Seeing your MacBook Pro cursor stuck is very frustrating. You would not be able to navigate your device as you can’t move or control your cursor. It will hinder your work. To help you keep working, we have enlisted a few tips to fix the stuck cursor issue.
Here, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on why the cursor freezes or gets stuck on the MacBook. We will also highlight what you can do to get your MacBook to work again effectively. So, start scrolling now.
Why Does Your MacBook Pro Cursor Stuck?
Using a mouse or trackpad is a perfect alternative to the Terminal app on Mac, particularly when you are not familiar with the command line. But, a cursor may be stuck on the login screen, an app Window, a startup screen, or the Desktop screen. Usually, it is due to software conflicts or incompatibility.
Not having enough space on the hard disk or system errors can also become common culprits. Troubleshooting mouse or trackpad-related issues sometimes causes the stuck cursor problem. Software issues can be simply resolved, while hardware problems are slightly challenging to fix. Let’s find ways to fix the stuck cursor issue on MacBook Pro.
6 simples ways to fix MacBook Pro cursor stuck
Force Quit Problematic Apps
Certain times it happens that your MacBook Pro cursor is stuck when you launch any specific website or app. If you notice the same thing, force close that recently installed app. This is because of software conflicts or incompatibility with the system.
Since your cursor is stuck or frozen, you can use the keyboard shortcuts to force the opened applications. Launch the Force Quit window by pressing the Command, Option, and Escape keys. Tap the up and down arrow keys to pick the app and click Return twice.
Use Activity Monitor
Running too many applications or opening several tabs on your web browser at the same time can cause RAM deficiency. This becomes the possible reason that your cursor can’t move on your MacBook Pro.
Hence, clear out the RAM by deleting unwanted files, apps, or other content. Launch Spotlight by tapping the Command + Space bar keys together. Input the activity monitor and tap on it. Click twice on a process that is not responding and eating huge memory.
Clean Your Track Pad
This method is suggested only when you make use of a trackpad for navigating MacBook. Dust and dirt may accumulate in the crevices over time. So, clean fingerprints, dust, and other particles from your trackpad using the soft cotton cloth.
But before you start the cleaning process, unplug your MacBook from the power outlet. Now, shut down your device. You can use a lint-free or soft cloth or microfiber for cleaning. Spray the cleaner carefully on the cloth you’re using rather than directly on your trackpad.
Reset System Management Control
SMC, an abbreviation for System Management Controller, controls the low-level settings of a Mac computer. Any error in SMC can lead to the MacBook Pro cursor stuck issue. Hence, try resetting SMC.
Start by powering off your MacBook. Next, press the Control + Option + Shift keys on the keyboard’s left side. Now, keep holding the power button for some 10 seconds. Now, release all these three keys and the power button. At last, turn on your system.
Restart Your MacBook
When all of the solutions we have discussed above prove useless in fixing a frozen cursor, restart your MacBook. This would be the simplest trick that you can implement in just a few clicks.
Before you turn off your MacBook, disconnect all the accessories. Wondering how to approach the power off button in the Apple menu as you can’t move your cursor. Keep pressing the Power button for some seconds to get it to shut down.
Disable Login Items
Startup or login items and launch agents are the apps that launch automatically after signing into MacBook Pro. When these items run in the background, they may lead to a cursor-stuck issue. Therefore, turning off these items and restarting them is worth considering.
To start with this process:
- Tap Users & Groups in the System Preferences window.
- Pick the Login Items option or Manage Login Items in the System Settings.
- Click the lock and type the correct admin password.
4. Checkmark all the mentioned items and click the minus (-) button.
Conclusion
A cursor is the MacBook’s most crucial part that points to keys on display and shows the current position. Hence, when the cursor keeps on jumping randomly or is stuck somewhere, you can’t do anything as you can’t move it.
Luckily, you can do so many things as mentioned above to fix the stuck cursor problem. When this still can’t help in moving the cursor, you may boot your system in safe mode. Other troubleshooting tips you can try include updating macOS, NVRAM resetting, or updating apps.
