Lenovo Thinkpad T490 (Type 20N2, 20N3) Touchpad not working

My touchpad has not worked since the new Fedora installation but it was also a problem with windows. It worked at first when the laptop was new then later maybe after a system update it stopped working, Sometimes it would come back briefly after updates but i noticed now with fedora i did a system update the other day and it worked for 1 day, after next reboot it was gone again (this has happened 2x this past week.) I just got a system update this morning but now no touchpad and i don’t seem to see a touchpad driver.

System:
  Kernel: 6.13.5-200.fc41.x86_64 arch: x86_64 bits: 64 compiler: gcc v: 14.2.1
  Console: pty pts/1 wm: gnome-shell DM: GDM Distro: Fedora Linux 41
    (Workstation Edition)
Machine:
  Type: Laptop System: LENOVO product: 20N3SD1900 v: ThinkPad T490
    serial: <filter> Chassis: type: 10 serial: <filter>
  Mobo: LENOVO model: 20N3SD1900 v: SDK0J40697 WIN serial: <filter>
    part-nu: LENOVO_MT_20N3_BU_Think_FM_ThinkPad T490 UEFI: LENOVO
    v: N2IETA5W (1.83 ) date: 06/20/2024
Battery:
  ID-1: BAT0 charge: 36.7 Wh (80.5%) condition: 45.6/50.5 Wh (90.4%)
    volts: 11.7 min: 11.5 model: SMP 5B10W13906 serial: <filter>
    status: discharging
CPU:
  Info: quad core model: Intel Core i5-8365U bits: 64 type: MT MCP
    arch: Comet/Whiskey Lake note: check rev: C cache: L1: 256 KiB L2: 1024 KiB
    L3: 6 MiB
  Speed (MHz): avg: 4094 min/max: 400/4100 cores: 1: 4094 2: 4094 3: 4094
    4: 4094 5: 4094 6: 4094 7: 4094 8: 4094 bogomips: 30399
  Flags: avx avx2 ht lm nx pae sse sse2 sse3 sse4_1 sse4_2 ssse3
Graphics:
  Device-1: Intel WhiskeyLake-U GT2 [UHD Graphics 620] vendor: Lenovo
    driver: i915 v: kernel arch: Gen-9.5 ports: active: HDMI-A-2,eDP-1
    empty: DP-1,DP-2,HDMI-A-1 bus-ID: 00:02.0 chip-ID: 8086:3ea0
  Device-2: Chicony Integrated Camera driver: uvcvideo type: USB rev: 2.0
    speed: 480 Mb/s lanes: 1 bus-ID: 1-8:4 chip-ID: 04f2:b6d9
  Display: unspecified server: X.Org v: 24.1.6 with: Xwayland v: 24.1.6
    compositor: gnome-shell driver: dri: iris gpu: i915 display-ID: :0
    screens: 1
  Screen-1: 0 s-res: 8192x2880 s-dpi: 96
  Monitor-1: not-matched mapped: HDMI-2 pos: right res: 5120x2880 hz: 60
    dpi: 203 diag: 734mm (28.91")
  Monitor-2: not-matched mapped: eDP-1 pos: primary,left res: 3072x1728
    hz: 60 dpi: 252 diag: 354mm (13.92")
  API: OpenGL v: 4.6 vendor: intel mesa v: 25.0.0 glx-v: 1.4 es-v: 3.2
