Trackpad
The touch-sensitive input surface below the keyboard. Before replacing a faulty trackpad, always check for a swollen battery — it’s the most commonly missed cause of sudden trackpad failure.
- What It Is
- Signs of Trackpad Failure
- The Swollen Battery Connection
- People Also Ask
The trackpad is the touch-sensitive input surface located below the keyboard. It detects finger movement and gestures, replacing the mouse for cursor control. Modern laptop trackpads use capacitive sensing and often include a physical click mechanism or haptic feedback.
On Windows laptops the trackpad is typically replaceable. On MacBooks it is part of the top case assembly. Apple’s Force Touch trackpads provide haptic feedback rather than a physical click.
- Erratic cursor movement — jumping or drifting without input
- Trackpad not responding to touch at all
- Physical click button not working
- Trackpad surface feels raised or does not sit flush
- Cursor moves but clicks don’t register
- Trackpad works intermittently
A swollen battery sits directly below the trackpad on most laptops. As it expands, it physically pushes up against the trackpad from below — distorting the surface, changing the click response, or preventing the trackpad from registering at all.
If your trackpad suddenly stops working on a laptop that’s 3+ years old, always inspect for battery swelling first. The swollen battery is a safety hazard that needs addressing regardless.
Why is my laptop trackpad suddenly not working?
Common causes: software/driver issue, disconnected trackpad cable after a drop, liquid damage, or a swollen battery pushing up from below. If it happened suddenly on an older laptop, battery swelling is a strong candidate.
Is trackpad failure always a hardware problem?
Not always. Check if the trackpad is disabled in settings, if an external mouse works, and if a restart fixes it. If it persists through a restart and driver reinstall, hardware fault is likely.
How much does trackpad replacement cost in Singapore?
Varies by model. Windows laptop trackpads are generally affordable. MacBook is more expensive. Free diagnosis to confirm the cause first.
Free diagnosis to find the real cause. Battery swelling check included. Same-day repair.
