Q: I can't control my cursor on my macbook.

Open System Preferences by selecting the menu item "  > System Preferences" then select the "Trackpad" pane:

change the tracking speed to see if that helps

are you keeping the palm of your hand up off the track pad?  HAve you tried rebooting the computer?

Lenny38yearsoldneverkissedagirl,

What model MacBook Pro do you have (e.g., "15-inch Late 2011")?

Sometimes, erratic trackpad movement can be caused by a swollen battery... can you check the health of your battery to eliminate that as a possible problem?

Clinton

There are several possible causes for this issue. Please take each of the following steps that you haven't already tried until it's resolved. Some may not apply in your case.

1. Follow the instructions in this support article, and also this one, if applicable. A damaged or defective AC adapter could be the cause, even if it's the right kind.

2. Press down all four corners of the trackpad at once and release. If there's any effect, it's likely to be temporary, and in that case the unit must be serviced or replaced.

3. Open the Bluetooth preference pane in System Preferences and delete all pointing devices other than the trackpad, if applicable. Disconnect any USB pointing devices. By a "pointing device," I mean a peripheral that moves the cursor, such as a trackpad, mouse, trackball, or graphics tablet. A plain keyboard is not a pointing device.

4. Start up 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 restart as usual, stop here and post your results. Do the same if you can't start in safe mode. If there was no difference in safe mode, go on to the next step.

5. Reset the System Management Controller.

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

7. A swollen battery in a portable computer 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.

8. 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.

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

10. 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.

11. Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store to have the machine and/or external trackpad tested.

Hi,

I'm having the exact same as OP - my computer is a late 2009 macbook.

I followed your instructions, and was able to stop the erratic mouse behaviour when I restarted in safe mode.

You advised to post if this happened, and I was hoping you might be able to help me understand what's going on with my computer.

Thanks for your help,

Sofia

"Press down all four corners of the trackpad at once and release. If there's any effect, it's likely to be temporary, and in that case the unit must be serviced or replaced."

Had the exact same issue as first poster and this resolved the issue....temporarily! Does that mean that my macbook will need to be repaired or replaced? What actually causes this issue do you know? Thanks in advance