. Command + R (starts up, but without the mouse left click function I am unable to start the installation process. Tabbing to highlight and then pressing enter to start the install does not work. Even when you tab to highlight continue and press enter.)


I think there maybe a problem with my harddrive now


I am fresh out of ideas "any help" anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks,

-Stevie

Nov 13, 2013 1:03 PM in response to tmjeff

Now a second mac less then one month old is doing the same thing now.


Please read the warranty paperwork that came w/your computer.


You have 14 days to return the computer w/no questions asked. Plus you have 90 days of FREE phone tech support on top of your standard 1 year warranty unless you also purchased AppleCare which gives you an additional 2 years of coverage plus FREE phone support.


Strongly suggest that you take FULL advantage of the above before it runs out. Let Apple deal w/the problems.














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Left-click not working on trackpad or mouse

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