Fix: Magic Trackpad Not Showing Up or Discoverable on Bluetooth 

Magic Trackpad is a great device that many Mac users prefer over the standard mouse. However, when the Magic Trackpad is not showing up or discoverable on Bluetooth, it can be a frustrating experience. If you’re facing this problem, don’t worry, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to fix this issue and get your Magic Trackpad connected to your Mac. So keep reading.

Before you Start: Enable Mouse Keys

Before attempting any fixes, you should enable the Mouse Keys accessibility feature. This feature allows you to use your keyboard to navigate your Mac. If you don’t have any other mouse or trackpad, you may want to activate it before working through the following fixes.

To enable Mouse Keys:

1. Press Command + Option + F5 to bring up the Accessibility Shortcuts menu.
2. Now, press the Tab key continuously until you highlight the Mouse Keys option.
3. Press Space to select Mouse Keys and then press the Esc key.

Once you have enabled the mouse keys, you can use the 7, 8, 9, U, O, J, K, and L keys (or the 7, 8, 9, 4, 6, 1, 2, and 3 keys if you have a Numpad) to move the cursor on the screen, and the I key (or the 5 key on the Numpad) to imitate a mouse click. It may take some time for you to get used to this navigation system, so we recommend getting another mouse or trackpad to get this fixed as soon as possible.

How to Fix Magic Trackpad Not Showing Up or Discoverable on Bluetooth

The Magic Trackpad should automatically connect with your Mac when you plug it in. However, if it doesn’t, you can follow the steps below:

1. Click on the Apple menu and then select System Preferences (or System Settings).
2. Find the Trackpad option and click on it.
3. Your trackpad should be automatically detected. Once detected, you can click Continue to pair it up.
4. If you don’t see your trackpad in this menu, go back and find the Bluetooth option and click on it.
5. Once you’ve opened the Bluetooth page, you should see your Magic Trackpad listed there.
6. Click on “Connect” to pair with your Magic Trackpad.

If your trackpad still refuses to connect, you can try the solutions listed below. Make sure to keep trying the solutions until your issue is resolved. Here are seven tips that can help you fix the issue and get your trackpad working again.

Fix 1: Turn your Mac’s Bluetooth Off and On

Bluetooth issues are one of the common reasons why a Magic Trackpad may not show up or be discoverable on your Mac. If your Magic Trackpad isn’t working correctly or not showing up, the first thing you should try is disabling and re-enabling Bluetooth on your Mac.

1. Click on the Bluetooth icon present in the menu bar at the top.
2. If you don’t find the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar, click on the Control Center icon. 
3. Turn the switch next to Bluetooth to the OFF position.
4. Wait for a few seconds, and then switch it back to the ON position.
5. Once done, select your Magic Trackpad from the Devices section.

Fix 2: Turn On the Magic Trackpad

Another simple solution is to turn on the Magic Trackpad. This solution may seem obvious, but sometimes it can be easy to overlook, especially if you’ve been using your Magic Trackpad for an extended period of time, and it may have been turned off accidentally.

The Magic Trackpad has a switch on its side. If it’s flipped to the left, then it is turned off. Flip it to the right to turn it on again.

Fix 3: Recharge the Trackpad Battery

Do you remember the last time you charged your Magic Trackpad? If not, then you may need to charge it. A low battery will prevent your Magic Trackpad from connecting to your computer.

If you use a Magic Trackpad 2 or newer, try recharging it via its Lightning port for at least 15 minutes. If you’re using the original Magic Trackpad, which does not have a charging port, you need to replace the battery.

Fix 4: Turn the Trackpad’s Power Switch Off and On

If your Magic Trackpad is still not showing up or becoming discoverable on Bluetooth even after trying the above solutions, you can try turning the trackpad’s power switch off and on. This solution is similar to restarting or resetting the trackpad and can help clear up any software or connectivity issues that may be causing the problem.

To turn the trackpad’s power switch off and on, follow these steps:

1. Locate the power switch on the side of the Magic Trackpad.
2. Flip the switch to the OFF position.
3. Wait for a few seconds, and then flip the switch back to the ON position.
4. Wait for the Magic Trackpad to turn on and connect to your Mac via Bluetooth.
5. If that doesn’t work, try connecting it via a Lightning cable.

Fix 5: Pair the Magic Trackpad with your Mac Again

If the above steps did not resolve the issue, the next step you can try is to pair the Magic Trackpad with your Mac again. This solution can be particularly effective if there is an issue with the Bluetooth connection between your Mac and the Magic Trackpad.

