What could be causing the trackpad and keyboard both not working on my MacBook Air A2179?

Recently, I’ve been experiencing a frustrating issue with my MacBook Air A2179. The trackpad and keyboard both stopped working simultaneously, and it’s making it impossible for me to use my laptop effectively. I’m not sure what triggered the problem, and it seemed to happen out of nowhere. I’ve tried restarting the laptop multiple times, but that hasn’t resolved the issue. There aren’t any clear signs of physical damage, and I haven’t spilled anything on the device. The screen turns on fine, and I can use an external mouse and keyboard without any issues, which makes this even more perplexing. I feel like I’ve hit a dead end, and I’m unsure how to proceed from here. It’s particularly problematic because I rely heavily on my laptop for work and personal projects. The situation is frustrating, and I need to understand what might be causing this issue and what steps I could potentially take to diagnose it further. Any insights into why the trackpad and keyboard of my MacBook Air A2179 are unresponsive would be greatly appreciated.
7 Answers

Battery issues can also impact the performance of the trackpad and keyboard on your MacBook Air. If the battery is swollen, it can interfere with the internal components, leading to malfunctions. Look for any signs of swelling or unusual heating. If you find anything out of the ordinary, consider having the battery replaced by an Apple-certified technician to ensure proper handling.

Sometimes, the issue can stem from a corrupted user profile. Here’s how you can check: 1. Open the Apple Menu and select System Preferences. 2. Click on ‘Users & Groups’ and unlock it using your administrator password. 3. Add a new user by clicking on the ‘+’ button. 4. Set up the new user account and log in. If your trackpad and keyboard work under the new account, then your original profile might have become corrupted.

Software issues can sometimes cause peripherals to malfunction. To address this, try resetting the System Management Controller (SMC), which often resolves hardware-related issues on macOS devices. Here’s what you should do: 1. Shut down your MacBook Air. 2. Hold the power button for 10 seconds. 3. Release it, wait for a few seconds, then turn your MacBook Air back on. Next, ensure your macOS is up to date by navigating to System Preferences > Software Update and installing any available updates.

I’ve had a similar problem with my MacBook Air before, and it turned out to be a loose cable inside the laptop. This cable connects the trackpad and keyboard to the mainboard. When I took my device to a repair center, the technician opened the bottom casing and reconnected the cable. Everything worked perfectly after that. If you’re comfortable doing it yourself, carefully open the casing and check the connections. Otherwise, seeking professional help might be your best bet.

In my experience, booting into Safe Mode can help isolate the problem if it’s caused by software conflicts. Follow these steps: 1. Shut down your Mac. 2. Turn it on while holding down the Shift key. 3. Release the Shift key when you see the login window. Safe Mode loads only essential system software and drivers, which can help identify if third-party applications are causing your trackpad and keyboard to be unresponsive.

Sometimes, firmware issues can cause hardware components to act erratically. To reset the firmware on your MacBook Air A2179, follow these steps: 1. Shut down your laptop. 2. Press and hold Option + Command + P + R keys immediately after turning it on. 3. Keep holding the keys for about 20 seconds, then release them and let your MacBook restart normally. This process can resolve various firmware-related glitches that might be affecting your trackpad and keyboard functions.