Laptop Trackpad Repair
Is your mouse cursor jumping around the screen uncontrollably? Or maybe the click buttons are stuck down and won't respond? A faulty trackpad makes a laptop almost unusable. We provide expert trackpad diagnostics and replacement services in Leeds.
Erratic Cursor? Check Your Battery.
The #1 cause of trackpad failure actually has nothing to do with the trackpad itself. In 80% of modern laptops (especially MacBooks, Dell XPS, and HP Envy), the internal battery sits directly underneath the touch surface.
When an old battery begins to degrade, it swells up with gas (like a balloon). This swelling pushes upwards, pressing against the underside of the trackpad. This causes "phantom clicks," prevents the physical click mechanism from moving, or cracks the glass surface.
Safety Warning: If your trackpad looks raised or uneven, bring it to our Headingley shop immediately. A swollen battery is a fire hazard. We can remove it safely and often the trackpad will start working again instantly!
Common Trackpad Faults
1. "Jumping" Cursor
You try to move the mouse left, but it jumps right or clicks on random icons. This usually means the capacitive sensor grid in the pad is failing, or there is "noise" from a faulty charger. We can test this isolation issue quickly.
2. Physical Buttons Stuck
On cheaper laptops, the left/right buttons are mechanical switches soldered to the board. These can collapse from heavy use. We can solder on new micro-switches instead of replacing the whole board, saving you money.
3. Liquid Damage
The trackpad creates a natural "moat" where spilled liquid pools. It often drips down the edges onto the trackpad's control cable. We clean the corrosion and replace the ribbon cable to restore function.
MacBook "Force Touch" Repairs
Modern Apple trackpads don't actually move. They use haptic engines (magnets) to simulate a click feeling.
- No Click Feeling: If the magnets fail or the settings are corrupted, it feels like pressing a solid brick. We can recalibrate or replace the Taptic Engine.
- Cracked Glass: Replacing a cracked glass trackpad on a Mac requires stripping out the battery (which is glued in). It's a complex job that we perform weekly.
We Fix All Brands
From Microsoft Surface to Acer Nitro.
- Synaptics: We have drivers for all major sensors.
- Alignment: We ensure perfect flush fitting.
- Affordable: Often < £50 for simple replacements.
Trackpad FAQs
Questions about pointing devices.
My mouse turns off when I type?
This is actually a software feature (Palm Rejection) to stop you accidentally clicking while typing. If it's too aggressive, we can adjust the sensitivity settings in Windows 10/11 for you.
Can I upgrade to a glass trackpad?
Generally no. The size and ribbon connectors are specific to the laptop model. However, we can replace a worn plastic one with a fresh new one to make it feel smooth again.
How long does the repair take?
If we have the part in stock (we keep common Dell/HP ones), it takes about 1 hour. If we need to order a specific colour or size, it's usually 2 working days.