{
"post": {
"title": "Galaxy Chromebook Touchpad not working issue",
"selftext": "My touchpad was working fine until the recent os 90 and 91 update. Now it is pretty much not working. Is there a fix or something from the update causing it? I have searched and did not see a post regarding a fix.",
"url": "https://www.reddit.com/r/chromeos/comments/nwoqtj/galaxy_chromebook_touchpad_not_working_issue/"
},
"comments": [
{
"body": "this can be solved in a sceond.There is a serious problem with the design of this Samsung product. All problems are caused by the metal casing. Internal parts are very susceptible to static electricity. Once static electricity is generated, the laptop touch will fail. The macbook's electrostatic isolation is very good. mac os will also automatically adjust for false touches caused by static electricity. Chrome os is completely an incomplete system, and there is no correction algorithm for this. Below is the workaround. Just disable and restart the trackpad each time to reuse\nType the following code in the browser address bar: chrome://flags/#ash-debug-shortcuts\nSelect Enable\nRestart Chromebooks\nPress Search + Shift + P to disable/enable the touchpad\n(Disable the touchpad first, then enable. After that the touchpad is normal)\nThis method works on all chromebooks. If google doesn't plan to fix this flaw. It is recommended to install linux directly.",
"replies": [
{
"body": "Doesn't work for all. The issue we are describing is separate from a chrome os flaw, this is a Samsung Galaxy Chromebook (the og red one) flaw where the unit overheats and the trackpad stops working. Can confirm I have debugging shortcuts on and stopping/starting trackpad doesn't bring back functionality for any length of time. Thanks for the attempt though, and you've probably helped lots of people by showing them debugging shortcuts. But this is a Samsung issue that they just seem resistant to admit/resolve and instead just hope to quietly kill the line and have us upgrade."
},
{
"body": "It seems that Chrome V.106 has broken this again and even the keyboard shortcuts nor closing the lid make a difference."
},
{
"body": "OK, giving a try."
},
{
"body": "THANK YOU! This is an AMAZING find so you don't have to put the Galaxy Chromebook to sleep or anything! I knew it was a software issue!"
}
]
},
{
"body": "This is a good DIY fix that addresses the electrical root cause. https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/176638009#comment42",
"replies": [
{
"body": "This needs more love,gonna have to try it out \n\n\nTY!"
},
{
"body": "This absolutely was the solution for me. Trackpad works perfectly since I made this fix.",
"replies": [
{
"body": "I tried this fix. worked for a week and again facing the same problem now."
}
]
}
]
},
{
"body": "Having the same issue. Every time it happens, I just hard reset and it seems to fix it temporarily. Hold the refresh button and press the power button down on the side. It seems to be much more of a software issue than a hardware issue for me because it works perfectly after the hard reset. Let's hope for a fix soon!",
"replies": [
{
"body": "I actually sent mine in and got a replacement trackpad 2 months ago, but now this week its started again. I just discovered this hard reset thing and it works fine after. We'll see how long it keeps up before acting up again. The fact that the replacement trackpad has started doing it after such a short period of time and it works fine after a hard reset implies that its a software issue I just can't imagine how they effed it up so bad."
},
{
"body": "Update: I sent it into Samsung and they had it back to me in a week. Works perfectly again.",
"replies": [
{
"body": "That's good to hear. My fear was that they wouldn't be able to replicate the issue and would send it back to me unresolved. I guess I'll try to send it in and see if that helps. I have a support case open already so I need to find something to box it up in.",
"replies": [
{
"body": "I think they'll just replace it anyway. They know it's an issue with these.",
"replies": [
{
"body": "Still working for you? I faced this issue yesterday and arranged for warranty repair but it's not clear whether this is a hardware issue that can be repaired.",
"replies": [
{
"body": "Still works great! Mine was not easily repeatable but they fixed it anyway since it was a known issue. Quick turn around time too, so glad I did it."
}
]
}
]
},
{
"body": "Did you send it in? Is it fixed? I had this issue and arranged for warranty repair but now that my trackpad is working again I'm not sure whether to send it in.",
"replies": [
{
"body": "I actually sent mine in and got a replacement trackpad 2 months ago, but now this week its started again. This go round, its acting like others have reported where it works at the top, but nowhere else. It appears to be related to an overheating thing or something, I'm not entirely sure.",
"replies": [
{
"body": "I have this same issue! only like the top 10% of the track pad works. have you found any solutions? i'm desperate this thing is so annoying",
"replies": [
{
"body": "Any news here? Same issue...",
"replies": [
{
"body": "I sent my laptop into Samsung, they took it in and paid for shipping despite being out of warranty. I told them clearly what the issue is and how pervasive it is from my reading on online forums. \n\nthey responded back to me saying ayo this thing has water damage. pay $700 and well fix it... \n1) that's how much I bought the damn thing for \n2) I'm certain it has no water damage cause it's had that problem since I bought the damn thing\n3) if that's the root cause then that means every bloody person with the issue has water damage too. I doubt that's the case\n\nso I said fk that bring my laptop back to me and I'll just buy a mouse. now if I go somewhere, I MUST bring the mouse. \ntldr; this Samsung product is ass and youll just have to use a mouse till you upgrade",
"replies": [
{
"body": "Thank you for posting that update. Mine is beginning to fail again as well. For $700, they can go blow themselves."