For this, first, you need to remove the Magic Trackpad from your Mac (if it is connected). Then, you need to pair it again. Here’s how:

To remove the Magic Trackpad from your Mac, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
2. From the list of options, click on System Preferences (or System Settings).
3. Select “Bluetooth.”
4. Press and hold the Control key and click on your Magic Trackpad.
5. Click Remove and then click on Remove again to confirm.

To pair the Magic Trackpad with your Mac again, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
2. From the list of options, click on System Preferences (or System Settings).
3. Select “Bluetooth.”
4. Your Magic Trackpad should now show up here, and you should be able to connect it to your Mac.
5. Click on the Connect button to connect your Magic Trackpad.

Once the pairing process is complete, try using your Magic Trackpad to make sure it’s working properly. If the issue persists, move down to the next step.

Fix 6: Restart your Mac

You can also try restarting your Mac to see if that works. Restarting your Mac is a simple and quick solution that can help resolve many technical issues, including this one. This method is one of the first steps that should be taken when encountering these problems, as it can help clear up any software glitches that may be causing the issue.

To restart your Mac, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Select “Restart” from the drop-down menu.
3. Wait for your Mac to shut down and restart. This may take a few seconds, so be patient.
4. Once your Mac has restarted, try to connect your Magic Trackpad to your Mac via Bluetooth again.

If restarting your Mac does not resolve the issue and the Magic Trackpad is still not showing up or discoverable on Bluetooth, you can try the next solution. However, restarting your Mac is a simple and effective solution that can often resolve such problems.

Fix 7: Update your Mac Software

An outdated version of macOS can also cause your Magic Trackpad to not show up on the Bluetooth page. Eventually, you won’t be able to connect your Magic Trackpad. To fix this, you need to make sure that your Mac is always up to date. Here’s how to update your Mac’s software:

1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen.
2. Click System Preferences (or System Settings).
3. Find the Software Update option and click on it.
4. Your Mac will now check for any pending updates that need to be installed. Click on Update Now to install the available updates.
5. Once downloaded, restart your Mac for the changes to take effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enable Mouse Keys on my Mac?

To enable Mouse Keys, press Command + Option + F5 to bring up the Accessibility Shortcuts menu. Then press the Tab key until you highlight the Mouse Keys option, select it by pressing the Space bar, and finally press the Esc key.

How do I connect my Magic Trackpad to my Mac?

To connect the Magic Trackpad to your Mac, go to System Preferences (or System Settings), find the Trackpad option and click on it. The trackpad should be automatically detected. If not, go to the Bluetooth page and select your Magic Trackpad to connect.

Why isn’t my Magic Trackpad showing up on Bluetooth?

The Magic Trackpad may not show up on Bluetooth due to various reasons, such as Bluetooth issues, the Magic Trackpad is turned off, a low battery, or a software/connectivity issue.

How do I turn on the Magic Trackpad?

To turn on the Magic Trackpad, locate the switch on the side of the device and flip it to the right.

What should I do if my Magic Trackpad has a low battery?

If your Magic Trackpad has a low battery, you should recharge it. If you’re using the Magic Trackpad 2 or newer, recharge it via its Lightning port for at least 15 minutes. If you’re using the original Magic Trackpad, you need to replace the battery.

How do I restart the Magic Trackpad?

To restart the Magic Trackpad, locate the power switch on the side of the device, flip it to the off position, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on.

How do I pair the Magic Trackpad with my Mac again?

To pair the Magic Trackpad with your Mac again, go to System Preferences (or System Settings), find the Bluetooth page, select your Magic Trackpad, and click on “Connect.” This solution can be effective if there is an issue with the Bluetooth connection.

What should I do if my Magic Trackpad is not showing up on my Mac’s Bluetooth?

If your Magic Trackpad is not showing up on your Mac’s Bluetooth, try the following steps: restart both your Mac and the trackpad, make sure the trackpad is close to your Mac, check the Bluetooth settings on your Mac, and make sure your Mac is updated to the latest software version.

Is it possible that a low battery is preventing my Magic Trackpad from connecting to my computer?

A low battery can prevent your Magic Trackpad from connecting to your computer. Try charging the Magic Trackpad and then attempting to connect it again.

Final Words

In conclusion, if your trackpad is not showing up or is undiscoverable, there are several fixes you can try. From updating the operating system to troubleshooting the Bluetooth connection, one of these solutions should help resolve the issue. If you’ve tried all of the above fixes and the trackpad is still not showing up, it’s likely that there is a hardware issue, and you should contact Apple Support for further assistance.