Magic Trackpad Lag

I know this problem has been talked about in the past, but the problem I have is when it's running on battery and there is a lag which as others have said, is solved by switching off then on again, it comes back after a few minutes, and I have to reboot the trackpad again.


I know it must have something to do with the sleep on battery, but I've found the only way to solve it is to just keep the lightning lead plugged into the usb.


Does anyone have any further thoughts as to why?

Posted on Dec 8, 2022 12:46 PM

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Posted on Dec 15, 2022 11:35 AM

Just to update you and anyone else with a similar problem, I first tried killing Bluetooth module in Terminal, then resetting the NVRAM on the MBP with no results. I got on with Apple Support and they had me do a bunch of stuff like create a new user to log in with, boot up in Safe Mode, reset SMC, and finally (and annoyingly) re-install MacOS from scratch. Nothing worked.


I took it into Genius Bar, and they ran one test which didn't turn up anything and then another which couldn't finish. They said that typically it isn't a hardware problem if the Bluetooth isn't greyed out, so they figured it had to be software. I left it with them to try more in depth tests and stuff including wiping re-installing MacOS and firmware. Didn't work, apparently, because while the tests didn't turn up a problem, they still couldn't get Bluetooth things working with the laptop in a new user login after all that, so now it's been shipped off to Apple for "repair" of something that is "defective." What that is I have no idea as of yet, but as long as they fix or replace it, I don't care much at this point.


I don't know if this helps you at all, but if you're trackpad is saying its battery is charged but it still won't connect, my advice is to keep at it with Apple.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 15, 2022 11:35 AM in response to DJCP2022

Just to update you and anyone else with a similar problem, I first tried killing Bluetooth module in Terminal, then resetting the NVRAM on the MBP with no results. I got on with Apple Support and they had me do a bunch of stuff like create a new user to log in with, boot up in Safe Mode, reset SMC, and finally (and annoyingly) re-install MacOS from scratch. Nothing worked.


I took it into Genius Bar, and they ran one test which didn't turn up anything and then another which couldn't finish. They said that typically it isn't a hardware problem if the Bluetooth isn't greyed out, so they figured it had to be software. I left it with them to try more in depth tests and stuff including wiping re-installing MacOS and firmware. Didn't work, apparently, because while the tests didn't turn up a problem, they still couldn't get Bluetooth things working with the laptop in a new user login after all that, so now it's been shipped off to Apple for "repair" of something that is "defective." What that is I have no idea as of yet, but as long as they fix or replace it, I don't care much at this point.


I don't know if this helps you at all, but if you're trackpad is saying its battery is charged but it still won't connect, my advice is to keep at it with Apple.

Dec 9, 2022 03:24 PM in response to Christos_P

I hear you Christos!


I think I might go back to just leaving it plugged into usb. The other thing which annoys me when running on battery, is when browsing and scrolling text (as just one example), stopping after scrolling for a few seconds to read it, then go on to scroll further, there is often a lag as you drag your fingers before the text begins to respond. Just doesn't happen when plugged in.

Dec 9, 2022 05:07 AM in response to DJCP2022

In addition to Me-too-ing this issue, I wanted to add my own context.


The occasional stutter has happened since I've had the Magic Trackpad 2 which two and a half years now. I would just switch the trackpad off and on again, and it wouldn't happen for months. Repeat.


But recently, as in the last week, it's now happening constantly. I turn it on and off again and within a few minutes it's stuttering again.


My best guess is that the battery is finally kaput. What I can't seem to find online is how to replace it.


Given that this is a $120 product full of toxic substances, I don't want to toss it. I want to replace the battery (if that's the problem) and keep using it.


Also, I need the trackpad to work wirelessly because I can't be using up a USB-C port on my Macbook all the time I'm at my desk just for the trackpad.


I've seen people in the past ask here how to replace a battery in the Magic Trackpad 2 and nobody answered, including Apple staff.


Please answer this question.


Dec 17, 2022 02:18 AM in response to Christos_P

Thanks for the update. Though I'm having Bluetooth trouble, I'm not having trouble connecting, just the initial lag when moving the pointer with the trackpad, like it takes too long to wake up. My battery is usually close to 100% when this occurs, so not a power issue. For me, it can't be hardware, as it happens on more than one Mac.

I've also been having all sorts of new issues since updating to Ventura.


Good luck with your repairs!

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Magic Trackpad Lag

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