Tell me more ×
Ask Different is a question and answer site for power users of Apple hardware and software. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 1 down vote favorite

The Question
How can I unpair the trackpad as a mouse and pair it using trackpad option instead?

Background

I made the mistake of pairing the Magic trackpad via System->Bluetooth->Bluetooth Setup Assistant. By doing this the only thing I can use the trackpad for is pointing an left clicking. I now see that it can be paired via the System->Trackpad->Set Up Bluetooth Trackpad... option.

What I have tried

Inside Bluetooth settings: Disconnected the device, then using the - button removed it. Then powered down the trackpad and restarted the pairing process by holding the power button.

While the green led is flashing, I go to the Trackpad set up and find the device. However it keeps failing when connecting to the trackpad. I did notice that it fails immediately after seeing the "Connected" message displayed on my screen. At this point I can use the trackpad as a pointing device, but am unable to connect to it using the trackpad set up.

System Settings
OS X Lion
Using USB Overdrive (for a wired logitech mouse)

UPDATE
Following the advice of a comment, I used the XCode's Bluetooth Manger and reset every possible device. The issue still persists.

To find the Bluetooth Manger (assuming you have XCode installed and using Finder): Browse to MacHD/Developer/Applications/Utilities/Bluetooth

share|improve this question
Have you isolated this to Lion (by pairing successfully with Snow Leopard) or is that just some of the background in hopes it helps? The free Xcode has both a Bluetooth Explorer and a Bluetooth Diagnostic Utility that may help you suss this out. – bmike♦ Sep 29 '11 at 16:32
@bmike: I dont have SL infront of me now. I have it home (which I will try later). Giving Xcode a shot now. – Adam Lewis Sep 29 '11 at 16:40

2 Answers

up vote 1 down vote accepted

Turns out it was USB Overdrive. Running 3.1 still causes issues with Lion.

When Overdrive is installed it only sees the trackpad as a mouse. I uninstalled USB Overdrive and Lion detected it after reboot with no trouble at all.

This link was quite helpful as well.

share|improve this answer
Be sure to click the checkmark next to your answer; it's totally fine to accept your own answer and will help others in the future. And good thing you figured it out since I added my trackpad via the Bluetooth Setup Assistant and it works great. – Matthew Frederick Sep 30 '11 at 1:06
I am unable to accept it for 2 more days. :) – Adam Lewis Sep 30 '11 at 3:15
Ah. :) Just wanted to make sure you knew that you could. – Matthew Frederick Sep 30 '11 at 5:47
up vote 1 down vote

Did you unpair by going to System Preferences... -> Trackpad -> Set Up Bluetooth Trackpad...

Then select the trackpad and choose Unpair
This is different to just removing it from the list of Bluetooth devices.
You will then be able to pair it again properly.

Bluetooth pairing dialogue

share|improve this answer
Thanks for the reply. The trackpad's Set Up Bluetooth Trackpad option was never able to connect to it. Each time it tried, it was paired as mouse instead and killed the Trackpad Menu's attempt. – Adam Lewis Sep 30 '11 at 3:17
@Adam Did you try un-pairing it from the mouse preferences? I don't have a mouse so don't know what that looks like. This is different to removing it from the Bluetooth device list described in your question. – Jason S Sep 30 '11 at 3:24
@AdamLewis Also, if this is an iMac, or not a laptop, do you have a usb mouse you can use to un-pair and re-pair? You may need that. see support.apple.com/kb/HT2845 – Jason S Sep 30 '11 at 3:31
I did not try to un-pair it from the mouse preferences... Good thought though. I am using a Macbook Pro (with a USB mouse and now + Magic Trackpad). By using Xcode I am fairly sure that I blew away all pairing (I explicitly checked this). When I have a bit more time, I will re-install USB Overdrive and see if your comments work. – Adam Lewis Sep 30 '11 at 3:38

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.