Whether you’re a student, professional! If you’ve ever experienced the frustration of a laptop touchpad not working after cleaning, you know how frustrating it can be. Suddenly, your trusty device becomes difficult to navigate and work with.
In this article, we will explore the reasons why this may happen and provide some troubleshooting tips and solutions– to help get your touchpad running.
So, let’s dive in and learn more about fixing a touchpad that’s quit working after cleaning–
Laptop Touchpad Not Working After Cleaning
There are a few reasons why a laptop touchpad may not work after cleaning. The first possibility is that the touchpad was damaged during the cleaning process. It happens if a cleaner or other liquid was accidentally spilled on it or scrubbed too hard.
Another possibility is that the touchpad driver or software became corrupted during the cleaning process. It happens if the laptop was turned off or put into sleep mode during the cleaning.
Finally, it’s possible that the touchpad settings were accidentally changed during the cleaning process. For example, if a function key or key combination(keyboard shortcuts) was unintentionally pressed while cleaning, the touchpad may have been disabled.
It is important to note that in some cases, your touchpad not working after a cleaning session may not be immediately obvious. If none of the above solutions work, it may be necessary to take the laptop to a professional for repair or replacement of the touchpad.
In short, the post-cleaning disturbance of the touchpad can vary from physical damage to driver corruption or settings change. The best way to troubleshoot is to try restarting the laptop, checking for the mouse settings, or consulting a professional.
How To Fix When A Laptop Touchpad Doesn’t Work After Cleaning?
Here are a few steps you can try to fix a laptop trackpad doesn’t work after cleaning:
Restart the laptop
This can help resolve any software or driver issues that may have been caused by the cleaning process.
Check the touchpad settings
Look for a function key or key combination that can enable or disable the touchpad. Make sure the touchpad is enabled and not disabled accidentally.
Update the device drivers
Check the manufacturer’s website for the latest driver for your laptop model and update it.
Run a hardware check
Check if the touchpad is physically damaged, if you see any signs of damage, it may need to be replaced.
Try using a mouse
If your touchpad doesn’t function properly, you can use a USB mouse to check if the problem is with it or with the computer as a whole.
Consult a professional
If none of the above solutions work, it may be necessary to take the laptop to a professional for repair or replacement of the touchpad. Remember that if you’re not comfortable troubleshooting, only then you need a pro option. Otherwise, you can fix it on your own, in most cases.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Laptop Touchpad?
The cost to fix a laptop touchpad can vary depending on a number of factors such as the brand and model of the laptop, the extent of the damage, and where you take it for repair.
Here is the table showing a rough estimate for repair and replacement:
| Brand/Model | Cost of Repair (Driver/Software) | Cost of Replacement (Physical Damage) |
| DELL | $50 – $100 | $100 – $200 |
| HP | $50 – $100 | $150 – $250 |
| Lenovo | $60 – $120 | $200 – $300 |
| MacBook Pro | $200 – $400 (If done by Apple) | $500 – $600 (If done by Apple) |
| MacBook Pro | $100 – $200 (Third-party) | $300 – $400 (Third-party) |
Note: The above table is an estimation, the cost may vary depending on the location and the technician. It’s always a good idea to check the warranty status of your laptop and consider the cost of repair and replacement before deciding on a course of action.
If it’s not physically damaged and the issue is with the driver or settings, the repair may be relatively inexpensive. Updating the device driver or reinstalling the touchpad software may be a quick fix and can be done by a technician for around $50-$100.
However, if the trackpad is physically damaged and needs a replacement, the cost can be more significant. Replacing a touchpad can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 or more, depending on the brand and model of the laptop. Besides, where you take it for the fix is also an important factor.
Note:
If your laptop is still under warranty, the repair may be covered and you may not have to pay anything out of pocket. It’s always a good idea to check the warranty status before visiting an unauthorized service center.
Overall, the cost to fix a laptop touchpad can vary widely and it’s best to get a specific quote for your device by consulting with a professional technician or authorized service center.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace Macbook Pro Trackpad?
The cost to replace a MacBook Pro touchpad can also vary depending on several factors. This may include the model of the MacBook Pro, the location of the repair center, and whether the repair is done by Apple or a third-party repair shop.
In the case of Apple service, the cost can be quite high. For example, as of 2022, the cost to replace the touchpad on a MacBook Pro 15-inch can be around $600. If the repair is done by a third-party repair shop, the cost can be significantly lower.
It’s also worth noting that not all touchpad issues require a replacement. The issue can be resolved by updating the touchpad driver or by performing a firmware update, sometimes. If you’re experiencing issues with yours, it’s best to take your MacBook Pro to a professional for a diagnosis before considering a replacement.
It’s always a good idea to check the warranty status of your MacBook Pro and consider the cost of repair and replacement before deciding on a course of action.
How To Clean A Laptop Touchpad Properly?
