Google’s line of Chromebook laptops are a popular and affordable option, but like any device, they can run into issues. When your mouse or touchpad doesn’t want to play ball, it can prevent you from using your device and getting important things done.
So, here are the best fixes for a faulty Chromebook mouse or touchpad.
Over time, your touchpad or mouse can gather oil, dirt, and other debris from continued use. This can affect the sensitivity and overall operation of the device at hand.
If you’ve been using your mouse or touchpad for a while and haven’t given it a clean, it might be time to do so. If you’re using your Chromebook’s touchpad, lightly run over it with a cotton wool pad dipped in rubbing alcohol. Don’t push too hard to avoid scratches and other damage; simply rub the pad in circular motions until it is completely clean.
If you’recleaning your mouse, the first thing to do is clean the exterior of the roller with a cotton bud dipped in rubbing alcohol. You can also use a cotton bud to clean the wheel of your mouse if you want to be thorough. Again, don’t apply too much pressure when you clean.
If you don’t have any rubbing alcohol to hand, you’re able to also use a small amount of soapy water. Do not soak your cotton bud or pad entirely with water. Instead, add just enough for the cleaning to be effective. Don’t forget, electronics and water are mortal enemies!
Your touchpad’s settings may be interfering with how it functions, but this can be easily rectified. To check on your touchpad’s configuration, head to your Chromebook Settings and then click on Touchpad.
Here, you’ll be able to see which features are enabled on your touchpad. you may also adjust the touchpad speed if you’re finding tracking to be slower or faster than desired.
If you’reusing a wireless mouse instead of a wired mouse, check your Chromebook’s Bluetooth settings to see if it’s connected. To do this, head to theConnected Devicesoption on the main settings menu, and you’ll be able to view which devices are currently connected to your Chromebook. You can turn your Bluetooth on in theBluetoothsection of your Chromebook settings.
3. Check the Cable Connection
Sometimes, the issues with your wired mouse may simply be caused by a loose connection. Maybe your USB input isn’t inserted all the way into the port, or your wire is knotted. Checking your mouse’s connection to your Chromebook may be all it takes to get things up and running again.
Alternatively, there could be an issue with your mouse’s cable. If you have a spare, give that a try to see if it fixes the issues you’re having.
4. Restart Your Chromebook
Sometimes the old adage of “Have you tuned it off and on again?” rings true. If your mouse or touchpad is playing up, try giving your Chromebook a quick restart. You can do this by holding down the power button on the left-hand side of the device and selectingShut downor by clicking on the time at the bottom-right of your screen and then selecting the power button next to theSign outoption.
5. Check Your Chromebook Battery
Some Chromebook users have reported that their laptop battery has swollen and is pressing against their touchpad, rendering it faulty or unusable. Not only does a swollen battery make it hard to use your Chromebook, but it can also be dangerous, especially if it’s being charged.
If your touchpad feels swollen, your keyboard is faulty, your Chromebook won’t close properly, or the bottom of your Chromebook is uneven, your battery may be swollen. This can be caused by an excess of electrical current running through your battery, causing it to expand. This isn’t something that can be fixed with a few clicks. If you think your laptop battery is swollen, it’s crucial that you disconnect it from the charger and turn it off.
If you’re experienced with computer hardware and repairs, you could attempt to remove the swollen battery yourself. However, if you’re not entirely sure what you’re doing, it’s best to take your Chromebook to a professional to have it looked at.
A touchpad drum roll involves tapping your touchpad with your fingers repeatedly for a few seconds. Doing this for 10 to 15 seconds can help dislodge any debris within the sides of your touchpad due to the vibration caused by your fingers.
7. Update ChromeOS
Sometimes, your mouse or touchpad will play up because your Chromebook’s software hasn’t been updated in a while. Software updates often iron out bugs and provide new feature support, so they’re important to keep on top of.
If you haven’t updated ChromeOS in a while, head to your Chromebook’s settings and selectAbout Chrome OSat the bottom of the menu list. Here, you’ll be able to check for any pending updates.
8. Press the Esc Key a Few Times
Sometimes, a website or application can interfere with how your Chromebook functions. Simply pressing your Chromebook’s escape (Esc) key a few times can help you regain control of your touchpad or mouse by halting the loading of the current webpage.
9. Factory Reset Your Chromebook
If all else fails, you might want to consider factory resetting your Chromebook. Make sure you only do this if you’re sure there are no other factors causing your touchpad to be faulty. You could also considerreinstalling ChromeOSbut note that this will wipe any files or installed apps you have on your current OS version.
If your mouse doesn’t work, it’s best to buy a replacement before conducting a factory reset. This will be a much more convenient option for you, despite the added cost. Alternatively, try using your Chromebook’stouchpad instead of the mouse, as you may run into fewer issues using your laptop’s native hardware.
Your Chromebook’s Issue May Have a Simple Solution
If your Chromebook’s mouse or touchpad isn’t responding to your taps and clicks, there’s often a fairly simple reason why. However, an unresponsive touchpad may be indicative of a more serious issue, which is also important to consider. Keep the above fixes in mind next time your Chromebook’s mouse or touchpad isn’t working.
