Level 1

36 points

Cursor jumps around

I have the 13" Pro w/ Touchbar. I regularly use it with the magic keyboard and trackpad (both second generation). I am having a problem where I am typing text and for no apparent reason, the cursor jumps to another point in the text, usually always previous to where I am typing. I am not touching the trackpad or even close. This also happens when using the built-in keyboard. Again, I am careful not to rest my palm, etc. on the trackpad. It happens with a variety of programs, but definitely Outlook and Word. This is really annoying and reduces productivity. Any help is appreciated.

MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2016, 4 TBT3), macOS Sierra (10.12.2)

Posted on Jan 5, 2017 10:26 AM

Top-ranking reply

MacbookPRoGrandma

Level 1

15 points

Posted on Jan 14, 2019 1:20 AM

I am on my third MacBook PRo, first one no problem, second one (early 21013), was fine for years until the last year of it's life. THEN I bought a brand spanker three days ago, thinking there was something wrong with my 2013 only to find it is doing the same thing straight away! Jeesus top of the range $4.5 ks later and you can't even type three words without this issue!

After reading through these posts I tried some of the suggestions but this one was the one that fixed it , so far so good! Typed this whole blurb with no probs...Good luck people.

"Turn of the, "Tap to click," option in the Trackpad's System

Preferences. Granted, it's a setting that I like to use, but it does

eliminate the jumping cursor issue."

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60 replies

tak42796

Level 1

12 points

Feb 20, 2018 5:55 PM in response to domolee

The tap to click option for the trackpad is not enabled and I am having the same problem. It is very annoying

Reader83

Level 1

4 points

Mar 5, 2018 8:21 AM in response to nbevan

Can you explain why the paper thing works? Do you only tape it on when you are typing?

exuct78

Level 1

12 points

May 29, 2018 11:03 AM in response to Alphapenguin

I have the exact same issue. I'm in the Apple Store now, as I am typing, this the same issue has occurred.

May 29, 2018 1:57 PM in response to exuct78

Did they resolve the issue?

exuct78

Level 1

12 points

Jun 9, 2018 1:15 PM in response to exuct78

Well, it happened again, twice, here, on Safari😠

exuct78

Level 1

12 points

Jun 9, 2018 1:22 PM in response to Alphapenguin

Yep, problem still there, despite their replacing half of my almost new MacBook Pro. Testing in these message boards and in the Messaging screen.😠

Lanny

Level 6

13,225 points

Jan 5, 2017 11:28 AM in response to lingenfr

Turn of the, "Tap to click," option in the Trackpad's System Preferences. Granted, it's a setting that I like to use, but it does eliminate the jumping cursor issue.

lingenfr Author

Level 1

36 points

Jan 5, 2017 11:24 AM in response to John Galt

Thanks John. I had looked at that. While interference could be a problem, nothing has changed since before when I wasn't having this problem. I may try the safe mode advice as maybe there is an app, etc. that is behaving badly.

lingenfr Author

Level 1

36 points

Jan 5, 2017 11:32 AM in response to dialabrain

I was wondering the same thing. Looking through that list, I don't see the culprit and when I go into system preferences and shortcuts, I can't see how to disable it. Also, it is happening so frequently, that it is difficult to believe I am making that same mistake that often.

seventy one

Level 7

27,460 points

Jan 5, 2017 11:35 AM in response to lingenfr

Have you looked at the option in Accessibility which allows you to use a mouse without interference by the trackpad. Go to Accessibility > drop down panel on right hand side > and check or uncheck the box as meets your needs.

nbevan

Level 1

42 points

Feb 9, 2017 2:33 AM in response to lingenfr

lingenfr - did you find a solution?

I have been having exactly the same problem with a 15" Pro w/ Touchbar. It did not happen with my previous MacBook Pro, so I had assumed that I must have been brushing against the large trackpad. But your experience with an external keyboard suggests something more fundamental. It is very irritating as it happens quite frequently.

Jan 14, 2019 7:53 PM in response to MacbookPRoGrandma

We have this problem too, but we can confirm that it is NOT a hardware issue. Here's how we know:

We're a married couple (S and D), Mac users since the 1980s. When we're at home, S uses the MacBook Pro (2015 vintage, now running Sierra 10.12.6) all the time, and D uses his dekstop. When we travel, which we do often, we share the machine. Because of this, D can confirm 100% that this problem occurs very often on S's "side" of the Mac, and NEVER on D's "side". D finds it so frustrating (as a fast typist) to use S's side that he switches back to his own side to do any typing.

We've tried all kinds of settings in System Preferences, on the assumption that *something* must be set differently, but haven't come up with anything that fixes it on S's side.

Dec 4, 2018 9:43 AM in response to lingenfr

I'm adding my issue as well which is EXTREMELY annoying. This is my second MacBook Pro and I am just disgusted at this issue and Apple's failure to admit they have a real problem.

Dear Apple - PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS!!!

dialabrain

Level 10

136,115 points

Jan 5, 2017 11:42 AM in response to lingenfr

In my case it's a fairly rare occurrence so it's possible it could be another cause.

dtoscan

Level 1

4 points

Aug 27, 2017 9:26 AM in response to nbevan

I have had the exact same problem with my 2016 MacBook Pro and it's killing me !

I have a Genius Bar appointment next week but have a feeling they won't be able to help

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Cursor jumps around