    direct-render: yes renderer: Mesa Intel UHD Graphics 620 (WHL GT2)
    device-ID: 8086:3ea0
  API: EGL Message: EGL data requires eglinfo. Check --recommends.
  Info: Tools: api: glxinfo gpu: intel_gpu_top,lsgpu x11: xdriinfo,
    xdpyinfo, xprop, xrandr
Audio:
  Device-1: Intel Cannon Point-LP High Definition Audio vendor: Lenovo
    driver: snd_hda_intel v: kernel bus-ID: 00:1f.3 chip-ID: 8086:9dc8
  API: ALSA v: k6.13.5-200.fc41.x86_64 status: kernel-api
  Server-1: JACK v: 1.9.22 status: off
  Server-2: PipeWire v: 1.2.7 status: off with: 1: pipewire-pulse
    status: active 2: wireplumber status: active 3: pipewire-alsa type: plugin
Network:
  Device-1: Intel Cannon Point-LP CNVi [Wireless-AC] driver: iwlwifi v: kernel
    bus-ID: 00:14.3 chip-ID: 8086:9df0
  IF: wlp0s20f3 state: up mac: <filter>
  Device-2: Intel Ethernet I219-LM vendor: Lenovo driver: e1000e v: kernel
    port: N/A bus-ID: 00:1f.6 chip-ID: 8086:15bd
  IF: enp0s31f6 state: down mac: <filter>
Bluetooth:
  Device-1: Intel Bluetooth 9460/9560 Jefferson Peak (JfP) driver: btusb
    v: 0.8 type: USB rev: 2.0 speed: 12 Mb/s lanes: 1 bus-ID: 1-10:5
    chip-ID: 8087:0aaa
  Report: btmgmt ID: hci0 rfk-id: 1 state: up address: <filter> bt-v: 5.1
    lmp-v: 10
Drives:
  Local Storage: total: 238.47 GiB used: 32.06 GiB (13.4%)
  ID-1: /dev/nvme0n1 vendor: SK Hynix model: HFS256GD9TNG-L5B0B
    size: 238.47 GiB speed: 31.6 Gb/s lanes: 4 serial: <filter> temp: 31.9 C
Partition:
  ID-1: / size: 204.2 GiB used: 31.74 GiB (15.5%) fs: btrfs
    dev: /dev/nvme0n1p3
  ID-2: /boot size: 973.4 MiB used: 302.2 MiB (31.0%) fs: ext4
    dev: /dev/nvme0n1p2
  ID-3: /boot/efi size: 598.8 MiB used: 19.4 MiB (3.2%) fs: vfat
    dev: /dev/nvme0n1p1
  ID-4: /home size: 204.2 GiB used: 31.74 GiB (15.5%) fs: btrfs
    dev: /dev/nvme0n1p3
Swap:
  ID-1: swap-1 type: partition size: 32.69 GiB used: 0 KiB (0.0%) priority: -2
    dev: /dev/nvme0n1p4
  ID-2: swap-2 type: zram size: 7.38 GiB used: 1024 KiB (0.0%) priority: 100
    dev: /dev/zram0
Sensors:
  System Temperatures: cpu: 58.0 C mobo: N/A
  Fan Speeds (rpm): N/A
Info:
  Memory: total: 8 GiB note: est. available: 7.38 GiB used: 4.39 GiB (59.5%)
    igpu: 64 MiB
  Processes: 375 Power: uptime: 7m wakeups: 0 Init: systemd v: 256
    target: graphical (5) default: graphical
  Packages: pm: rpm pkgs: N/A note: see --rpm pm: flatpak pkgs: 17
    Compilers: gcc: 14.2.1 Shell: Bash v: 5.2.32 running-in: ptyxis-agent
    inxi: 3.3.37

