If you’re experiencing issues with your MacBook trackpad and keyboard not working it can be both frustrating and inconvenient. The trackpad and keyboard are essential components for everyday use and when they stop responding it can significantly disrupt your workflow. There are various reasons why this problem might occur ranging from software glitches to hardware malfunctions. In this article we will discuss several potential causes and fixes for this issue to help you restore your MacBook’s functionality.
When your MacBook trackpad and keyboard suddenly stop functioning it can be challenging to identify the exact source of the problem. However there are some troubleshooting steps you can take before seeking professional help. These steps include restarting your device, resetting specific settings, checking for physical damage and even considering software updates or reinstallation. Let’s explore some practical solutions that can resolve this issue effectively.
Restart Your MacBook
One of the easiest ways to fix the MacBook trackpad and keyboard not working issue is by restarting your MacBook. Sometimes your computer might get stuck or have a small problem that can be solved with a quick restart. When you restart it gives your MacBook a chance to refresh its settings and fix any small issues that could be causing the trackpad or keyboard to stop working. To restart your MacBook simply press the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen then click Restart. This process should take just a few minutes and could solve the problem without any extra steps.
If the trackpad and keyboard still don’t work after restarting don’t worry. It just means that the issue might be a little bigger than a small glitch. Sometimes other software problems are making the MacBook act strangely and a simple restart might not fix everything. But restarting is still a good first step because it’s easy and doesn’t require any special skills. If this doesn’t work you can try the next solution that might fix the problem.
Check for Software Updates
Another way to fix the MacBook trackpad and keyboard not working issue is by checking if your MacBook needs a software update. Sometimes when the software on your computer is old it can cause problems with the trackpad and keyboard. Apple often releases updates to fix bugs and improve how your MacBook works. You can check for updates by clicking on the Apple logo in the top left then selecting System Settings and clicking Software Update. If an update is available make sure to download and install it.
Updating your MacBook can help solve the issue because new software versions often come with fixes for common problems. When you install the latest version it can fix bugs that could be causing your trackpad and keyboard to stop working. Even if this solution doesn’t work it’s still good to have your MacBook updated so that it runs better overall. If the problem is still there after updating there are other solutions to try.
Reset the PRAM/NVRAM
Another step to fix the MacBook trackpad and keyboard not working problem is to reset the PRAM/NVRAM on your MacBook. PRAM (Parameter RAM) and NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory) are small types of memory that store certain settings like sound volume and display settings. Sometimes if these settings get messed up it can cause the trackpad and keyboard to stop working. To reset the PRAM/NVRAM you need to turn off your MacBook then turn it back on while holding down the Option Command P and R keys together for about 20 seconds. This will reset these settings and might fix the issue.
If resetting the PRAM/NVRAM does not solve the problem don’t worry. It just means that the cause of the issue might not be related to these settings. Resetting PRAM/NVRAM is a good troubleshooting step because it doesn’t harm your MacBook and can fix several common problems. If your trackpad and keyboard are still not working you can move on to the next steps like resetting the SMC or checking for physical damage.
Reset the SMC (System Management Controller)
Resetting the SMC is another useful way to fix the MacBook trackpad and keyboard not working problem. The SMC controls many hardware functions in your MacBook such as power battery and even the trackpad and keyboard. If the SMC is not working correctly it could be the reason why your trackpad and keyboard are not responding. To reset the SMC you will need to turn off your MacBook and then hold down a combination of keys which might be different depending on your MacBook model. For most MacBooks you can reset the SMC by holding the Shift Control Option and Power buttons for about 10 seconds then releasing them and turning the MacBook back on.
If resetting the SMC does not work it means the issue might be related to something else like software problems or physical damage. Resetting the SMC is a bit more technical than restarting your MacBook but it is still easy to do and safe for your computer. Trying this step might help fix your trackpad and keyboard issues especially if your MacBook is showing other signs of hardware problems like battery issues.
Inspect for Physical Damage
Sometimes the MacBook trackpad and keyboard not working issue can be due to physical damage. If your MacBook was dropped, spilled on or bumped it could have affected the trackpad keyboard or internal connections. Carefully check your MacBook for any signs of damage like cracks, dents or liquid marks. If you find any damage it might explain why the trackpad and keyboard stopped working. Physical issues can sometimes cause parts inside the MacBook to disconnect or short-circuit making the trackpad and keyboard unresponsive.
Even if you don’t see any visible damage something inside the MacBook could still be broken. In that case it might be a good idea to visit an Apple Store or a repair shop for a professional checkup. Physical damage can be a serious problem and might require replacing parts so it’s important to know if that’s the cause of the issue.
Boot in Safe Mode
Booting your MacBook in Safe Mode is another method to fix the MacBook trackpad and keyboard not working problem. Safe Mode helps you identify if the issue is related to software by loading only the essential system files and disabling extra features. To start your MacBook in Safe Mode you need to turn it off and then hold the Shift key while turning it back on. If the trackpad and keyboard start working in Safe Mode it means a third-party program or system software is causing the problem.
Safe Mode also helps clean the system cache which could be helpful if some files are making your MacBook act strangely. If the trackpad and keyboard work in Safe Mode but not in normal mode you can try uninstalling any recently installed apps or running a system check to fix the problem permanently.
Use an External Keyboard and Mouse
If the MacBook trackpad and keyboard not working issue is stopping you from using your MacBook you can try using an external keyboard and mouse as a temporary solution. You can connect a USB or Bluetooth keyboard and mouse to your MacBook to access your files and settings. This way you can still use your MacBook while you try other solutions to fix the trackpad and keyboard.
Using an external keyboard and mouse is not a permanent solution but it can help you continue working on important tasks. It is also useful if you need to look up more troubleshooting steps online. While this doesn’t solve the problem directly it’s a good way to stay productive while finding a permanent fix.
Reinstall macOS or Seek Professional Help
If none of the other solutions have worked you might need to reinstall macOS to fix the MacBook trackpad and keyboard not working problem. Reinstalling macOS can help if the issue is caused by software problems that didn’t go away with other troubleshooting steps. Before you reinstall make sure to back up your important files to avoid losing any data. You can reinstall macOS through the Recovery Mode by pressing Command and R when starting your MacBook.
If reinstalling macOS doesn’t fix the issue it’s time to seek professional help. Sometimes the problem might be more complicated and require expert repair. Visiting an Apple Store or a certified repair shop will allow a professional to check your MacBook and fix any hardware or deeper software issues.
Conclusion
When you’re facing the MacBook trackpad and keyboard not working issue there are many steps you can take to fix it. Starting with simple solutions like restarting your MacBook or updating the software is easy and often helps. If these don’t work, more advanced steps such as resetting the PRAM/NVRAM or SMC checking for physical damage and booting in Safe Mode can be effective. Using an external keyboard and mouse can be a temporary workaround while troubleshooting. If all else fails, reinstalling macOS or visiting a professional is recommended. Following these steps can help get your MacBook back to normal.