M4 MacBook Pro - Right and Left Click Stop working after a few minutes of inactivity

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M4 MacBook Pro - Right and Left Click Stop working after a few minutes of inactivity

Hi All,

I have 24GB RAM, 1TB Storage MacBook Pro. I've recently run into this issue where if I leave the computer for about 10-15 minutes to do something, when I return I can no longer left or right click. I use my device in clamshell mode, and its connected via Thunderbolt 5 + DP to a 49" OLED monitor (Samsung G9 just for context, I don't think its extremely relevant), and also use a Logitech MX Master 3 mouse connected via usb dongle to the Mac.

At first I thought this was an MX Master 3 problem, but when I open the laptop I am unable to left or right click using the trackpad as well. I am still able to use all of the extra buttons and gestures of the mouse, as well as the gestures of the trackpad, but it still can not left or right click on anything unless I completely reboot my computer.

I figured it could have just been a bug in the last OS, so I decided to wait it out until Tahoe officially came out to see if the issue persisted. I updated my MBP this afternoon, and the issue is still present, as I just restarted my computer minutes before typing this. So I think I can rule out an OS bug, and it also is not upgrade related since it was also occurring before the upgrade.

I'm not sure what to do. I've run clean my mac repeatedly to check for any issues and it has not returned anything eyebrow raising. I really don't think it has anything to do with the Logitech side of things as every other button and function on the mouse will work, and the trackpad produces the same results.

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 26.0

Posted on Sep 15, 2025 04:13 PM

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Answer 1

Sep 15, 2025 05:43 PM in response to ms1592

ms1592 wrote:

Hi All,

MacBook Pro. I've recently run into this issue where if I leave the computer for about 10-15 minutes to do something, when I return I can no longer left or right click.

and also use a Logitech MX Master 3 mouse connected via usb dongle to the Mac.

At first I thought this was an MX Master 3 problem, but when I open the laptop I am unable to left or right click using the trackpad as well.

I figured it could have just been a bug in the last OS, so I decided to wait it out until Tahoe

and the issue is still present, as I just restarted my computer minutes before typing this. So I think I can rule out an OS bug, and it also is not upgrade related since it was also occurring before the upgrade.

I really don't think it has anything to do with the Logitech side

You must have the patience of a Saint if this has carried over from one macOS to the newest macOS

Try a Apple branded Mouse—and compare your results...(?)

try a different port , try a different USB cable...(?)

In or out of warranty you can get a free over the counter 'Apple Service Diagnostics' test /assessment

Make an appointment for a "hardware issue"

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Outside the USA

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

To trouble shoot further you can:

—A SafeBoot Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support will sort many anomalies

Does a quick disk repair before it fully boots up, and certain system caches get cleared and rebuilt, third party system modifications and system accelerations are disabled temporarily.

Login and test. Reboot as normal and test. Caches get rebuilt automatically.

This test will tell you if third party interference; most extensions etc are not loaded in safe boot mode.

—Test issue in another user (or guest user) account Change Users & Groups settings on Mac - Apple Support

This will tell you if it a universal issue or isolated to your user/admin account.

***wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries— connect the charging cable, this will make the wired keyboard successful Safe Boot your Mac.

unplug all non-essential peripherals when testing

Uninstall all third party apps that are Cleaners/Optimizers/VPN/Anti-Virus

all known to cause issues on the macOS

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Answer 2

Sep 16, 2025 09:02 AM in response to ms1592

<< I'm not sure what to do. I've run clean my Mac repeatedly. >>

Around here that hated and cursed App is called "Brick My Mac". It has a reputation for removing FAR more than is appropriate, and sometimes its use requires a MacOS re-install.

Be sure to remove that junk-ware promptly, and hope that it has not already done so much damage that a re-install is required.

Your exceptionally well-crafted Macintosh computer does not accumulate filth that needs any third-party anything to clean it. Everything needed to run it efficiently was included in the box, except ONE: a drive on which to store a second copy of your files in case the first copy is damaged or deleted by accident. The backup software, Time Machine, is already present -- integrated deeply into MacOS.

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