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Solving my trackpad issue?

Im not 100% sure why my trackpad isn't working anymore but it is slightly worrying. I'm currently using a wireless apple mouse and have disabled the trackpad in accessibilities. The trackpad moves on its own and glitches around the screen. It also right clicks on its own and brings up Launch and other stuff that I don't want. I can't think why the trackpad is suddenly playing up but I was hoping someone would tell me? If this is a problem that should be consulted or professionally fixed, would you know how much and whether or not the warranty would cover costs or whether I'm simply stressing over nothing.


Please help me because I don't want to just leave this issue. Although my mac is in working order with the wireless mouse, I would like this problem fixed as I prefer the trackpad.


Thanks

MacBook Pro

Posted on Jul 1, 2015 12:41 PM

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Posted on Jul 1, 2015 1:02 PM

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 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. If your model has an infrared receiver for use with an Apple Remote, disable it.

5. 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.

6. Reset the System Management Controller.

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

8. 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.

9. A defective peripheral device or a damaged cable can cause the built-in trackpad of a MacBook to behave erratically. If you're using any wired peripherals, disconnect them one at a time and test.

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

11. If you use Handoff, disable it in the General pane of System Preferences.

12. 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.

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

3 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Jul 1, 2015 1:02 PM in response to saff.tropical

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 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. If your model has an infrared receiver for use with an Apple Remote, disable it.

5. 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.

6. Reset the System Management Controller.

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

8. 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.

9. A defective peripheral device or a damaged cable can cause the built-in trackpad of a MacBook to behave erratically. If you're using any wired peripherals, disconnect them one at a time and test.

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

11. If you use Handoff, disable it in the General pane of System Preferences.

12. 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.

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

Jul 1, 2015 1:16 PM in response to Linc Davis

Thanks you for your different pointers. I have noticed that the trackpad slightly improves when disconnected to the charger (however the charger is originally an apple charger as its the one that came with the macbook) and when I cleaned the trackpad with a tissue. The trackpad still does't respond that well and can't move efficiently.

I am worried that I would need the trackpad or anything else to improve this issue replaced which could cost money I don't have. I have recently looked up my warranty and what it covers.

The warranty I have is:

Apple One (1) Year Limited Warranty - (UK and Ireland)
For Apple Branded Products Only

and this document told me the different things apple covers depending on the appliance


I am really hoping this issue can be resolved. I will be contacting genius tomorrow morning when they are available to discuss this issue. I was hoping you could help me see whether or not the warranty would guarantee covering the costs of the trackpad replacement or if there is even a cost involved? I don't really understand their legal requirements.

Thanks again

Solving my trackpad issue?

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