What Does This Error Mean?

MacBook trackpad not working is most often caused by a macOS software glitch or a swollen battery pushing up on the trackpad from below. A restart resolves most software-related cases — if the trackpad surface feels raised or uneven, have the battery inspected immediately.

Affected Models

MacBook Air (all models)
MacBook Pro (all models)
MacBook (2015–2019)

Common Causes

macOS software state preventing trackpad input — resolved by a restart
Mouse Keys enabled in Accessibility — can disable normal cursor control
Swollen battery physically pushing up on the trackpad from below
Trackpad Force Touch pressure sensitivity miscalibrated
Third-party USB mouse or hub conflicting with trackpad input

How to Fix It

Restart the MacBook.

Most trackpad unresponsiveness is caused by a transient macOS software state. Go to Apple Menu > Restart. If the trackpad cannot click, use Control + Command + Power (on older Macs) or Control + Command + Media Eject to restart from the keyboard.
Check Accessibility for Mouse Keys.

Go to System Settings > Accessibility > Pointer Control > Alternate Control Methods. Ensure Mouse Keys is turned off. Mouse Keys routes cursor control to the numeric keypad, which can interfere with normal trackpad behavior on some macOS versions.
Disconnect external USB devices.

Unplug any USB mice, hubs, or keyboards from the MacBook. Some third-party USB input devices cause the system pointer to stall or behave unexpectedly. Test the trackpad with all external accessories disconnected.
Reset the SMC (Intel) or power-cycle (Apple Silicon).

On Intel MacBooks with non-removable battery: shut down, then hold Shift + Control + Option + Power for 10 seconds, release, then press Power. On M1/M2/M3 MacBooks: shut down, wait 30 seconds, then power back on. Corrupted SMC settings are a common cause of trackpad unresponsiveness on Intel Macs.
Adjust Force Click sensitivity.

Go to System Settings > Trackpad and check the Click and Force Click settings. If the trackpad registers phantom clicks or misses clicks, adjust the Click pressure between Light, Medium, and Firm. Try disabling Force Click and Haptic Feedback temporarily to see if normal clicking is restored.

When to Call a Professional

If the trackpad surface is visibly raised, clicking unevenly, or feels springy rather than firm, stop using the MacBook immediately and take it to an Apple-authorized service provider — a swollen battery is a safety issue.