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Sometimes users are want to know how to set ‘Tap to Click’ behavior on Mac, checkout this article. Touch-based clicking is an alternative way to type that lets you click with taps on a trackpad (or Magic Mouse). The best way for most Mac users to turn on tap-to-click is through MacOS X System Preferences.
However, advanced users who need more control, automation, or remote turning on of the feature can also use defaults strings to turn on tap-to-click through the command line. If you use this advanced method, you can also use touch-clicking on the Mac OS X login screen, which you can’t do by default if you use the GUI controls.
To use touch-to-click or tap-to-click, you need a trackpad or mouse that works with multitouch on a Mac. This could be a newer MacBook Pro or Air, or a Magic Trackpad or Magic Mouse. If you don’t know how to use the command line and Terminal, you should try this method instead.
How to set ‘Tap to Click’ behavior on Mac
When you want to select something on your Mac’s screen, it’s easier and less stressful on your fingers to tap instead of press down on the trackpad. This setting is strangely turned off by default in macOS, but it’s easy to change. So, when you get a new MacBook or a Magic Trackpad, one of the first things you should do is turn on tap-to-click. This is how:
- Open the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
- Select the Trackpad category.
- Switch to the Point & Click tab and activate the box next to Tap to click.
Enable Tap-to-click for Third-Party Trackpads
If you use a third-party trackpad with your Mac, you might not find an option in System Preferences to turn on tap-to-click. In that case, check the site for the device’s maker to see if there is any support software you can use.
Some trackpads may even let you use keyboard shortcuts to turn on and off tap-to-click. Find out more about your trackpad by looking at the relevant user guide or online help.
FAQ
Why is my tap to click not working Mac?
Most problems with tap-to-click on a Mac can be fixed by turning it off and turning it back on. You can also try restarting your MacBook, but this won’t fix the problem for good. Click the Restart button next to the Apple logo in the upper left corner of your MacBook screen.
Does the Macbook trackpad actually click?
Haptic feedback lets the trackpad simulate the sense of touch by simulating vibrations and other motions. This lets you feel a click on the trackpad even though the trackpad isn’t actually moving down when you click it. Taptic Engine makes it possible to get feedback through touch.
How does tap to click work?
“Tapping” or “tap-to-click” refers to the way that a quick down-and-up touch on a button is turned into a click. This is most often done on touchpads, but it might be possible to do it on other devices as well.
What is tap to click on MacBook Air?
Click: Press the trackpad anywhere. Or, in Trackpad Settings, turn on “Tap to click,” and just tap. Click and then press harder to make a force click. You can get more information by using force click. For example, you can click on a word to see its definition or on an address to see a preview that you can open in Maps.