Three fingers drag n' drop not working since MacOS 26

Luis Sequeira1 wrote:

This is set in System Settings->Accessibility->Pointer Control, by clicking on "Trackpad Options...":

Thanks Luis Sequeira1 !

I see it now, never visited that in Accessibility. You certainly can drag w/ one finger without that option toggled on.

This is set in System Settings->Accessibility->Pointer Control, by clicking on "Trackpad Options...":

w1ldwoods wrote:

I have a MBP 2019. I have the exact same issue as you. Never been an issue with previous releases. 3-finger gestures is completely unusable with Tahoe. Haven't found any fixes for it. I, too, have to resort to an external mouse or turn off 3-finger drag.

you can file a bug report / submit your Apple Feedback here:  Product Feedback - Apple

Costilotti wrote:

Ever since updating to MacOS 26, I have been encountering issues with dragging and selecting with the three-finger gesture on my MacBook Pro trackpad:

the action begins, but then when I lift up my fingers the device does not register that and keeps dragging or selecting the content I was interacting with. Other than that, the other interactions (click, double click, right click, touch, swipe etc) work fine.

I have tried using external mouse and in that case it works perfectly, same if I use the right click gesture. I have not tried with an external trackpad as I do not currently have one available.

Wondering if anyone else has had the same issue and has found a way to solve it.

re: MacBook Pro macOS 26

3 finger gesture...? Not heard this; maybe I am missing something.

I can only test with internal trackpad/mouse/keyboard.

Try just clicking holding and dragging with one finger and compare your results.

make changes to your Trackpad settings. Avoid conflicting gestures to be sure.

How to use the Force Touch trackpad

How to use the Force Touch trackpad - Apple Support

Change Trackpad Setings

Change Trackpad settings on Mac - Apple Support

I have the same issue after the upgrade, using a 3rd party touchpad. In the previous MacOs was working super fine with the accesibility settings enabled / three finger drag. After the Macos 26 upgrade, it does not work properly, it does not lock properly and it is impossible to drag windows for example. I had to connect a Mouse for now.

Same. M4 MacBook Pro here. This issue applies to both the built-in touchpad and my separate Mac ones. It also makes Excel unusable for selecting and copying cells.

I've had to turn it off for now but it's a major productivity hit to not have 3 finger drag.

Costilotti wrote:

Ever since updating to MacOS 26, I have been encountering issues with dragging and selecting with the three-finger gesture on my MacBook Pro trackpad: the action begins, but then when I lift up my fingers the device does not register that and keeps dragging or selecting the content I was interacting with. Other than that, the other interactions (click, double click, right click, touch, swipe etc) work fine.

I have tried using external mouse and in that case it works perfectly, same if I use the right click gesture. I have not tried with an external trackpad as I do not currently have one available.

I suppose this an Apple Magic Mouse; otherwise I can't see what three finger drag could be.

Wondering if anyone else has had the same issue and has found a way to solve it.

I usually do not have this feature on, but I did try it for a while and it appears to be working as expected here (M4 PRO MacBook Pro 14" running Tahoe).

I have a MBP 2019. I have the exact same issue as you. Never been an issue with previous releases. 3-finger gestures is completely unusable with Tahoe. Haven't found any fixes for it. I, too, have to resort to an external mouse or turn off 3-finger drag.

leandrosanchez wrote:

I have the same issue after the upgrade, using a 3rd party touchpad. In the previous MacOs was working super fine with the accesibility settings enabled / three finger drag. After the Macos 26 upgrade, it does not work properly, it does not lock properly and it is impossible to drag windows for example. I had to connect a Mouse for now.

There is no accounting for third party devices...

—if in doubt search the developers website or contact their: Support/Help/FAQ/Known issues/compatibility/updates/firmware update…

Contact a third-party vendor - Apple Support

Contact a third-party vendor - Apple Support

I have the exact same issue. Three-finger drag is (was) my most favorite gesture, but with Tahoe update, it is useless. When I lift my fingers it keeps selecting text, dragging windows etc. It is extremely annoying. Looking for ways to downgrade to Sequoia..

Just tested with Macbook Air ( 2024, M3 13inch ) touchpad, same issue.