7 Ways to Fix Trackpad Gestures Not Working on Mac

Are you having trouble with your Mac’s trackpad gestures not working as they should? It can be frustrating when the gestures you rely on to navigate your Mac suddenly stop functioning. But don’t worry, there are several ways to fix this issue and get your trackpad gestures working again.

In this blog post, we’ll explore 7 different solutions to help you troubleshoot and fix trackpad gestures on your Mac. From checking your trackpad settings to resetting PRAM and SMC, we’ll guide you through the steps to get your trackpad back in working order. So, let’s dive in and explore these solutions together!

7 Ways to Fix Trackpad Gestures Not Working on Mac

1. Clean The Trackpad Surface

The main reason your MacBook trackpad isn't working properly or your cursor is stuck could be all the dirt and gunk built up. Over time, dust, oil, and grease from your fingers pile up on the trackpad. If not cleaned regularly, it can cause problems.

So it's a good idea to clean your Mac trackpad frequently. Take a microfiber cloth and gently wipe the trackpad surface. If there's lots of gunk, you can use a little rubbing alcohol too. Washing your hands well before using the trackpad again is also important.

2. Check Trackpad Settings

1. Go to the Apple menu and open System Preferences.

2. Click on Trackpad. Make sure the boxes are checked for Point & Click, Scroll & Zoom, and More Gestures. If any boxes are empty, check them and try your trackpad again. Even simple settings issues can disable gestures.

3. Reset PRAM and SMC

Resetting the PRAM (Parameter RAM) and SMC (Systems Management Controller) can fix hardware-related issues like trackpad problems.

To reset PRAM: Shut down your Mac. Press the power button while holding down Option, Command, P and R keys for 20 seconds. Your Mac will restart.

To reset SMC: Steps depend on whether your Mac has a removable or non-removable battery. Google how to reset SMC for your specific Mac.

4. Check for Hardware Issues

If resetting the SMC and PRAM settings doesn't fix the issue with your trackpad gestures, the problem may lie in your Mac's hardware itself.

One way to check is by connecting an external mouse. If the external mouse works properly while your trackpad doesn't, then the trackpad's hardware may be the issue.

In this case, you'll likely need to take your Mac to the Apple Store for them to examine. The Apple technicians can properly diagnose any hardware problems and fix them for you. They may need to replace your trackpad or other internal components to get your trackpad gestures working again.

5. Update Your Mac Operating System

Sometimes trackpads stop working properly because of a software glitch that Apple has already fixed in a newer operating system update. Go to the Apple menu and open System Preferences. Click on Software Update. If any updates are available, click Update Now. Remember to back up your data first before updating!

6. Reinstall Mac Operating System

Before you do this make sure you plug in the power adapter & it contacted the internet.

For Macs with Apple Silicon:

1. Press and hold the power button for 5-10 seconds until you see the gray screen with the Apple logo.

2. Keep holding the power button until you see an option that says “Recovery”.

3. Release the power button. You’ll now be in Recovery Mode.

4. Click the “Continue” button.

5. If asked, enter the username and password of an admin account.

For Intel-based Macs:

1. Press and release the power button to turn on your Mac.

2. Immediately press and hold the Command and R keys. Keep holding them until you see the Apple logo or spinning globe.

3. Enter your admin username and password if asked.

Once you’re in Recovery Mode, you can reinstall macOS by following these steps:

1. Choose the option to reinstall macOS & Click “Continue” and follow the on-screen instructions.

2. Enter your Mac password when asked.

3. If your hard drive is not detected, you may need to erase it first before reinstalling macOS.

4. During installation, make sure to select “Macintosh HD”, not “Macintosh HD - Data”.

5. Let the installation complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing the lid. The screen may be blank for a few minutes at times during reinstallation.

Reinstalling MacOS can be a real-time suck. It may take up to 2 hours. But take heart, once the installation finally finishes, your Mac will be in like-new condition and you can set it up just how you want it. 

7. Contact Apple Support

Don't panic - there are still options if none of the solutions worked and your trackpad gestures are still not functioning properly. Apple Support is there to help! You can visit Apple's Support website and click 'Get Support' or give them a call. The friendly support representatives can help troubleshoot the issue and provide additional guidance to resolve the trackpad problem. They have the expertise to figure out what's wrong and get those gestures working again. So go ahead and contact Apple Support - that's what they're there for!

Quick Tips for Maintaining Mac Trackpad Performance:

• Make sure your trackpad stays clean. Wipe it down with a microfiber cloth regularly. Dirt and crumbs can mess with how sensitive it is.

• Play around with the trackpad settings. Adjust the sensitivity to match how you use it. You'll get the most accurate tracking that way.

• Keep things off the trackpad surface when you're not using it. Papers, cups, and other objects blocking it can interrupt how it responds to your finger.

• Learn those multi-touch gestures! They'll help you navigate way faster once you get the hang of them.

• Update macOS whenever a new version comes out. The trackpad improvements and bug fixes in new releases can really make a difference in how smooth and responsive it feels.

Conclusion

In Short, there are several ways to fix trackpad gestures not working on your Mac. From cleaning the trackpad surface and checking your trackpad settings to resetting PRAM and SMC, updating your Mac’s operating system, and even reinstalling macOS, there are many solutions to try. With these 7 solutions, you’ll be well on your way to getting your trackpad gestures working again!

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