Archive. This is an archive of the Apple Support Community. Discussions are being restored and soon you will be able to read and post here again.
Mttwl
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Macbook Air M2 trackpad becomes unresponsive after entering sleep mode.

My Macbook Air M2's trackpad stops working after entering sleep mode. This doesn't happen every time, but it happens a few times a day and it is very annoying as I have to restart my laptop to temporarily fix it. Whenever it happens, my keyboard works but my trackpad is completely unresponsive.

Posted on Oct 28, 2026 1:40 PM

2 replies

John Galt
User level: Level 10 (162,806 points)

Oct 29, 2026 4:12 AM in response to Mttwl

That would be intolerable. Intermittent problems always complicate troubleshooting but please determine if the same behavior occurs when using the Mac in "Safe Mode": Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support


Use it long enough in that mode to determine if the problem persists or subsides, and then reboot normally (not "Safe Mode").


Make sure macOS is updated: Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support

Owl-53
User level: Level 10 (123,805 points)

Oct 29, 2026 5:21 AM in response to Mttwl

That sounds really frustrating, especially since it happens several times a day and restarting your Mac only fixes it temporarily.


Since your keyboard still works but the trackpad becomes completely unresponsive after waking from sleep, I would start by checking for a software issue, but I would not rule out a hardware problem either.


Here are a few things I'd try:


  1. Update macOS: Check System Settings >> General >> Software Update to make sure you are running the latest version available for your Mac.
  2. Try Safe Mode: This can help determine whether software that loads at startup is contributing to the problem. Apple's instructions are here: Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support (CA)
  3. Run Apple Diagnostics: Shut down your Mac, press and hold the power button until startup options appear, then hold Command-D. Follow the prompts and run the trackpad test if it's available. Instructions: Use Apple Diagnostics to test your Mac - Apple Support (CA)


One other thing worth checking is the battery. The M2 MacBook Air was released in 2022.


If your Mac is a heavily worn battery, it is worth checking its condition.


A swollen battery can press against the trackpad from underneath and potentially interfere with its operation.


This is not necessarily the cause of your problem, but it is worth ruling out.


Look for a trackpad that sits unevenly, becomes unusually difficult to click, or a case that appears to bulge.


If you suspect the battery is swollen, stop using and charging the Mac and arrange a professional inspection.


Do not press on the trackpad or try to open the Mac yourself.


If the issue continues after these checks, I would recommend having Apple or an authorized service provider inspect it, especially since restarting only provides a temporary fix.


One question: When the trackpad stops responding, does clicking also stop working completely, or can you still physically click it even though the cursor won't move?


Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256384826