Tap to Click is a widely used feature for Mac trackpads that allows users to tap the trackpad surface to simulate a click, instead of pressing down physically on the trackpad. Many Mac users enjoy using Tap to Click, so it’s understandable if you feel frustrated when this function suddenly stops working or doesn’t behave as expected.

Some Mac users have reported that Tap to Click isn't functioning properly on their MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook, or Magic Trackpad—often after upgrading to macOS Monterey or later versions. If you're experiencing this problem, follow along to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

A Quick Fix for Tap to Click Not Working on Mac

In many cases, a simple fix can restore Tap to Click functionality on your Mac. This involves disabling and then re-enabling the Tap to Click option.

1. Open the ? Apple menu and select “System Preferences”
2. Navigate to “Trackpad”
3. Uncheck the box labeled “Tap to Click”
4. Spend a minute clicking normally with a press action, then return to Trackpad settings in System Preferences and re-enable “Tap to Click” by checking the box

Simply toggling Tap To Click off and back on usually resolves most issues related to this feature on the Mac.

Full Fix for Tap to Click Not Working Issues on MacOS

Before proceeding, it's advisable to back up your Mac using Time Machine, as this method might involve installing system software updates and modifying system preference files:

1. Close all running applications on your Mac

2. From the ? Apple menu go to System Preferences and choose “Software Update”

3. Install any pending macOS software update (e.g., macOS Monterey 12.4 Update) if available

4. In Finder, use Command Shift G (or select Go from the Go menu and choose Go To Folder) to access ~/Library/Preferences/

5. Look for these two files: com.apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad.plist``com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.trackpad.plist

6. Move these two files to your desktop or Documents folder as a backup for your trackpad preferences

7. Restart your Mac by selecting Restart from the ? Apple menu

8. After restarting, open System Preferences from the ? Apple menu and navigate to the ‘Trackpad’ preference panel

9. Adjust your trackpad settings according to your usual preferences, ensuring that “Tap to Click” is enabled again

10. Tap to Click should now be functioning properly again

Note About Accidental Click Rejection and Tap-to-Click on Mac Trackpads

Some Mac users have observed that on modern MacBook Pro models equipped with larger trackpads (such as the latest 16″ MacBook Pro), Tap To Click tends to work more reliably within a smaller central area of the trackpad. Users of MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros with 13″ and 14″ displays have also noted similar behavior, although those devices have smaller trackpads, which may be less prone to ignoring input accidentally.

Pay attention to where you are tapping on the trackpad. If you find that taps on the edges of the trackpad often fail to register, try tapping closer to the center, which might eliminate the issue entirely.

For some users, tapping near the outer edges of the trackpad doesn’t consistently activate Tap To Click, while tapping directly in the center works reliably.

This could be due to an intentional feature built into the trackpad designed to prevent accidental inputs. While generally effective at distinguishing between intended and unintended clicks, sometimes it may mistakenly reject valid taps. A common example is when Tap to Click functions well towards the center of the trackpad but fails repeatedly on the edges unless tapped multiple times.

Although some of this behavior might be by design, certain instances could stem from bugs present in specific versions of macOS. That's why keeping your system updated with the latest software releases is highly recommended. For instance, early builds of macOS Monterey had known Tap To Click problems, which were subsequently resolved through later updates.

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Did you manage to restore Tap to Click functionality on your Mac trackpad? Did you discover another solution? Share your experiences in the comments below.

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