Stop the cursor jumping while you type on a MacBook

Why it happens

With Tap to click on, a light touch on the trackpad counts as a click. While you type, the side of your palm or your thumb can brush it, so the cursor jumps and your text lands in the wrong place. Your Mac tries to ignore palms, but large trackpads still catch some touches.

How to fix it

1. Open the Apple menu, choose System Settings and click Trackpad in the sidebar.

2. On the Point & Click tab, turn off Tap to click.

   Trackpad›Point & Click›Tap to click

3. Type a few lines in any app to test it. A click now needs you to press the trackpad down until you feel it give.

Still not fixed?

1. Still clicking too easily? In the same tab, set Click to Firm so a click needs more pressure.

   Trackpad›Point & Click›Click

2. If you mostly use a mouse, tell your Mac to ignore the built-in trackpad whenever a mouse or wireless trackpad is connected.

   Accessibility›Pointer Control›Mouse & Trackpad›Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present

3. If the cursor drifts even when nothing touches the trackpad, wipe it with a slightly damp, lint-free cloth and dry your hands. Moisture and grime can register as touches. Then restart your Mac.

4. If the cursor still moves or clicks on its own, or the trackpad looks raised or your MacBook rocks on the desk, stop using it and contact Apple Support or a repair shop. A swelling battery can push on the trackpad from below, and that's a hardware repair.