Unresponsive trackpad tapping when Command key is pressed

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Level 1

9 points

Unresponsive trackpad tapping when Command key is pressed

I got my Macbook Pro 14" and when I hold the Command key, the trackpad tapping will be disabled until one or two seconds later, i.e. as if I didn't tap it. It is not having delayed response, but it gives no response at all if you tap within one or two seconds after clicking and holding Command key. This situation only happens to tapping. Clicking works normally with Command key. The situation happens in all applications - e.g. open link in new Safari tab, and select multiple files in Finder.

Is it hardware of software problem?

MacBook Pro (2020 and later)

Posted on Nov 6, 2021 7:54 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

1ssmith

Community Specialist

Nov 7, 2021 8:56 AM in response to wilson_apple

Hello wilson_apple,

From your post it appears you are having an issue with the trackpad not responding after tapping while holding the command key.

We would suggest starting up the system in what is called safe mode. This will help isolate this issue to either hardware or software.

To start in safe mode, begin with the computer powered off. Follow the directions found here, depending on what type of Mac you have: How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support

The computer will take longer to start in safe mode, and the screen may have some distorted video as it starts up. This is normal. Once you are logged in, use the system and test to see if the issue continues.

If everything seems to work as expected, go ahead and restart the computer normally and test again. Starting in safe mode forces the computer to run some disk checks similar to First Aid. This can resolve some issues.

Cheers.

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Answer 2

Nov 8, 2021 8:15 AM in response to wilson_apple

Hello wilson_apple,

Since the issue does not occur in a new user account, this indicates something in the software. The next step is to try to isolate what is causing it.

One way to do this is to add data to the new user account and test. Once the issue starts again, that will tell you what is causing the problem. You can share data between users following these steps: Share files with others who use your Mac - Apple Support

Have a good day.

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Answer 3

bailier

Community Specialist

Nov 9, 2021 6:16 AM in response to wilson_apple

Hello wilson_apple,

Since this is happening across all users, an while in safe mode, we would suggest that you Contact - Official Apple Support.

They are going to be in the best position to assist further.

Have a good day.

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Answer 4

wilson_apple Author

Level 1

9 points

Nov 8, 2021 7:22 AM in response to 1ssmith

Thanks 1ssmith, appreciated. I have tried safe mode - issue still exist in safe mode. However, when I tried to use other user's account on this computer, the problem is gone.

This is my new Macbook, and I transferred all files and setting from my old Macbook. Would this likely be the source of problem and what should I do next?

Many thanks.

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Answer 5

wilson_apple Author

Level 1

9 points

Nov 8, 2021 5:27 PM in response to Matthew.S81

Thanks Matthew.S81. I just realised that I made it wrong - the other user also has this same problem. What I just realised is that sometimes it takes longer (3 seconds) for the tapping to work after holding command key. Sometimes it take less than 1 second.

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Answer 6

ChrilleP

Level 1

8 points

Nov 10, 2021 6:13 AM in response to bailier

I have this issue as well on my MacBook Pro 14 inch M1 Max. Both for Cmd and Shift keys. Tapping works sporadically with these keys being pressed. Need to tap like three times to select multiple items.

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Answer 7

ChrilleP

Level 1

8 points

Nov 10, 2021 8:07 AM in response to wilson_apple

I haven´t tried other account. But I did try safe mode - same result. Reformat drive and clean install of Monterey 12.0.1 from usb - same result. Must be a software issue since tapping all over the trackpad without pressing keys works ok. It's the combo of tapping and pressing keys that causes it. And it's not Monterey by itself, I've tested same thing on a MacBook Air M1 and there everything works as expected. So the problem is with my 14 inch MBP and Monterey.

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