5 Ways to Fix Mouse Cursor Stuck on Mac

Quick Tips

• Firstly, disconnect all external devices, reboot your Mac, and quit all apps to resolve any minute bug or settings-related issue.
• Next, clean the trackpad to ensure dirt prevents your mouse cursor from being stuck.
• Lastly, reset the trackpad’s Plist files to reset the settings causing the issue.

Basic Troubleshoot 

• Remove connected devices – To ensure that the culprit isn’t a connected device, say a Bluetooth mouse or keyboard, remove all devices and try again. If you feel it’s a Bluetooth connectivity issue, follow the linked guide to resolve it.
• Restart Mac – Since your cursor is stuck, it will be difficult to get to the reboot menu. Hence, the best way out is to force reboot using the power button.
• Quit background apps – An unresponsive or problematic app can cause the mouse cursor to be stuck on the Mac. Press the Command + Q keys on your keyboard or use the Force Quit menu to close all background apps.
• Connect external mouse – Your Mac’s trackpad may have a hardware defect. The best way to confirm this is by connecting an external mouse. If your mouse cursor works with the external mouse, visit an Apple-authorized service center.

Fix 1. Clean Your Trackpad

If you use a trackpad and your mouse cursor keeps misbehaving, try cleaning your trackpad. Sometimes, the dirt accumulated on your Mac’s trackpad may hinder the cursor’s movement.

Cleaning is simple. Use a microfibre cloth to wipe off any visible dirt. If you’re feeling extra, use a brush to dig the edges of your Mac to deep clean the trackpad.

Fix 2. Change Trackpad Settings From Preferences

A particular setting in macOS disables the trackpad when connecting an external mouse. This setting may have been enabled, causing the cursor to freeze when using the trackpad. Here’s how to identify this issue and disable it.

Step 1: Click on the Apple logo at the top left and select System Settings.

Step 2: Now, navigate to the Accessibility settings.

Step 3: Scroll to the Motor section and select Pointer Control.

Step 4: Toggle off Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present.

This should unlock your trackpad’s cursor frozen on your Mac.

Fix 3: Delete Trackpad Plist Files

Corrupt trackpad .plist files can be why the mouse cursor is stuck on your Mac. You should delete such files and try again.

Step 1: Open Finder on Mac > press Command + Shift + G keyboard shortcut.

Step 2: Type /Library/Preferences/ and hit Return.

Step 3: Find the following files,

• com.apple.preference.trackpad.plist.
• com.apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad.plist.

Step 4: Right-click on those files and select Move to Bin. Once done, reboot your Mac and check your mouse’s moments. Hopefully, the issue will be resolved.

Fix 4. Reset the PRAM on Your Mac

Note: This feature works only on Intel-based MacBooks and not the latest M-series models.

The PRAM (Parameter RAM) stores essential data about your Mac, like the default values of the startup disk, virtual memory, and even some hardware components. Resetting the PRAM can help bring your touchpad back to life if none of the above solutions worked.

Step 1: Click on the Apple icon > select Shut Down from the options.

Step 2: Press and hold the Option + Command + P + R keyboard shortcut for 20 seconds and release them once you hear the startup sound.

Note: If you have a MacBook with a T2 security chip, release the keys after the Apple logo shows up.

After you reset PRAM, check if the trackpad works as expected.

Fix 5: Start Apple Diagnostics

If you doubt it’s a hardware-related problem, confirm so by running the Apple Diagnostics test.

Step 1: Restart your Mac.

Step 2: Press the Command + D keyboard shortcut. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the test.

For MacBooks with the Intel CPU, restart the Mac and keep pressing the D key. Release the key once you see a progress bar or language option.

If the test result indicates an issue with the Mac’s hardware, contact Apple Support for assistance.