My Keyboard & Touchpad Don't Work on My MacBook

My Keyboard & Touchpad Don't Work on My MacBook thumbnail
Non-responsive keyboards and trackpads are a known issue with MacBooks.

The MacBook is a portable laptop computer from Apple. Like most other laptops, there's a keyboard that's attached to it, and a trackpad that acts as a built-in mouse. Some users have found that the trackpad and keyboard stop working, which is a problem that can be caused from bad grounding, or a defective operating system. You can attempt to solve these problems yourself before taking it into get it fixed by a professional.

  1. Get It Working

    • If neither your keyboard, nor your trackpad is working, you may not be able to use your computer at all. This will make it difficult to troubleshoot, since you're unable to execute any functions involving software (such as updating your OS). That's why the first step in troubleshooting an unusable keyboard and trackpad is to put your computer into sleep mode. Close the case, and allow your computer to stay closed until it cools down. Open the case back up, and try to use your keyboard and trackpad now. If they work, you can execute the next troubleshooting option. If they don't work, try restarting your computer by shutting it down completely, letting it cool down, and then turning it back on. If this still doesn't work, connect an external USB mouse to your computer so that you can at least work on it temporarily.

    Change Adapter

    • One reason your trackpad and keyboard may not be working is because there's a bad grounding. This is an electrical issue that can easily be solved by changing your AC power adapter. The easiest way to test this is to unplug your computer from its power source. If the trackpad and keyboard begin working while your computer is unplugged, you have a grounding issue. Change your AC power adapter to an Apple-approved charger with three prongs. Make sure to plug your adapter into a working three-prong outlet. Refrain from plugging it into a three hole adapter that connects to a two hole outlet, as this could be the source of your bad grounding. Instead, plug it directly into a three hole outlet. If this doesn't fix your issue, continue with the next troubleshooting solution.

    Update OS

    • There was actually a known issue (an issue that occurred with so many users that the manufacturer became aware of it) with the MacBook and its keyboard failing to work properly. The issue was was investigated by Apple, and the problem was isolated to the operating system. An update was created to fix this issue, and can be downloaded and installed from Apple's website. At the Apple website, search for MacBook, MacBook Pro Software Update 1.1, and then download and install the update. If the update doesn't fix your problem, then you may have to get your computer serviced by a professional.

    Get It Serviced

    • Because your trackpad and keyboard are hardware devices, it's best to let a professional fix them. Aside from the potential of ruining your computer by operating on the hardware yourself, you can void its warranty by opening it up. If you still have a warranty on your MacBook, you can take it in to an Apple Store and get it fixed free. If your warranty has expired however, you can take it into either the Apple Store, or another computer repair shop that fixes Apple computers. The Apple Store is known to be expensive, so you might save money by taking in to an alternative computer repair shop. This is also a viable option because you don't run the risk of voiding your warranty due to a non-Apple tech working on it (because your warranty is already expired).

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