Touchpad and mouse test

When to test the touchpad and mouse

Test them when you look at a used laptop, when the pointer wanders or clicks don't register, and after a laptop battery replacement. A swollen battery sits right under the touchpad and pushes it up, making clicks stiff or triggering clicks on their own.

Common faults and their causes

• A stiff click that won't press down: a swollen battery underneath. Deal with it soon: a swollen battery can be dangerous.
• A jumpy or wandering pointer: a dirty touchpad, damp fingers, interference from a cheap charger, or a failing touchpad.
• No two-finger scrolling or pinch to zoom: the touchpad driver is missing or the gesture is turned off. Check the settings before calling it a fault.
• A mouse that double-clicks on a single press: a worn switch inside, common on well-used mice.

What to do if you find a fault

• Wipe the touchpad, unplug the charger and try again to rule out interference.
• Look at the laptop from the side: a raised touchpad or a bulging bottom case points to a swollen battery. Stop using it and have the battery replaced.
• More: how to check a used laptop.