Here are some tips and tricks for cleaning a laptop touchpad properly–
1. Use a dry and soft cloth
Gently wipe the touchpad with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and debris. Avoid using paper towels or rough cloths, as they can scratch the surface of the touchpad.
2. Dampen the cloth with water or rubbing alcohol
If the touchpad is particularly dirty or sticky, you can dampen a cloth with a small amount of water or rubbing alcohol. Be sure to wring out the cloth so it’s just damp, not wet.
3. Avoid using harsh chemicals
Avoid using harsh chemicals, such as cleaning solutions or abrasive scrubs, as they can damage the touchpad. Stick to using water or rubbing isopropyl alcohol.
4. Turn off the laptop before cleaning
Make sure to turn off the laptop and unplug it from any power source before cleaning the touchpad. This can prevent any accidental damage. Here is the example with an image showing the process.
5. Clean around the touchpad
Don’t forget to clean around the touchpad, including the surrounding areas of the laptop, to remove any dust or debris that could accumulate over time. You can use an unused toothbrush to do that.
6. Compressed air canister
Use a compressed air canister to blow out any debris that might be stuck in the touchpad and laptop keyboard. It’s an excellent method of cleaning the keyboard and trackpad.
7. Be gentle
When cleaning the touchpad, be gentle to them. You should avoid applying too much pressure on the outer surface of the pad. And this is how you can help prevent any damage.
8. Check for touchpad settings and driver
After cleaning the touchpad, check the mouse settings to make sure that the touchpad is enabled and not disabled accidentally. We discussed this process a few lines back.
By following these tips, you can clean your laptop mousepad appropriately and keep it in good working condition.
How To Take Care of Laptop Touchpads
A proper maintenance can keep your laptops and touchpad out of cleaning issues and all that. Because, no dirt; no repair. So, here are some tips for taking care of a laptop touchpad.
- Keep it clean:
Regularly clean the touchpad using a soft, dry cloth or a cloth dampened with a small amount of water or rubbing alcohol.
- Avoid liquids:
Be careful not to spill liquids on the touchpad, as this can cause damage.
- Use a touchpad protector:
Consider using a touchpad protector to prevent scratches and other damage to the laptop touchpad.
- Keep it dry:
Avoid using the touchpad when your hands are wet, as this can cause the touchpad to malfunction.
- Adjust the touchpad or mouse settings:
Adjust the touchpad settings to your liking, such as the cursor speed and touchpad sensitivity, to improve the performance.
- Use a mouse:
If you find that you’re using the touchpad frequently, consider using an external mouse instead. This can help reduce wear and tear on the touchpad.
- Update the touchpad driver:
Make sure that you have the latest touchpad driver installed, this can improve the touchpad’s performance and fix any known issues.
By following these tips, you can help keep your laptop touchpad in good working condition and extend its lifespan.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Do Viruses Affect Your Laptop Touchpad?
Yes, viruses or malware can potentially cause your laptop touchpad not to work. They can infect the computer system, and cause various issues such as freezing, slowing down the system, and making it difficult to navigate the computer.
Additionally, it can also cause some software issues such as random shutdowns or system crashes. This can also cause damage to the system files(Win32/Sality.AT) and make YOUR laptop computer unstable.
Can I use sanitizer to clean my laptop touchpad?
Using sanitizer is not recommended. Since they contain harsh chemicals that can damage the delicate components of the touchpad, such as the sensors and circuitry. Additionally, sanitizers are designed to use on surfaces with a certain level of porosity, which may not be present on a laptop touchpad.
What are signs of water damage on a laptop?
This is a bit difficult to detect, but there are some signs that may indicate water damage has occurred. One of the most obvious signs is visible water spots or discoloration on the laptop’s exterior. Besides, you may experience power failure or fail to boot up properly, this could also be an indication of moisture issue. Other symptoms include corrosion around ports and connectors.
What is the name of the touchpad drivers?
The name of the touchpad driver is typically the same as the manufacturer of the laptop, such as Synaptics or Elan. The name will help you to troubleshoot any issues after cleaning. To find out the driver you have, open Device Manager by pressing Windows Key+X and selecting Device Manager from the menu.
In Device Manager, expand the Mice and other pointing devices section and look for the name of the touchpad driver.
How many types of touchpads are there?
There are two main types of touchpads commonly used in laptops: capacitive and resistive. Capacitive touchpads use a layer of capacitive material to detect the user’s finger movements, while resistive ones use pressure-sensitive technology to detect your finger gesture.
However, the capacitive pads are typically more accurate and responsive than resistive, but they can be more easily damaged by dirt and debris.
Takeaways
Most laptop touchpads are sensitive to cleaning products and liquids. If it doesn’t work after cleaning, check the device settings and ensure that the touchpad has not been disabled. If the settings are correct, then it may be necessary to replace the touchpad or contact a professional for assistance.
In some cases, a simple reboot of the laptop may be enough to restore the touchpad’s functionality. That’s all!