Left Click Not Working on Mac

In case your left click isn’t working Mac, there are many solutions to remedy this issue and get back to your work uninterrupted. From our experience, a device restart can fix an unresponsive clicker, as well as cleaning your trackpad in case dirt is affecting the clicker function. You might also want to check for a macOS update, as that could be affecting your flow.

What does left click mean on macOS?

A macOS left click refers to the process of selecting an app or performing actions on your computer that require you to click as the cursor moves along your screen. Most MacBook Air and Pro users just use their integrated trackpad to activate the left-click function, which can be an issue if a frozen cursor on Mac is a persistent problem. Although we’ve recently noticed more Apple users opting for an external mouse for advanced control over, as well as for better wrist support.

Our advice before you start: 

 

Before we start, you’ll want to make sure your keyboard is working properly. If your MacBook keyboard isn’t responding, you won’t be able to try several of our solutions below. We recommend checking our supporting guide and following the suggested steps—like updating macOS —so you can easily troubleshoot left click with fewer interruptions.

Possible causes of left click not working on Mac

Not sure why your left click stopped working on Mac? There are many causes for Mac mouse not working, and they’re not always linked to internal software conflicts. Issues with hardware or incorrect permissions can also halt your actions.

Here are the common causes that can stop the left click from working:

• Software glitches: We often see bugs in macOS, outdated software, or conflicting apps cause the left click to stop working.
• Hardware problems: Physical damage, dirt, or wear can affect the mouse or trackpad, preventing the left click from responding
• Incorrect settings: In some cases, the left click may be disabled or reassigned to another function without you realizing it.

A note from our experts: 

 

We know all too well that when the left click is not working on Mac, trying multiple fixes on your own can be time-consuming and frustrating. With MacKeeper’s Premium Services, we can help speed this up. We can help you identify whether the problem is caused by software, settings, or conflicting hardware and virtually walk you through the right troubleshooting solution.

 

Here’s how MacKeeper’s Premium Services can help you fix left-click:

1. Download MacKeeper.
2. Open the app and go to Premium Services.
3. Click on Chat Now.
4. In the chat, tell our advisor about your mouse or trackpad problems, and they’ll walk you through personalized steps to get you back on track.

How to fix the left click not working on a MacBook?

If you want to fix left click not working on Macbook, we’ll walk you through the best methods:

1. Try another mouse or disconnect conflicting devices
2. Clean your trackpad or mouse surface
3. Review Trackpad/Mouse settings (enable click options)
4. Turn off “Force click and haptic feedback”
5. Re-pair/reset Bluetooth & remove and add device
6. Check and update macOS
7. Run antivirus scan
8. Create new user account
9. Booting into Safe mode or Recovery
10. Delete or reset preference/plist files
11. Reset NVRAM / PRAM
12. Reset SMC or relevant system controller
13. Reinstall macOS
14. Hardware repair/replacement

1. Try another mouse or disconnect conflicting devices

It’s common for your external mouse to become disconnected or conflict with other devices. If that’s the case, try using a different mouse or disconnecting other plugins before proceeding with our more advanced steps.

2. Clean your trackpad or mouse surface

Dirt build-up can also affect your left click, and it’s more common than you might think. We recommend cleaning your trackpad and mouse regularly to avoid the clicker from sticking and not working.

3. Review Trackpad/Mouse settings (enable click options)

If your trackpad isn’t working on Mac or your mouse is unresponsive, then it might be time to check that you have enabled the click function in settings.

Here’s how to review your trackpad or mouse settings:

Trackpad:

1. In System Settings, scroll down to the Trackpad tab.
2. Review your Point & Click settings.

Mouse:

1. In System Settings, scroll down to the Mouse tab.
2. Review your Mouse clicker options.

4. Turn off “Force click and haptic feedback”

Next, you can try turning off Force click and haptic feedback, as they might be conflicting with left click.

Here’s how to turn them off:

1. In your Trackpad settings, go to Point & Click.
2. Turn off unwanted functions.

5. Re-pair/reset Bluetooth & remove and add device

If you use a Bluetooth mouse, it could be a pairing issue–so we suggest checking your connection and re-pairing your mouse.

Here’s how:

1. In Bluetooth, check to see if your mouse is connected.
2. If not, disconnect and repair it.

6. Check and update macOS

It’s common for outdated software, including macOS, to stop simple actions from working, like left click not working on Mac.

Here’s how to check and update macOS:

1. In System Settings, click on General > Software Updates.
2. If there’s a macOS update, click on Upgrade Now.

7. Run antivirus scan

Another reason that could be behind your left-clicker issues could be if your Mac has been infected with malware. To check your device, we recommend running an antivirus scan.

Here’s how to use MacKeeper’s Antivirus:

1. Open MacKepper.
2. Choose Antivirus.
3. Click Start Scan.
4. If any malware is found, Move to Quarantine.  

8. Create a new user account

Another solution you can try to help fix a non-functioning left click is to create a new user account.

Here’s how:

1. In Settings, go to Users & groups.
2. Click Add User.

9. Booting into Safe mode or Recovery

Should you wish to try any advanced settings to fix left click not working Macbook, it’s handy to know how to boot your device into Recovery Mode.

Here’s how:

1. Turn off your Mac.
2. Turn it back on while holding Command + R to enter Recovery Mode.

10. Delete or reset preference/plist files

You could also try deleting or resetting your preference/plist files in case they are interfering with your mouse or trackpad.

Here’s how to check your preferences:

1. In Finder, click on Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type in ~/Library/Preferences and press Go.
3. Look for the following files and move them to your Bin:
   • com.apple.AppleMultitouchMouse.plist
   • com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.mouse.plist
   • com.apple.driver.AppleHIDMouse.plist
4. Restart your Mac to check if your clicker is working.

11. Reset NVRAM / PRAM

Your left-click issues might be caused by deep system glitches; if so, we recommend resetting NVRAM.

Here’s how to reset NVRAM:

1. Turn off your device.
2. Restart immediately and hold down Option + Command + P + R for 20 seconds.
3. Release keys to let your Mac boot normally.  

12. Reset SMC or relevant system controller

In case you’re still having clicker issues, it might be time to try resetting SMC on Mac–here’s how:

1. Turn off Mac.
2. Power it back up while holding Shift + Control + Option + Touch ID for 10 seconds.

13. Reinstall macOS

Sometimes the left click not working on Mac glitch can also be down to an outdated macOS–just in case, we recommend reinstalling your version of OS to see if this fixes your problem.

Here’s how to reinstall macOS:

1. Boot your device into Recovery Mode.
2. Once in Recovery Mode, click on Disk Utility and then Continue.
3. Select Macintosh HD and press Erase.
4. Click Complete.
5. Close Disk Utility and return to macOS Utilities.
6. Then select Reinstall macOS and follow the on-screen instructions.

14. Hardware repair/replacement

Still no luck? If none of our steps helped to fix your left click, it might be a sign that your hardware is the problem. You may need to get your trackpad repaired or buy a new mouse.

Fixing your left click on Mac with MacKeeper

When your left click stops working on Mac, it can quickly turn into an annoying obstacle, whether you’re using an external mouse or your trackpad. We strongly recommend keeping macOS updated, regularly cleaning your trackpad, and checking your device permissions.

For extra help, MacKeeper’s Premium Services can offer professional support tailored to your concerns. Our team of Clario Tech experts can share actionable steps online and walk you through the best solution. With us, you’ll be back to your regular Mac activities in no time.