
Many MacBook users have reported issues with their trackpads not working after waking their devices from sleep mode. This issue seems to be prevalent across MacBook models, including the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. In some cases, the trackpad may become unresponsive for a few seconds or minutes, while in others, it may not work at all until the power button is pressed or certain settings are adjusted. There are several potential solutions to this problem, including resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) or changing the sleep settings.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Trackpad not working after sleep | MacBook Pro 2013, 2015, 2019, 2020; MacBook Air 2019, 2010; MacBook Pro Retina 15 |
| Trackpad stops working after waking from sleep | MacBook Pro 2019, 2015; MacBook Air 2019 |
| Trackpad unresponsive after sleep or restart | MacBook Pro Retina 15 |
| Trackpad unresponsive after battery change | MacBook Pro |
| Trackpad freezes after USB disconnect while sleeping | MacBook Pro 2013 |
| Trackpad not recognised after sleep | MacBook Air |
| Trackpad doesn't wake MacBook from sleep | MacBook Pro, MacBook Air |
| Trackpad unresponsive after sleep | MacBook Pro 2015 |
| Trackpad issues after sleep | MacBook Pro 2017 |
| Trackpad unresponsive after sleep | MacBook Air |
| Trackpad doesn't wake computer from sleep | MacBook Pro |
| MacBook wakes unexpectedly | Check for apps accessing disk, Spotlight indexing, or remote access |
| MacBook doesn't wake from sleep | Reset System Management Controller (SMC) or change sleep settings |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Trackpad and keyboard freeze after USB disconnect while sleeping
If your MacBook's trackpad and keyboard freeze after a USB disconnect while sleeping, there are several potential causes and solutions to consider.
Firstly, it's important to check your sleep settings. Sometimes, apps that access your disk, such as Music or DVD Player, can prevent your MacBook from going into sleep mode. Additionally, Spotlight indexing your hard disk can also keep your MacBook awake. Turning off "Prevent automatic sleeping on power adapter when the display is off" in your Battery settings may help. If you're using a Mac desktop, you can also turn off "Wake for network access" in the Energy settings.
Another potential cause could be related to USB devices connected to your MacBook while it's sleeping. In some cases, disconnecting a USB device while your MacBook is asleep can lead to trackpad and keyboard issues upon waking. To avoid this, ensure that no USB devices are connected when putting your MacBook to sleep.
If your MacBook's trackpad and keyboard become unresponsive after waking from sleep, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try. One solution that has worked for some users is to reset the System Management Controller (SMC). Note that this will reboot your MacBook, so make sure you save any open work beforehand.
Additionally, you can try adjusting your WiFi settings. Some users have reported that keeping the WiFi turned on while the MacBook lid is closed can lead to trackpad and keyboard issues upon waking. Try turning off WiFi before closing the lid and see if that resolves the issue.
If none of these solutions work, you may need to consider reinstalling the operating system or performing a clean shutdown and restart.
Deep Sleep: Strategies to Wake Up Refreshed and Rested
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Trackpad and keyboard unresponsive after sleep or restart
If your MacBook's trackpad and keyboard become unresponsive after waking from sleep, there are several potential causes and solutions to consider.
Firstly, check if your MacBook is set to wake up when specific apps access your disk. For example, if the Music app is set to access your disk to play songs, it may wake your MacBook from sleep. Similarly, if Spotlight is indexing your hard disk, your MacBook won't go to sleep. You can disable "Wake for network access" in the Energy or Battery settings to prevent this.
Another potential cause could be USB devices connected to your MacBook. In some cases, the internal keyboard and trackpad may stop responding if certain USB devices are connected when waking from sleep. Try disconnecting any USB devices and see if that resolves the issue.
Additionally, it's possible that something may be pressing the trackpad, mouse button, or keyboard keys while your MacBook is sleeping, causing it to wake up unexpectedly. Ensure that nothing is placed on top of your MacBook when it's closed.
If the issue persists, you can try some troubleshooting steps. One suggestion is to reset the System Management Controller (SMC). This can be done by shutting down your MacBook, plugging in the power adapter, and then pressing the left-side Shift-Control-Option keys and the power button simultaneously. Note that resetting the SMC will reboot your MacBook, so make sure to save any open work beforehand.
If resetting the SMC does not help, you can try booting your MacBook in safe mode. This will force your computer to run disk checks and can resolve some issues. To do this, restart your MacBook and hold the Shift key immediately after you hear the startup sound. Once you're logged in, test to see if the issue persists. If the problem doesn't occur in safe mode, restart your MacBook normally and test again.
If none of these solutions work, you may need to contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider for further assistance. They will be able to diagnose and resolve the issue more effectively.
