MacBook Pro Catalina intermittently not registering trackpad clicks

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MacBook Pro Catalina intermittently not registering trackpad clicks

I have a new MacBook Pro running Catalina (10.15.7), and I've recently encountered an odd error. When I have media content going (playing a video, on a Zoom call, playing a game), the computer will intermittently ignore clicks from the trackpad. I'm still able to move the cursor fine, but if I try to click, nothing happens. This generally lasts for a few seconds, and then clicking works again, but cut outs again after a few more seconds.

I've seen this behavior both with the built-in trackpad and an external one, so it doesn't seem to be related to trackpad hardware. The problem will sometimes persist after I close the media content, but if I restart, it will go away until I open media content again.

Any ideas what the problem is here?

Posted on Oct 19, 2020 4:28 PM

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Answer 1

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Rafael Scheid

Level 5

5,346 points

Oct 19, 2020 5:10 PM in response to dr_pugh

Once it's a new Mac, there's just a few things you can do without avoiding warranty

Reset SMC https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295

Reset NVRAM https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204063

Enter Safe Mode, turn on your Mac holding Shift. Once loaded, restart normally and check it.

Last resort is to reinstall macOS https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204904

You can also reinstall by creating a bootable pendrive with installer (which I find the best solution) https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201372

Don't forget to backup your personal data prior to reinstall.

If not even reinstallation solves it, then take it to an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider for a proper diagnose and repair.

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MacBook Pro Catalina intermittently not registering trackpad clicks

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