MacBook Repair22 July 20264 min read

MacBook Trackpad Not Clicking Anymore? It Might Be Your Battery

When a MacBook trackpad stops clicking or feels stuck, the trackpad itself is rarely at fault. It is usually the battery swelling underneath it.

Why the trackpad is rarely the problem

The trackpad in older MacBooks actually clicks mechanically, while modern MacBooks (2015 and newer) use haptic feedback. Regardless of the model, the battery sits directly underneath the trackpad. When lithium-ion batteries fail, they often expand and push up against the trackpad, stopping it from clicking.

A swollen battery is a severe safety risk and a fire hazard. If it continues to expand, it can crack the trackpad glass and warp the aluminum chassis of your MacBook permanently.

Need help right now? Our MacBook Repair engineers can come directly to your home or office anywhere in Greater London to diagnose and fix this for you.

Turn off "Tap to Click" in System Preferences to see if the physical click is truly gone.
Look at the laptop from the side resting on a flat table—is the trackpad raised above the casing?
Check the battery health status by holding the Option key and clicking the battery icon in the top right.
Does the trackpad work normally if the bottom case is taken off?

How we confirm a swollen battery

A trackpad that will not click is usually being pushed from underneath by a swelling battery. Confirming that matters, because a swollen cell is a safety issue as well as a repair.

Safely execute a bottom chassis inspection for swollen battery cells.
Check if the ribbon connecting the trackpad to the logic board has been damaged by the pressure.
Assess haptic motor failure (Taptic Engine) versus physical battery pressure.
Ensure accurate trackpad recalibration after battery replacement.