MacBook Pro touchpad behaves erratically

I have a MacBook Pro that until recently belonged to my wife. She began having serious issues with the touchpad (cursor jumping around, not tracking properly, etc.) about 2 years ago, presumed that the touchpad itself had gone bad in some way, and began just using a wireless mouse. The mouse had no problems.


When I got the computer, I completely wiped and reset it to its original settings.
This included re-installing the initial OS, which was Mountain Lion.

The touchpad worked perfectly!


I then updated the OS to High Sierra, and all of the touchpad problems returned.


So it seems to me that this must be some kind of software glitch rather than a hardware problem.


Any suggestions?

Posted on Mar 21, 2018 12:50 PM

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Mar 21, 2018 1:12 PM in response to nmcfadden

A Troubleshooting Procedure that may Fix Problems with macOS El Capitan or Later

You should try each, one at a time, then test to see if the problem is fixed before going on to the next.


Be sure to backup your files before proceeding if possible.


  1. Shutdown the computer, wait 30 seconds, restart the computer.
  2. Disconnect all third-party peripherals.
  3. Resetting your Mac’s PRAM and NVRAM
  4. Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)
  5. Reset your Startup Disk and Sound preferences.
  6. Start the computer in Safe Mode. Test in safe mode to see if the problem persists, then restart normally.
  7. Use Apple Hardware Test to see if there is any hardware malfunction.
  8. Repair the disk by booting from the Recovery HD. Immediately after the chime hold down the Command and R keys until the Utility Menu appears. Choose Disk Utility and click on the Continue button. Select the indented (usually, Macintosh HD) volume entry from the side list. Click on the First Aid button in the toolbar. Wait for the Done button to appear. Quit Disk Utility and return to the Utility Menu. Restart the computer from the Apple Menu.
  9. Repair permissions on the Home folder: Resolve issues caused by changing the permissions of items in your home folder.
  10. Create a New User Account Open Users & Groups preferences. Click on the lock icon and enter your Admin password when prompted. On the left under Current User click on the Add [+] button under Login Options. Setup a new Admin user account. Upon completion log out of your current account then log into the new account. If your problems cease, then consider switching to the new account and transferring your files to it - Transferring files from one User Account to another.
  11. Download and install the OS X El Capitan 10.11.6 Combo Update or 10.12.6 Combo Update or Download macOS High Sierra 10.13.3 Combo Update as needed.
  12. Reinstall OS X by booting from the Recovery HD using the Command and R keys. When the Utility Menu appears select Reinstall OS X then click on the Continue button.
  13. Erase and Install OS X Restart the computer. Immediately after the chime hold down the Command and R keys until the Apple logo appears. When the Utility Menu appears:
  1. Select Disk Utility from the Utility Menu and click on Continue button.
  2. When Disk Utility loads select the drive (out-dented entry) from the Device list.
  3. Click on the Erase icon in Disk Utility's toolbar. A panel will drop down.
  4. Set the Format type to APFS (for SSDs only) or Mac OS Extended (Journaled.)
  5. Click on the Apply button, then wait for the Done button to activate and click on it.
  6. Quit Disk Utility and return to the Utility Menu.
  7. Select Reinstall OS X and click on the Continue button.

If none of the above helps then make an appointment at the Apple Genius Bar for service. If you need to find an Apple Store - Find a Store - Apple.

Mar 21, 2018 2:06 PM in response to nmcfadden

Kappy has posted an excellent collection of omnibus fixes for your issues, if they are software related. His collections can be very helpful -- just skim over the steps you have already done and read on for alternative possible solutions.


It is also possible that this a hardware issue. A swelling battery puts pressure on the underside of the trackpad, and can cause it to malfunction. Look closely at the seam between the bottom plate of the computer and the keyboard level "top-plate". if that appears to be distorted, or have any sort of a gap in it along the front of the machine, you should be suspicious of Battery Swelling.


In addition, sometimes the trackpad just breaks. I had one replaced in one of my family's MacBooks. My recollection is that the repair was done on-demand, and that the cost out-of-warranty was about US$100. Prices for repairs at an Apple-owned store are "installed, all inclusive, no surprises". If it takes longer than expected, THEY cover it, not you.


Your appointment at the Genius Bar of an Apple-owned store for an evaluation is Free, in warranty or out.

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MacBook Pro touchpad behaves erratically

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