Adrian Cavinder

Q: Pointer keeps moving around independently

Hi, My arrow pointer has taken on a life all of its own and keeps moving around the screen, opening up different screens and generally acting weird. But it’s not continuous. It can behave for several days before it goes berserk. I would like to know if I am looking at a hardware or software problem, and if anyone has any suggestions of what I can do, other than taking it in to an authorised agent. Cheers, Adrian Cavinder

Mac Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9), 15”

Posted on Aug 21, 2015 9:09 PM

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Q: Pointer keeps moving around independently

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  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Aug 21, 2015 10:21 PM in response to Adrian Cavinder
    Level 10 (207,978 points)
    Applications
    Aug 21, 2015 10:21 PM in response to Adrian Cavinder

    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.

  • by Jbrockman66,

    Jbrockman66 Jbrockman66 Aug 25, 2015 6:42 PM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 25, 2015 6:42 PM in response to Linc Davis

    THe PRAM reset worked for me.

  • by nimo1977,

    nimo1977 nimo1977 Dec 1, 2015 7:13 PM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 1, 2015 7:13 PM in response to Linc Davis

    Hi Linc Davis,

    I actually have the same issue and started my MacBook in the safe mode. Everything worked fine, once I restarted, I still have the same issue with my cursor having its own life. I can't really follow the other suggestions since it's not letting me do anything anymore. Can you help me? Thank you