Troubleshooting a Non-Clicking Macbook Air Touchpad

Understanding the Touchpad Mechanism

Is it supposed to ldquo;clickrdquo; and what exactly is ldquo;clickingrdquo;? Some trackpads have buttons embedded in the trackpad, while others simulate a click through a vibration motor. Some trackpads use a pivot system where the corners have activation buttons. Depending on your Macbook Air model, the touchpad may or may not click. If it is not clicking, it doesnrsquo;t necessarily mean there is an issue.

However, if you notice a dead spot or a lack of responsiveness, further investigation is needed. Commonly, small issues such as loose or broken components can cause the issue. In such cases, taking the Macbook Air to an Apple Store or an Apple authorized repair shop is recommended.

Warranty and Repair Services

Common sense would tell you to consult an Apple Store if your MacBook Air is still under warranty. In such situations, they will likely resolve the issue for free. If not, an Apple authorized repair shop is the best course of action.

Common Troubleshooting Steps

If the trackpad has a dead spot, it might be due to connections that are not properly secured. In such cases, a replacement of the trackpad might be necessary. However, before resorting to a replacement, it is advisable to check if the trackpad is just pushing out of its position. You can try to take the back off your laptop and gently pry and wiggle the trackpad back to its natural position. Sometimes, this small adjustment can solve the issue.

For MacBook Air models with a non-clicking touchpad, it might be a software bug. This issue was reported to have started in October 2019. The software seems to erase your left-click preferences, causing a non-clicking touchpad. To resolve this, try enabling ldquo;Secondary Clickrdquo; using two fingers and ldquo;Tap to Clickrdquo; using one finger in the Apple System Preferences > Mouse settings. Sometimes, resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) can also help. To reset the SMC, follow these steps: Press and hold the Control, Option, and Shift keys, and then press the power button. Release all keys and let the Macbook power on again. If the issue persists, check the Trackpad preferences under System Preferences to ensure that the 'Force Touch' feature is enabled.

Additional Tips and Considerations

Luís Sequeira mentioned another common issue: a swollen battery. If you notice a slight bulge on the bottom edge of the trackpad, this could indicate a swollen battery problem. However, if your MacBook Air model is 2015 or newer, the mechanical trackpad has been replaced by a haptic software-generated click trackpad. This means that the hardware switch mechanism is no longer present, so hardware failure is less likely.

By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and potentially resolve a non-clicking touchpad on your MacBook Air. Remember, if the issue persists and you are outside of the warranty period, bringing your Macbook Air to an Apple authorized repair shop is a reliable solution.