Throat Always Dry After Sleep? Here's Why and How to Prevent It
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Trackpad and keyboard not working after battery change
If your MacBook's keyboard and trackpad are not working after waking from sleep, there could be several reasons. Firstly, check if something might be pressing the trackpad or keyboard keys, causing the MacBook to wake up. Another reason could be apps that access your disk, such as Music or DVD Player, preventing your MacBook from going to sleep. Additionally, if Spotlight is indexing your hard disk, your MacBook won't go to sleep.
Now, if your keyboard and trackpad are not working after a battery change, there could be a few reasons for this as well. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the new battery is compatible with your MacBook model. If the new battery is correct and the issue persists, then the problem may lie in the connections. Make sure that all connectors, including the trackpad ribbon cable, are properly connected. If the connections seem fine, try resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) by following these steps:
- Turn off your MacBook.
- Unplug the power adapter.
- Remove the bottom screws that keep the lower case attached to the internal frame and board.
- Open the backside or bottom cover.
- Carefully reseat each connector and ensure that the ribbons are straight and not damaged.
- Reassemble your MacBook and turn it back on.
If the issue still persists, you may have damaged the trackpad or the logic board during the battery replacement process. In this case, you may need to replace the trackpad or seek professional assistance.
Waking Up a Sleeping Screen: Quick and Easy Fixes
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$16.99

MacBook wakes when something is pressing the trackpad
If your MacBook wakes up from sleep unexpectedly, it may be due to something pressing the trackpad, mouse button, or keyboard keys. This is a common issue faced by many MacBook users.
There are several ways to address this problem. Firstly, you can adjust your sleep settings. Go to "System Preferences", click "Battery", and then "Options". Here, you can turn off "Prevent automatic sleeping on power adapter when the display is off". Additionally, you can adjust the time intervals that should pass before your MacBook goes to sleep when inactive.
Another solution is to check if any apps or programs are accessing your disk and preventing your MacBook from sleeping. Apps like Music, DVD Player, and Spotlight indexing can keep your MacBook awake by accessing your disk. If this is the case, simply close the apps or adjust their settings to resolve the issue.
In some cases, the issue may be caused by malfunctioning USB or Thunderbolt devices connected to your MacBook. Try disconnecting any external devices and see if your MacBook still wakes up unexpectedly. If it doesn't, reconnect each device one at a time to identify the culprit.
Finally, if the problem persists, you can try resetting the SMC (System Management Controller). Please note that this will reboot your MacBook, so ensure that you save any open work beforehand.
Sleep-Wake Cycles: Fact or Fiction?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Resetting the SMC or System Management Controller
Resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) can be a useful troubleshooting procedure for Intel-based Mac computers. The SMC is a chip on the logic board that controls all power functions for your computer, including telling it when to turn on, turn off, sleep, and wake up.
Before resetting the SMC, it is recommended to try each of the following steps in order and check if the issue still occurs:
- Shut down your Mac and wait for 30 seconds.
- Check if your Mac model has the Apple T2 Security Chip. These chips are in MacBooks, Macbook Pros, and Macbook Air laptop models from 2018 or later.
- If your Mac has the Apple T2 Security Chip, follow the steps below:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, then release the button.
- Wait a few seconds and restart your Mac.
If that doesn't help, shut down your Mac again, unplug the power cord, and wait 15 seconds.
If the issue persists, you can try resetting the SMC. Here are the steps to reset the SMC on a Mac notebook:
- Determine whether the battery is removable. Most older Mac notebooks have removable batteries. Mac notebooks that have non-removable batteries include MacBook Pro (Early 2009 and later), all models of MacBook Air, MacBook (Late 2009), and MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015, and later).
- If your MacBook has a removable battery, shut down your Mac and remove the battery. If you need help, contact Apple Support.
- If your MacBook has a non-removable battery, plug in the MagSafe power adapter to a power source and connect it to the Mac.
- On the built-in keyboard, press the left-side Shift-Control-Option keys and the power button simultaneously.
- Release all the keys and the power button at the same time.
- Press the power button to turn on the computer.
Note that resetting the SMC will reboot your MacBook, so you will lose any unsaved work. Additionally, this article does not apply to Mac with Apple silicon computers (M1, M2, M3, or later) as they do not have an SMC.
Reviving Inactive Apps: Strategies to Re-engage Users
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
This could be due to a change in settings. Try resetting the System Management Controller (SMC).
If your MacBook wakes up when you're not present, something may be pressing the trackpad or mouse button, or keyboard keys.
Resetting the SMC should fix this issue. However, this will reboot your MacBook, so you will lose any unsaved work.
This could be due to your WiFi settings. If your WiFi is on and you close the lid for at least one minute, the keyboard and trackpad may not respond for around 10 seconds.
Try pressing the power button to wake your MacBook. If you wake it by pressing the keyboard or trackpad, the trackpad may not work.









































