Tahoe software causing clicking issues on MacBook Air

While it could be something in Tahoe, this is not an issue that we have seen reported by others.

It is so vexing that if it were common we'd have heard of it, and loudly.

This makes me think that it is still something in your mac.

See if there is some dirt on the trackpad, or if there is some bulging or unevenness.

I don't think you mentioned what the exact model is.

Also, you may temporarily attach a usb mouse.

In System Settings->Accessibility->Pointer Control, CHECK

"Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present"

If the problems go away, you will know that the erratic behavior is due to random clicks on the trackpad.

See if the problem is present when you boot in safe mode, which disables 3rd party extensions and performs some system cleanup.

Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support

Are you using the internal trackpad, or some external pointing device? If the latter, which one? Does it require custom drivers?

Please do test in Safe Mode, as neuroanatomist suggested.

If the problem disappears in Safe Mode, as I expect it will, we will know that it is caused by some third party software modification.

lisaari wrote:

Thank you so much for such a detail guidance and your kind help, Luis.

i don’t see any dirt or unevenness on the trackpad.

Also, I checked the “ignore…” option on the system setting, but the problem doesn’t go away…

i also realized that some other people describe the same problem as mine as “inactive tabs” - the tabs go inactive within 1-2 seconds, which makes users not able to work on the tabs. This is exactly what I am experiencing.

If the user ( lisaari ) believes these current issues stem specifically from macOS 26 Tahoe,

For a thorough test to determine if Tahoe is the root cause of all computer issues.

Use the “Atomic” option and select “Erase All Content and Settings.”

Always make a Time Machine backup before proceeding.

This will not affect the existing installation of Tahoe.

Run the computer without installing any additional software and without restoring from your Time Machine backups.

Run the computer in this mode for approximately 6 to 8 hours and report back if the previous issue(s) reoccurs.

lisaari wrote:

Thank you so much for such a detail guidance and your kind help, Luis.

i don’t see any dirt or unevenness on the trackpad.

Also, I checked the “ignore…” option on the system setting, but the problem doesn’t go away…

i also realized that some other people describe the same problem as mine as “inactive tabs” - the tabs go inactive within 1-2 seconds, which makes users not able to work on the tabs. This is exactly what I am experiencing.

Did you attach a mouse for testing?

The "ignore" is only "when a mouse or external trackpad...".

Just checking that option does nothing if you are still using just the trackpad.

Please consider running Etrecheck and posting its report, as Owl_53 recommended.

lisaari wrote:

Ever since I installed Tahoe on my MacBook Air, clicking is not functioning properly and have severe issues with the basic use.

I can’t even type sentences because I have to click the place i want to write on every single second.

Also selecting a tab that I want to work on only lasts a few seconds and I have to click the same tab again after a second to keep working there.

I reinstalled the software but the situation didn’t change.

This whole situation makes my MacBook compeletely useless! Please fix this and release the updated version…!!!!

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Click not functioning

These are user to user Forums that are hosted by Apple

We are follow contributor just like you who offer our time on a volunteer basis

Though Apple itself, will very rarely answer questions such as yours.

If you what to make it know to Apple what you have requested

Suggest using Feedback

Or, Start now and open an Apple Support Ticket as they are Apple Employees who deal will these types of issues . 

lisaari wrote:

Will do! Thank you for sharing this!

You are welcome

An Over View if you please

Apple designed and built the MacBook Air to their specifications

Apple also designed and built the Operating System ( Tahoe ) to function a peak levels of performance on Qualifying Apple Computers

They also, no doubt, tested Tahoe on their In-House computers including possible your computer

Apple also made available, to those who expressly decided to run Beta Versions of Tahoe since early June 2025

Not doubt during the Beta Testing phase, had there been major glitches in Tahoe such as the one your computer is experiencing, these issue may have been fixed before the final release

In conclusion, you may also consider using a Third Party Application which is entirely safe to use, to diagnose both the Hardware and Software currently used on the computer

PS, I too have a M4 MBA that original arrived with Sequoia 15.5 and has since been upGraded to Tahoe 26.0.1

It does not manifest any of the issues you have experienced

To avoid a session of Q&A, Q&A  and Q&A  

Download the Application Etrecheck  ( External Link ) directly from the Developer.

This is a Diagnostic Tool that makes no changes to the computer.

It makes a coherent and readable inventory of both the Hardware and Software used on the computer 

The application is free or paid for added features. 

The Report will Not Reveal Any Personal Information. 

Post back the Full Report - Share Report >> Copy , then  paste  >>>> using the Additional Text Icon  <<<<