MacBook trackpad won't press down, or looks raised

Why it happens

The battery in a MacBook sits right under the trackpad. As some batteries age they can swell, and the swelling pushes the trackpad up from below so it can't move enough to click. A swollen battery needs replacing, and it's safest not to keep charging it.

How to fix it

1. Look at your MacBook from the side on a flat table. Signs of swelling include a trackpad that sits higher than the case, a bottom case that bulges or rocks, or a lid that no longer closes flat.

2. If you see any of those signs, unplug the charger, save your work and shut the Mac down. Don't press on the trackpad or the case to force it back.

3. Keep the MacBook somewhere cool and dry, away from anything that burns easily, and don't charge it again until it's been looked at.

4. Book a repair with Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider and tell them the trackpad is raised. They'll replace the battery, and the trackpad usually clicks normally again afterwards.

Still not fixed?

1. No signs of swelling? Restart the Mac first. A trackpad that responds to touch but won't click is sometimes just a software hiccup that a restart clears.

2. Remember that MacBook trackpads only click while the Mac is on and awake. The click is made by a small motor, so a trackpad that won't click when the Mac is off or asleep is normal.

   Trackpad›Point & Click

3. Until it's repaired, you can turn on Tap to click in Trackpad settings so a light tap works as a click. Only do this if there are no signs of a swollen battery.

   Trackpad›Point & Click

4. For a Magic Trackpad, charge it fully and check that it shows as connected in Bluetooth settings. If it still won't click, or a MacBook trackpad stays stiff after a restart, it's a hardware fault: contact Apple Support or an authorized repair shop.

   Bluetooth