sudo libinput list-devices | grep Touchpad ==> please output

Device:           Power Button
Kernel:           /dev/input/event2
Group:            1
Seat:             seat0, default
Capabilities:     keyboard 
Tap-to-click:     n/a
Tap-and-drag:     n/a
Tap drag lock:    n/a
Left-handed:      n/a
Nat.scrolling:    n/a
Middle emulation: n/a
Calibration:      n/a
Scroll methods:   none
Click methods:    none
Disable-w-typing: n/a
Disable-w-trackpointing: n/a
Accel profiles:   n/a
Rotation:         0.0

Device:           Video Bus
Kernel:           /dev/input/event10
Group:            2
Seat:             seat0, default
Capabilities:     keyboard 
Tap-to-click:     n/a
Tap-and-drag:     n/a
Tap drag lock:    n/a
Left-handed:      n/a
Nat.scrolling:    n/a
Middle emulation: n/a
Calibration:      n/a
Scroll methods:   none
Click methods:    none
Disable-w-typing: n/a
Disable-w-trackpointing: n/a
Accel profiles:   n/a
Rotation:         0.0

Device:           Lid Switch
Kernel:           /dev/input/event1
Group:            3
Seat:             seat0, default
Capabilities:     switch
Tap-to-click:     n/a
Tap-and-drag:     n/a
Tap drag lock:    n/a
Left-handed:      n/a
Nat.scrolling:    n/a
Middle emulation: n/a
Calibration:      n/a
Scroll methods:   none
Click methods:    none
Disable-w-typing: n/a
Disable-w-trackpointing: n/a
Accel profiles:   n/a
Rotation:         0.0

Device:           Sleep Button
Kernel:           /dev/input/event0
Group:            4
Seat:             seat0, default
Capabilities:     keyboard 
Tap-to-click:     n/a
Tap-and-drag:     n/a
Tap drag lock:    n/a
Left-handed:      n/a
Nat.scrolling:    n/a
Middle emulation: n/a
Calibration:      n/a
Scroll methods:   none
Click methods:    none
Disable-w-typing: n/a
Disable-w-trackpointing: n/a
Accel profiles:   n/a
Rotation:         0.0

Device:           Logitech USB Receiver
Kernel:           /dev/input/event4
Group:            5
Seat:             seat0, default
Capabilities:     pointer 
Tap-to-click:     n/a
Tap-and-drag:     n/a
Tap drag lock:    n/a
Left-handed:      disabled
Nat.scrolling:    disabled
Middle emulation: disabled
Calibration:      n/a
Scroll methods:   button
Click methods:    none
Disable-w-typing: n/a
Disable-w-trackpointing: n/a
Accel profiles:   flat *adaptive custom
Rotation:         0.0

Device:           Logitech USB Receiver Keyboard
Kernel:           /dev/input/event5
Group:            5
Seat:             seat0, default
Capabilities:     keyboard pointer 
Tap-to-click:     n/a
Tap-and-drag:     n/a
Tap drag lock:    n/a
Left-handed:      n/a
Nat.scrolling:    disabled
Middle emulation: n/a
Calibration:      n/a
Scroll methods:   none
Click methods:    none
Disable-w-typing: n/a
Disable-w-trackpointing: n/a
Accel profiles:   n/a
Rotation:         0.0

Device:           Razer Razer Cynosa Chroma
Kernel:           /dev/input/event6
Group:            6
Seat:             seat0, default
Capabilities:     keyboard 
Tap-to-click:     n/a
Tap-and-drag:     n/a
Tap drag lock:    n/a
Left-handed:      n/a
Nat.scrolling:    n/a
Middle emulation: n/a
Calibration:      n/a
Scroll methods:   none
Click methods:    none
Disable-w-typing: n/a
Disable-w-trackpointing: n/a
Accel profiles:   n/a
Rotation:         0.0

Device:           Razer Razer Cynosa Chroma Keyboard
Kernel:           /dev/input/event7
Group:            6
Seat:             seat0, default
Capabilities:     keyboard pointer 
Tap-to-click:     n/a
Tap-and-drag:     n/a
Tap drag lock:    n/a
Left-handed:      n/a
Nat.scrolling:    disabled
Middle emulation: n/a
Calibration:      n/a
Scroll methods:   none
Click methods:    none
Disable-w-typing: n/a
Disable-w-trackpointing: n/a
Accel profiles:   n/a
Rotation:         0.0

Device:           Razer Razer Cynosa Chroma
Kernel:           /dev/input/event9
Group:            6
Seat:             seat0, default
Capabilities:     pointer 
Tap-to-click:     n/a
Tap-and-drag:     n/a
Tap drag lock:    n/a
Left-handed:      disabled
Nat.scrolling:    disabled
Middle emulation: disabled
Calibration:      n/a
Scroll methods:   button
Click methods:    none
Disable-w-typing: n/a
Disable-w-trackpointing: n/a
Accel profiles:   flat *adaptive custom
Rotation:         0.0

