A Magic Trackpad that stops moving the cursor, clicking, or connecting is usually dealing with power, Bluetooth, pairing, surface dirt, or gesture settings before it is truly broken.
This guide applies to Magic Trackpad and Magic Trackpad 2 with recent macOS versions.
Does This Affect You?
Use these steps if the trackpad is dead, refuses to pair, connects but does not respond, or gestures stop working.
Check Power and the Switch
- Check the physical power switch and make sure the green indicator is visible.
- For rechargeable models, connect a Lightning or USB-C cable and charge for several minutes.
- For the original battery model, replace the AA batteries.
- Try using the trackpad while it remains connected to power.
- If it works plugged in, leave it charging longer.
Re-Pair the Trackpad
- Open System Settings > Bluetooth.
- If the trackpad shows Connected but fails, disconnect and reconnect it.
- If it will not reconnect, remove or forget the device.
- Turn the trackpad off and on again.
- Keep it close to the Mac and pair it again from Bluetooth settings.
Reset Bluetooth on the Mac
- Turn Bluetooth off.
- Wait about 15 seconds.
- Turn Bluetooth back on.
- Restart the Mac.
- Pair the Magic Trackpad again.
More Trackpad Checks
Gestures Disabled
If clicking works but scrolling or swiping does not, open Trackpad settings and check Scroll & Zoom and More Gestures.
Clean the Surface
Dust and oil can reduce responsiveness. Wipe the glass with a dry, soft, lint-free cloth and avoid liquids near the edges.
Built-In Trackpad Interference
On a MacBook, the built-in and Magic Trackpad can work at the same time. Avoid brushing the built-in trackpad while using the external one.
Battery Drains Quickly
If the rechargeable trackpad loses charge unusually fast, make sure another Mac is not also trying to connect to it.
Sources
- Apple Support: If your Bluetooth accessory is not working
- Apple Support: Charge Magic Trackpad
- Apple Support: Pair a Bluetooth device with your Mac