Persistent Keyboard and Trackpad Issues on MacBook

I’m hoping someone in the community can offer guidance or share a similar experience.

I’ve been dealing with an ongoing issue with my MacBook’s keyboard. Since I purchased it, the keyboard has occasionally stopped working entirely, sometimes even at the login screen, making it impossible to access the device. In other cases, it stops mid-use while I’m typing, and the trackpad also begins behaving inconsistently (e.g., apps don’t open, the Applications tab appears randomly, or clicks are unresponsive in certain areas).


The device has been in for service multiple times during the warranty period. I’ve been told that major components related to the keyboard (including the keyboard and logic board) have been replaced—possibly more than once. Still, the problem continues.


When this happens, I have to rely on an external keyboard and mouse, which makes using a laptop very inconvenient, especially on the go.


As the warranty neared its end, I was advised to contact Apple directly. However, every time I’ve tried, I’ve been redirected back to the local service provider.


I’m a long-time Apple user and have always appreciated the reliability of the products. This is the first time I’ve encountered an issue that hasn’t been resolved through normal service channels, and I’d really appreciate any advice on what steps I could take now that the warranty has expired.


Thank you in advance for any help or insight.


Best,

Kristi

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 15.5

Posted on Jul 6, 2025 6:38 AM

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Jul 6, 2025 12:04 PM in response to Codykass

Codykass wrote:

Really, even if the device is rather new and has this problem from the start? Visibly, I do not see anything that refers to the battery swelling. How to detect this correctly?

In case Diagnostics does not show a battery issue, this is how I look for battery swelling:


Symptoms:


— Unexpected trackpad and/or keyboard behavior.

— The gap between the display and the deck is not uniform when the display is closed.

— The gap between the bottom plate and chassis is uneven in places.

— Some of the screws that hold the bottom plate are sticking up or popped out.

— The trackpad surface is higher than the surrounding deck surface.

— The computer "rocks" a bit on a known flat surface†.


† — I find solid-surface and granite countertops very effective flat test surfaces.

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Jul 9, 2025 10:35 AM in response to Allan Jones

I do not see anything like this on my computer. I'm sure that in the warranty repairs, they have checked all that several times. They have replaced the display, lid angle sensor, trackpad, logic board, and Touch ID board. Still nothing. In total, my device has been in repairs for at least 38 weeks in a year. Looks like my computer has some phantom glitch and nobody seems not be able to fix the issue. I do not know where to take it for a check next. The problem is that sometimes it works as it should for several days in a row, and then suddenly it doesn't. Then I first restart the computer, sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn't. Next, I have swiped it again and started the whole setup process again. This also sometimes helps, not always tho. Then I found a guide from Apple support on how to clean the keyboard of possible dust under the keys with the air. Also, sometimes helps 🤷🏻‍♀️. But still, the easiest way is just to use an external keyboard and mouse. I have almost given up and want to buy a new computer, but now I'm afraid that all this will repeat 😬

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Persistent Keyboard and Trackpad Issues on MacBook

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