Device:           AT Translated Set 2 keyboard
Kernel:           /dev/input/event3
Group:            7
Seat:             seat0, default
Capabilities:     keyboard 
Tap-to-click:     n/a
Tap-and-drag:     n/a
Tap drag lock:    n/a
Left-handed:      n/a
Nat.scrolling:    n/a
Middle emulation: n/a
Calibration:      n/a
Scroll methods:   none
Click methods:    none
Disable-w-typing: n/a
Disable-w-trackpointing: n/a
Accel profiles:   n/a
Rotation:         0.0

Device:           ThinkPad Extra Buttons
Kernel:           /dev/input/event11
Group:            8
Seat:             seat0, default
Capabilities:     keyboard 
Tap-to-click:     n/a
Tap-and-drag:     n/a
Tap drag lock:    n/a
Left-handed:      n/a
Nat.scrolling:    n/a
Middle emulation: n/a
Calibration:      n/a
Scroll methods:   none
Click methods:    none
Disable-w-typing: n/a
Disable-w-trackpointing: n/a
Accel profiles:   n/a
Rotation:         0.0

Device:           [AV] Samsung Soundbar S66B (AVRCP)
Kernel:           /dev/input/event18
Group:            9
Seat:             seat0, default
Capabilities:     keyboard 
Tap-to-click:     n/a
Tap-and-drag:     n/a
Tap drag lock:    n/a
Left-handed:      n/a
Nat.scrolling:    n/a
Middle emulation: n/a
Calibration:      n/a
Scroll methods:   none
Click methods:    none
Disable-w-typing: n/a
Disable-w-trackpointing: n/a
Accel profiles:   n/a
Rotation:         0.0

Do you dual boot with windows ?

No, i got sick of using windows. Im fairly new to linux but i have used Fedora a little bit before so i decided to just dive into it, only way to learn properly.

And that means you have only install fedora 41 on sdd or hdd for lenovo

Since your ThinkPad T490 touchpad issue persists across both Windows and Fedora, it’s likely a firmware, BIOS, or hardware-related problem. The fact that it temporarily works after updates suggests a possible kernel or firmware conflict.
Troubleshooting Steps for Fedora:

1. Check if Fedora Detects the Touchpad

Run the following command in a terminal to check if Fedora detects the touchpad:

If you use X11:

xinput list

If you use Wayland:

sudo libinput list-devices | grep -i touchpad

it shout return something like:

Device: SYNA801A:00 06CB:CEC6 Touchpad

Look for a Synaptics, Elantech, or ThinkPad touchpad device. If missing, the system may not be recognizing the hardware.

To check the kernel logs for errors:

dmesg | grep -i touchpad

If you see errors related to i2c, hid, or ACPI, it could be a firmware or kernel bug.

2. Check for the Touchpad in udevadm

sudo udevadm info /sys/class/input/event* | grep ID_INPUT_TOUCHPAD
> E: ID_INPUT_TOUCHPAD=1

3. Use evtest to Check for Input Events

Install evtest (if not already installed):

sudo dnf install evtest

Then, list all input devices:

sudo evtest

Select your touchpad and check if it registers touch events. For example:

/dev/input/event7:	SYNA801A:00 06CB:CEC6 Touchpad
select 7

Touch the Touchpad and move finger on it. There shoud be some Output.

4. Check if the Touchpad is Disabled

Run:

gsettings get org.gnome.desktop.peripherals.touchpad send-events

If it returns disabled, enable it:

gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.peripherals.touchpad send-events 'enabled'

5. Install Required Drivers (only X11)

Run:

sudo dnf install xorg-x11-drv-libinput

Reboot after installation.