}
]
}
]
}
]
}
]
}
]
}
]
}
]
},
{
"body": "That worked for me just now, thanks!"
}
]
},
{
"body": "Last update has seemed to fix it, beta channel.\n\n​\n\nI used to get it, only on my lap/thighs when using in bed. Powered or battery, would do jicky jack response and eventually go to only the top strip working. Never had the problem on a desk, but hardly use it there.\n\nClose lid, suspend until light goes off or to charging indicator, open, fingerprint, works. This was common and was not a problem when I first got it.\n\nBeen a week of heavy use, no problems so far. Version 93.0.4577.69 (Official Build) beta (64-bit) Knowing my luck, I'll get it again after posting this, but let's hope for the best.",
"replies": [
{
"body": "I actually updated to the beta channel this morning. Within an hour it was doing it again. Dang it!",
"replies": [
{
"body": "Darn. Still running fine here. Maybe it's something else, but I run for a few hours a day, every day.",
"replies": [
{
"body": "My version shows 94.0.4606.38. Upon opening lid after sitting a while works. Almost seems like a heat up issue.",
"replies": [
{
"body": "MF I updated to the last update a bit ago, and non-stop mouse problems. WTF\n\n​\n\nIt's literally worse than it ever has been, ugh. Now on Version 94.0.4606.38 (Official Build) beta (64-bit)",
"replies": [
{
"body": "I have to admit, I felt a little better knowing it wasn't just me. What the hell is going on that an update fixed it, then the next f'd it up again.... argh",
"replies": [
{
"body": "I know, it's boggling my mind. Just updated to today's, will see how it does on this release. I don't read changelogs or do code reviews, just an observant user here",
"replies": [
{
"body": "i just bought my galaxy chormebook wtf? im hating this OS want to return it but it was a gift. and how do i get the beta update to fix this mouse problem? \n\nAs anybody else getting a touch screen issue too?"
}
]
}
]
}
]
}
]
}
]
}
]
},
{
"body": "Thanks!"
},
{
"body": "wow that worked like a fcking charm.",
"replies": [
{
"body": "Outstanding! Mine has been solid since, but I don't use it that often now."
}
]
}
]
},
{
"body": "Damn, good to know I'm not alone! My galaxy is always having different issues, so as bad as the situation is, I'm glad to know it's not just my Galaxy! Same as you, for the past while, the trackpad is basically unusable, without responding to any touch. \n\nUnfortunately, the only solution I've found is a mouse. Maybe formatting and reinstalling might help, but that's just really more work than I have time for now. Wish Samsung would do something about it...",
"replies": [
{
"body": "Weird thing is that upon a soft start from a closed lid it works normally right now. I also found that along the top edge of the trackpad it moves the arrow, anywhere below is patchy.",
"replies": [
{
"body": "Does Samsung have a support forum for their Chromebooks? I'm wondering if we should just post there to actually get some attention on this problem...",
"replies": [
{
"body": "I'm sure they do. I saw something on a Samsung site regarding what to do if a touchpad doesn't work, but it seemed to do with cleaning etc. This seems software related due to symptoms."
}
]
},
{
"body": "I'm having the same exact issue, the top part of the trackpad works fine but otherwise it's unusable. It works after restart but comes back 5 min later. Did you find a fix?",
"replies": [
{
"body": "No fix. I haven't been using it much lately but it hasn't acted up.",
"replies": [
{
"body": "I actually sent mine in and got a replacement trackpad 2 months ago, but now this week its started again. This go round, its acting like yours where it works at the top, but nowhere else."
},
{
"body": "ditto"
}
]
}
]
},
{
"body": "I noticed this same thing on mine. entire strip on the top of trackpad works smoothly, but below is pretty unresponsive."
}
]
}
]
},
{
"body": "I can not for the love of God find a fix for it and it's driving me nuts I paid 800 dollars for this thing. I might send it in for warranty but I'll probably lose the screen protector I put on it. (assuming they just send me a different one and there's no repair they can do for this machine)",
"replies": [
{
"body": "FOr some reason mine is working fine now. Guess we will see if it holds. I bought a mouse also but there are many times I just use on my lap."
