Trackpad click not working

So I started to experience this issue today, and went down the list..... I started to get worried as I have school work I needed to complete.


Dont think I saw any comments to try this and it has worked for me so far.



NVRAM (nonvolatile random-access memory) is a small amount of memory that your Mac uses to store certain settings and access them quickly. PRAM (Parameter RAM) stores similar information, and the steps for resetting NVRAM and PRAM are the same.
Settings that can be stored in NVRAM include sound volume, display resolution, startup-disk selection, time zone, and recent kernel panic information. The settings stored in NVRAM depend on your Mac and the devices that you're using with your Mac.


Shut down your Mac, then turn it on and immediately press and hold these four keys together: Option, Command, P, and R. You can release the keys after about 20 seconds, during which your Mac might appear to restart.
On Mac computers that play a startup sound, you can release the keys after the second startup sound.
On Mac computers that have the Apple T2 Security Chip, you can release the keys after the Apple logo appears and disappears for the second time. 

Hi! I’ve also experienced the same situation that you had with your cursor not clicking and basically malfunctioning. It happened twice and the second time, resetting the PRAM, SMC and even safe boot (safe mode) eventually did not work for me. I really thought my trackpad or my laptop was gone (Macbook Pro mid 2014). Even when I used external usb mouse, the cursor was still not clicking. It can move but it also randomly moved on its own, you can do gestures and right click but that’s it.

So whenever I try to reset the PRAM, SMC, and login in safe boot, I have 5-15 minutes normal cursor time. I then manage to follow the advice of someone who commented here that states turning on the “ignore trackpad when external / Bluetooth mouse is used” will also help. So tried using my external usb mouse and this actually worked for me, I used my laptop for 7 hours without the cursor malfunctioning. But of course I can’t use any gestures since the trackpad was still not working which was annoying.

Now, apple released an update Big Sur 11.2.2 I think what its called. It had bug fixes for external ports not working something like that. After updating my laptop (Macbook Pro mid 2014), I turned off the “ignore trackpad when external / Bluetooth mouse is used” and my trackpad works normally now? I’ve used my laptop for about 3 hours without any cursor seizures. NOTE: My external usb mouse was also plugged in but I also tried using it with the trackpad alone and it was still going smoothly. So I think the update fixed the bug. I’ll update you guys when I fully use my laptop for like 10 hours and see what happens if it the update really fixed the bug. Hope this helps! : D

I have the same problem of left click not working all of a sudden at times with Big Sur. Is there a fix yet?

I am facing the same issue ever since I updated my my Mac to Big Sur 11.1

I've also had this problem since installing Big Sur, it's very annoying. Often it's buttons in the control panel that's not working or in the open file modal. Please fix this soon!

Same problem here for 2015 mac book pro :(

Hi all!

I had a similar issue. Basically everything works except the trackpad left click (single or double click). Right click (tap with two fingers) works, scroll works etc.

Here was my cause: I had the magic mouse connected and there was something on top of it that basically made it in click pressed forever! That's why the trackpad left click did not work ahahah.

Hope this helps some of you.

same problem.... macbook pro 13 touch bar 2018

Having this same issue with my 16" MacBook Pro running Big Sur 11.2.3. Laptop is only about a month old. The two-finger "right click" works, but not a single click. Able to move the mouse around just fine. Connected my Bluetooth Magic Mouse and it works. With Apple Support, directed to reset SMC twice and that temporarily fixed the issue but, after it keeps happening, they're just recommending to bring it in (or mail it in) for service. Hugely annoying! Sounds like it's an issue with Big Sur and really hoping they can get that fixed soon.

I am also having same issue. Help me please

When I use my Bluetooth mouse left-click is not working but when I replace it with wired mouse, left click now is working smoothly.

• Big Sur 11.2.3

Same, 2020 i9 MacBook Pro, fully speced and trackpad click stops working, can’t click anything, have to hold down power button to reboot....I notice apple as usual don’t care as they have the money now...

Same here.
MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015)
BigSur 11.2.3

I have the same problem after Big Sur updating. Tried to reset SMC but it didn't work!
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
Big Sur 11.2.3
The last OS really fantastic was Snow Leopard...now it sucks like Windows.
No support from Apple.
No updates.
Just money.....

In my case, I solved this problem by connecting a wired mouse. Once you succeed, the trackpad and BT mouse work properly. Logitech Mouse using Unifying USB Receiver would be possible I think.