Chromebooks are fantastic tools for finishing activities and staying connected to people and communities. On the other hand, a malfunctioning Chromebook touchpad can completely derail your day. There’s a possibility that you’ll think your Chromebook is frozen and needs to be fixed. To find a solution to the Fix ‘Chromebook touchpad not working’ issue, you have several options to choose from.
There are a few different things that could go wrong, causing the touchpad on a Chromebook to stop working. When there is dirt or dust on or under the touchpad, it can make the physical operation of the touchpad more difficult. It’s possible that the software has become corrupted or frozen, which will cause the pointer to stop moving. On some Chromebooks, you might be able to turn off the touchpad by pressing a certain combination of keys.
A reliable repair for a malfunctioning touchpad can also serve as an important diagnostic step. You can navigate using the touchscreen on your Chromebook (if it has one), or you can connect a mouse from the outside. If either of those solutions is successful, it indicates that the problem is specific to the touchpad and does not point to a more serious issue with the Chromebook.
Why ‘Chromebook touchpad not working’ issue’
Failure of Hardware:
- Physical Damage: If the touchpad has been physically damaged, like if it has been dropped or hit, it may no longer work. Even a small crack or break in the surface of the touchpad can make it stop working.
- Water Damage: Liquids like water or spills can cause short circuits in the touchpad’s internal parts, which can make it stop working or make it act strangely.
- Wear and Tear: The parts inside the touchpad can wear out and break over time. This natural process of getting older can lead to less performance or even failure.
Issues with Software:
- Drivers that are out of date: If the software drivers that control the touchpad are out of date, incompatible, or broken, the touchpad may not work as expected or stop working altogether.
- Corrupted Software: Software conflicts or sudden shutdowns can cause system files or touchpad-related software to become corrupted, which can cause problems with the touchpad. If the error persists, you can also visit the official website to resolve the problem.
Grime and dirt:
- Accumulated Debris: A layer of dirt, dust, or grease on the surface of the touchpad can make it less sensitive and less responsive. This can happen over time if the item is used often or if it is in a dirty place.
- Greasy Residue: When oily or greasy residue from your fingers builds up on the touchpad, it makes the surface slippery and makes it harder for the touchpad to accurately read your touch or gestures.
Fixed: ‘Chromebook touchpad not working’ issue’
Check Touchpad Settings
- Click on the clock in the lower right corner of the screen.
- To get to settings, click on the gear icon.
- Scroll to the bottom and click “Device.”
- Make sure that under “Touchpad,” both “Enable tap to click” and “Enable touchpad” are turned on.
Clean the Touchpad
- Don’t use your Chromebook any more.
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth that has been slightly dampened with water to clean the touchpad’s surface. Don’t use harsh chemicals.
- Don’t turn on your Chromebook until it is completely dry.
Disable the touchscreen
- Click on your Chromebook’s settings icon.
- Find the “device” option and then click on it.
- Click on the “displays” choice.
- Look for the option that says “touchscreen” and click on it.
- Stop using the touchscreen.
Change your touchpad speed
- Select Touchpad in Settings > Device.
- To activate, choose the toggle switch.
- To increase the Touchpad’s speed, drag the slider to the right.
Check for Software updates’
- Activate Settings.
- Go to ChromeOS > About > Check for updates.
- If there is an update, your Chromebook will automatically download and run it.
- If your Chromebook updated, turn it back on.
Update Chromebook
- Click the icon that looks like a gear on your Chromebook.
- Scroll down until you see the “about Chrome OS” option.
- Choose “Check for Updates” from the menu.
- Click on “restart to update” if there are any new versions.
FAQs
If there is dirt, dust, or liquid on the touchpad of your Chromebook, the cursor may stop moving or flicker. Using a clean, dry, and lint-free cloth to wipe your touchpad might get it to work again. If you’re using a mouse that’s not built into your computer, make sure it’s on a flat, clean, smooth surface.
Click Start and then Settings in Windows to find out. Touchpad is under Bluetooth & Devices. Swipe the button to the right to make sure that the Touchpad is on.
Different models may have a different button. After a restart, coming out of hibernation/sleep mode, or entering Windows, the TouchPad will be turned on automatically. To turn off the touchpad, press the button that goes with it, such as F6, F8, or Fn+F6/F8/Delete.