}
]
},
{
"body": "I had this happen, and [because of this recommendation](https://www.reddit.com/r/chromeos/comments/p9jr0t/comment/h9zze1a/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3), I cleaned that track-pad with Windex and a paper towel, and it works perfectly now!"
},
{
"body": "I believe the theory that it's temperature related is likely correct. This is my first summer with the GCB and I've just started having this issue.\n\nThe laptop sits around 38-48c (100-118f) in Cog (looking at the bottom temp displayed) which is pretty damn cooked. I think in winter when it's in the 20s-30s it's fine. \n\nTo the previous commenter about cleaning it with Windex, I feel this is probably mistaking the issue. One would probably tend to turn it off to clean it, and that temporary cooldown is what's fixing it temporarily, not the clean. That's just my idea though.",
"replies": [
{
"body": "Yes. I’ve seen others say they didn’t have issues while on a table or countertop. I’m thinking the heat dissipates into the top. I’ve noticed when the unit is used as a touchpad with the keyboard down, or on something cool it doesn’t have issues.",
"replies": [
{
"body": "I started having this issue and tried just about every solution I could find - hard reset, windex wipe, switching to beta channel. I was about to ship it out to Samsung but after hearing about overheating issues I ended up getting a cheap collapsible [stand](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08ZS11Q8L/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) to allow air flow and cool it down a little. It fixed my problem instantly and it's been working great without any issues for about two weeks now",
"replies": [
{
"body": ">stand\n\nExact stand that I use. Man I have the 2 version with the fan, but the build quality on the OLED is much better. It got so warm on my bed one evening, so I used my so the vents could flow - and I MIGHT even get a small fan to circulate the cooling"
}
]
}
]
}
]
},
{
"body": "I was having the touchpad issue coming up randomly. Closing screen, letting power light go to green (sleep) and then opening screen back up would fix it temporarily.\n\nLuckily, I switched to my original Samsung charger and the touchpad issue has gone away for me. It's possible the issue is related to power differences with third-party chargers.",
"replies": [
{
"body": "I mainly use without a charger attached. When I use on a flat surface where the heat is dissipated it seems to work fine. Seems heat related, which might be why a 3rd party charger effects it also."
}
]
},
{
"body": "I believe it's temp related. I tried different solutions, including upgrade and use dev channel. It still happens from time to time. When it happens, I tried to shut it down and let it cool down and touchpad works again. \n\nI mainly use GCB to vpn / remote to my work desktop. The interesting thing is that when I have zoom meeting on remote desktop for 30-40mins, GCB becomes pretty hot and touchpad stops working."
},
{
"body": "I took the back off, moved the battery out of the way to clean underneath the touchpad with a little isopropyl and it's been working flawlessly since. Very easy to get to, just a handful of screws and you can fold the battery out of the way no problem."
},
{
"body": "In case anyone stumbles on this a long time from now, THERE IS AN EXISTING SOLUTION but it involves opening your laptop:\n\n[https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/176638009#comment42](https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/176638009#comment42)\n\nCongrats on your fix!\n\nElse if you are not willing to do this and don't care enough, I'm willing to buy your laptop from you and/or be paid to do it for you! DM me if interested",
"replies": [
{
"body": "Hi all -- totally realize this is an old thread. Just wanted to update that I did the fix below and it has totally solved the problem for the past 30 days. Just using the copper tape and not removing the trackpad.\n\nIt took less than 10 minutes (being super careful about it) and saved me from needing a new laptop. The trickiest part was getting the bottom cover off. You need to pry up the rubber pads (easy) and then get into the \"snap on\" parts, which I did with a very thin plastic card and a tiny flat screwdriver. You will want a disassembly tool like the one linked below (no affiliate etc).\n\nHow To:\n\n[https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/176638009#comment44](https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/176638009#comment44)\n\n​\n\nExample of the kind of tools you want:\n\n​\n\n[https://www.amazon.com/Kaisi-Professional-Electronics-Non-Abrasive-Anti-Static/dp/B015CMAJVK/ref=sr\\_1\\_2](https://www.amazon.com/Kaisi-Professional-Electronics-Non-Abrasive-Anti-Static/dp/B015CMAJVK/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=disassembly+tool&qid=1679270695&sprefix=disassem%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-2)",
"replies": [
{
"body": "Congrats it worked for you!",
"replies": [
{
"body": "Bummer update: it started to happen again, and now laptop is back to where I started. Going to open it up again when I have a moment and see if the foil tape came unstuck or something, but so far not a permanent fix.",
"replies": [
{
"body": "Yeah mine is actually in the same boat I never had a chance to fix it. Lemi how the repair goes and if you have any tips/things you learned!"
},
{
"body": ">https://www.amazon.com/Kaisi-Professional-Electronics-Non-Abrasive-Anti-Static/dp/B015CMAJVK/ref=sr\\_1\\_2\n\nAny updates on this?"
