MacOS Catalina – Keyboard and Trackpad not working

keyboardmacostrackpad

I have a Macbook Pro (early) 2015 and roughly 2 years ago, the Keyboard and the Trackpad stopped working. So I stopped using it.

Two days ago, I had the idea to try it again. And it did still not work (how unfortunate!).

Then, I tried to install Pop!_OS via USB and I was able to use my Keyboard and my Trackpad already during the installation process.

I friend of mine has sent me a USB stick with OSX Catalina on it to try a fresh installation. However, the problems are back and while trying to install OSX, I am again, unable to use my Keyboard nor the trackpad.

What could be the problem here? The hardware itself works fine for obvious reasons.

Best Answer

It seems that your issue is not with the MacOS itself but rather due to the hardware controller inside your computer. In such cases, you should reset the System Management Controller (SMC) by following the steps below:

Turn off your computer
Press and hold Shift + Control + Option (Alt) + Power Button for 10 seconds
Release the keys and let the MacOS boot up

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MacBook – 2015 13″ MacBook Pro Trackpad and Keyboard stop working

Since I ran into the same problem and this comes up on Google, I will provide an answer, even if there is no question.

When my keyboard and touchpad stopped working, the power button was still ok.
Resetting NVRAM did not help.
Using an external keyboard and mouse was fine.

Typing sudo dmesg | tail on the command line was showing similar messages:

AppleHSSPIController::_enqueueSPICommandGated SPICommand timed out. Interface 208, transactionType 64, frameNumber 0
Error: AppleHSSPIDevice::_DoDescriptorRequestGated Failed issue request error: 0xe00002ed
Error: AppleHSSPIDevice::getDeviceDescriptor Failed to get descriptor with error 0xe00002ed
Error: AppleHSSPIDevice::start failed to get device descriptor
Error: AppleHSSPIController::_enumerateDevice Start failed
Error: AppleHSSPIController::_handleEnumerationFailureGated Failed to enumerate the device. Resetting the device and trying to enumerate again. Attempt:1
IO80211AWDLPeerManager::setAwdlOperatingMode Setting the AWDL operation mode from AUTO to SUSPENDED
IO80211AWDLPeerManager::setAwdlSuspendedMode() Suspending AWDL, enterQuietMode(true)
AppleIntelLpssGspi1::calcSpiClockParams: fSysClockPeriodPsec 10000, spiClockPeriodNsec 125
Error: AppleHSSPIController::doSPITransfer ERR received from device

I brought it to the local Apple support partner. They first tried it by updating the touchpad controller software. Since that did not work either, they changed the HSSPI cable.

MacBook Pro Retina (13-inch, 2015) keyboard and trackpad unresponsive

It seems the trackpad cable is a potential cause, due to it rubbing on the back cover as demonstrated in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPFCIE0U1ew&t=26s

Best Answer

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MacBook – 2015 13″ MacBook Pro Trackpad and Keyboard stop working

MacBook Pro Retina (13-inch, 2015) keyboard and trackpad unresponsive

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