6. Check if Touchpad is Blocked by BIOS

Since your touchpad also failed in Windows, check the BIOS settings:

  • Reboot and press F1 to enter the BIOS.
  • Go to Config > Keyboard/Mouse and ensure Trackpad is set to Enabled.
  • Check for an I2C or HID setting related to the touchpad.
  • Reset BIOS to defaults and save changes.

7. Try a Different Kernel

Since your touchpad works briefly after some updates, try booting an older kernel:

  • Restart and select Advanced options in the GRUB menu.
  • Boot an older Fedora kernel.
  • If the touchpad works, then the issue is with the latest kernel.

You can also manually install an older kernel:

sudo dnf list installed kernel
sudo dnf downgrade kernel

8. Update ThinkPad Firmware (LVFS)

ThinkPads often get firmware updates via LVFS (Linux Vendor Firmware Service). Run:

sudo fwupdmgr get-devices
sudo fwupdmgr refresh
sudo fwupdmgr update

This will check for and install BIOS or touchpad firmware updates.

9. Check for Hardware Issues

Since the touchpad has been unreliable for a while, it could be a loose connection or failing touchpad hardware.

If comfortable, open the laptop and reseat the touchpad ribbon cable.

1 Like

yes, nvme that came stock from lenovo.

sudo libinput list-devices | grep -i touchpad does nothing.

dmesg | grep -i touchpad does nothing

sudo udevadm info /sys/class/input/event* | grep ID_INPUT_TOUCHPAD
> E: ID_INPUT_TOUCHPAD=1 Does nothing

sudo evtest
No device specified, trying to scan all of /dev/input/event*
Available devices:
/dev/input/event0:	Sleep Button
/dev/input/event1:	Lid Switch
/dev/input/event10:	Video Bus
/dev/input/event11:	PC Speaker
/dev/input/event12:	ThinkPad Extra Buttons
/dev/input/event13:	HDA Intel PCH Mic
/dev/input/event14:	HDA Intel PCH Headphone
/dev/input/event15:	HDA Intel PCH HDMI/DP,pcm=3
/dev/input/event16:	HDA Intel PCH HDMI/DP,pcm=7
/dev/input/event17:	HDA Intel PCH HDMI/DP,pcm=8
/dev/input/event2:	Power Button
/dev/input/event3:	AT Translated Set 2 keyboard
/dev/input/event4:	Logitech USB Receiver
/dev/input/event5:	Logitech USB Receiver Keyboard
/dev/input/event6:	Razer Razer Cynosa Chroma
/dev/input/event7:	Razer Razer Cynosa Chroma Keyboard
/dev/input/event8:	Razer Razer Cynosa Chroma
/dev/input/event9:	Razer Razer Cynosa Chroma
Select the device event number [0-17]: ^C

Detects no touchpad

I will check the BIOS now and see if touchpad is detected.

So try suggestion: 6, 7, 8 and 9

Trackpad is enabled in bios.

I did firmware update as listed above.

Reset bios to default.

So maybe the touchpad is faulty but this is very strange seeing that once i get system update it sometimes kicks in but only for a short time. I am using a mouse so im not crying over this, this is just an annoying bug that has been on this laptop for some time and i thought maybe using linux would fix that. Maybe i have not done all the proper driver install procedures, i think i have. I did all rpm repos as listed on the rpmfusion site and i believe i got all the codecs. Like i stated above i am fairly new to linux so i don’t know all the basic commands and step by step guide to setting up my system.

… than it seems like a hardware issue …

2 Likes

yes could be, i need to upgrade my ram, i will open the laptop and see if i have a loose wire to the touchpad while im at it, this has been a problem almost recently since i bought it new and hardware faults can happen, my bad for not taking it to the shop with warranty. Thanks for the help.

I took the liberty of editing your posts #1 and #3 above to add the preformatted text tags so the pasted results are formatted exactly as seen on screen. This is done by using the </> button after highlighting the pasted text, or by manually adding the tags so the text looks like this.

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1 Like