}
]
}
]
}
]
}
]
},
{
"body": "switch to mouse I guess"
},
{
"body": "I bought the Galaxy Chromebook at launch and returned it once already to replace the touchpad already. The second touchpad worked fine from January until now. I also noticed that both times it started to fail it occurred around an upgrade. The second time it started to fail it immediately had the same symptoms after upgrading. I'm going to see what options Samsung has for me.",
"replies": [
{
"body": "Iy was after an upgrade. I haven't seen it since the latest though."
}
]
},
{
"body": "Mine will work fine until it doesn't after the most recent updates . . . I'm hoping that it is something software related because its odd that it would just now start. If I let my Galaxy Chromebook sleep for a little while or restart it, it immediately starts working after the restart until it stops. More than slightly annoying to say the least.",
"replies": [
{
"body": "Now that you point it out, I've noticed that particular issue for several weeks already. (letting the computer rest, and when reused, the trackpad movement becomes pretty shoddy.)",
"replies": [
{
"body": "Yeah I found out that if you hard software reset (hold refresh button and tap the power button on the side) it immediately starts working. Doesn't hardly happen using a table or desk, but appears to be more common while using it in your lap or after it gets warm on the bottom :/ I sent mine in while it was still under warranty 2 months ago and about 3 weeks ago it started randomly happening again."
}
]
}
]
},
{
"body": "This is still annoying, but this quick fix has been working for me. Galaxy chromebook use for 5-10 min and trackpad goes awry and/or freezes. I close lid and wait 10-15 sec. Open up and with my finger touch the pointer on the display. Everytime I've done this and it seems to jolt it back. Good luck."
},
{
"body": "I'm told that if you are experiencing issues with the touchpad on your Samsung Galaxy Chromebook becoming partially (only top 3-4 mm works) or completely unresponsive, please call 1-800-SAMSUNG (800-726-7864) in the US to start a repair even if you're out of the warranty period.",
"replies": [
{
"body": "is that true?"
},
{
"body": "I called and was told since the laptop is out of warranty, I would need to pay out of pocket. They would not give me an estimate until I ship the laptop to them at my own cost. Between this issue and the SSD firmware related freezes, maybe no more Samsung devices for me :(",
"replies": [
{
"body": "Update: works great after following the instructions here: [https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/176638009#comment44](https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/176638009#comment44)."
}
]
}
]
},
{
"body": "I'm so tired of dealing with this Chromebook. Who wants it?",
"replies": [
{
"body": "I applied the fix for the trackpad ground issue. Haven’t had an issue since.",
"replies": [
{
"body": "(imgurDOTcom/a/GDZayv9)"
}
]
}
]
},
{
"body": "I just bought a Galaxy Chromebook off eBay and will be trying the fix when it comes in. Any tips?",
"replies": [
{
"body": "So I ended up doing the fix and it works but one thing I noticed when I put everything back together is the right bottom side of the trackpad is not completely flush with the palm rests. Has it always been like that and I just didn’t notice or did I not put it together exactly right?",
"replies": [
{
"body": "what was the fix can you please tell me? i need to fix my stupid trackpad issue on mine.",
"replies": [
{
"body": "You have to take the Chromebook apart, remove the battery, then remove the Copper tape and put new tape. Search around on here and there should be a link to the instructions.",
"replies": [
{
"body": "got it, was it difficult to do it? someone should probably do a vid on this. Also since the fix, no issues?",
"replies": [
{
"body": "It wasn’t super difficult but it actually came back.",
"replies": [
{
"body": "ah crap, did you end up getting rid of the chromebook?\n\nah crap, did you end up getting rid of the Chromebook?",
"replies": [
{
"body": "I got rid of it while it was still working but the next owner notified me it started doing it again. I sold it at a very low price with the warning it my comeback. He sent it to Samsung for repair.",
"replies": [
{
"body": "Do you know how long until it started doing it again? Mine has 7 days still have not done it. I put a crap load of tape. Hopefully it works, and maybe i can return the HP Dragonfly, i am not a big fan of the screen it feels washed out.",
"replies": [
{
"body": "Guys there is a solution for this issue already and a fix if someone need the help please contact me i will be glad to help no need to send to samsung no need to swap trackpad just a $3 taper from amazon will fix that for you and is permanent",
"replies": [
{}
]
},
{
"body": "I ended up having the same issue where after doing the steps to add some tape to the inside, the issue came back after not too long. I tried doing it again but i think i over did it a little bit with the tape as the touchpad ended up having a bit of a \"crunchy\" feeling when i would click anything. Mine is still suffering from this issue though.",
"replies": [
{}
]
}
]
}
]
}
]
}
]
}
]
}
]
}
]
}
]
}
]
}
]
}