Troubleshooting Wacom Intuos On MacOS Mojave

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Experiencing issues with your older Wacom Intuos tablet not registering on macOS Mojave can be frustrating, especially when you're eager to explore its creative potential. Installation problems can stem from various factors, ranging from driver incompatibility to system-level settings. This comprehensive guide will walk you through a series of troubleshooting steps to help you resolve this issue and get your Wacom Intuos tablet working seamlessly on your Mac.

1. Identifying the Root Cause of the Problem

Before diving into specific solutions, it's crucial to understand the potential reasons why your older Wacom Intuos tablet might not be recognized by macOS Mojave. These reasons often include outdated or incompatible drivers, incorrect system preferences, connection issues, or even hardware malfunctions. Identifying the root cause is the first step towards a successful resolution. Consider the following scenarios:

  • Driver Compatibility: Drivers are the software that allows your computer to communicate with the Wacom tablet. Older tablets often require specific drivers that may not be compatible with newer operating systems like macOS Mojave. Using an outdated or incorrect driver is the most common cause of this issue.
  • System Preferences: macOS Mojave has security features that might block the Wacom tablet from functioning correctly if the necessary permissions are not granted. Accessibility settings and security preferences can interfere with the tablet's operation.
  • Connection Issues: A faulty USB cable, a loose connection, or a malfunctioning USB port can prevent the tablet from being recognized by your Mac. Ensuring a stable connection is crucial for proper functionality.
  • Hardware Problems: Although less common, a hardware issue with the tablet itself or the pen could be the cause. Testing the tablet on another computer can help rule out this possibility.

By understanding these potential issues, you can systematically troubleshoot and pinpoint the exact cause of your problem. The next sections will provide detailed steps to address each of these areas.

2. Installing and Updating Wacom Drivers

The most common solution for an older Wacom Intuos tablet not registering on macOS Mojave involves installing or updating the Wacom drivers. Drivers act as the crucial bridge between your tablet and your computer, enabling them to communicate effectively. Using an outdated, corrupted, or incompatible driver can prevent the tablet from functioning correctly. To address this, follow these steps:

2.1. Uninstalling Existing Drivers

Before installing a new driver, it’s essential to remove any existing Wacom drivers from your system. This ensures that there are no conflicts between the old and new software. To uninstall the drivers:

  1. Disconnect your Wacom Intuos tablet from your Mac.
  2. Open Finder and navigate to the Applications folder.
  3. Locate the Wacom Tablet folder and open it.
  4. Run the Wacom Tablet Utility.
  5. In the utility, click on the Tablet File tab.
  6. Click Remove, and follow the prompts to uninstall the driver. You may be asked to enter your administrator password.
  7. Restart your Mac after the uninstallation is complete.

Completely removing the existing drivers ensures a clean slate for the new installation, reducing the likelihood of conflicts and errors. Always restart your computer after uninstalling software to clear any temporary files and system caches.

2.2. Downloading the Correct Driver

Once the old drivers are removed, the next step is to download the appropriate driver for your Wacom Intuos tablet model and macOS Mojave. Downloading the correct driver is crucial for the tablet to function optimally. Here's how to do it:

  1. Visit the official Wacom website (www.wacom.com).
  2. Navigate to the Support or Drivers section.
  3. Identify your specific Wacom Intuos tablet model. You can find the model number on the back of the tablet.
  4. Select your operating system (macOS Mojave).
  5. Download the latest driver compatible with your tablet and operating system.

It is vital to download the driver directly from the Wacom website to ensure you are getting the correct and most up-to-date version. Avoid downloading drivers from third-party websites, as these may contain malware or incompatible software.

2.3. Installing the New Driver

With the correct driver downloaded, you can now install it on your Mac. Installing the new driver is a straightforward process, but it's important to follow each step carefully:

  1. Locate the downloaded driver file (usually a .dmg file) and double-click it to mount the disk image.
  2. Open the mounted disk image and double-click the installer package (.pkg file).
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. You will likely need to enter your administrator password.
  4. During the installation, you may be prompted to grant certain permissions to the Wacom software. Make sure to allow these permissions for the tablet to function correctly.
  5. Once the installation is complete, restart your Mac.

After restarting, connect your Wacom Intuos tablet to your Mac. The system should now recognize the tablet, and you can proceed to configure it using the Wacom Tablet preferences.

3. Checking System Preferences and Permissions

Even with the correct drivers installed, macOS Mojave's security features can sometimes interfere with the proper functioning of Wacom tablets. Checking system preferences and permissions is a crucial step in ensuring that your tablet is allowed to communicate with your Mac. This involves adjusting settings related to accessibility, security, and privacy.

3.1. Accessibility Settings

macOS Mojave has accessibility settings that control how input devices interact with the system. Incorrect settings can prevent the Wacom tablet from registering clicks and movements. To adjust these settings:

  1. Open System Preferences from the Apple menu.
  2. Click on Accessibility.
  3. In the Accessibility pane, select Input Monitoring in the left sidebar.
  4. Ensure that the Wacom Tablet Driver and any other Wacom-related processes are checked (allowed) to control your computer.
  5. If the checkboxes are grayed out, click the padlock icon in the lower-left corner and enter your administrator password to unlock the settings.

Granting the Wacom Tablet Driver access in the Input Monitoring settings is essential for the tablet to function correctly. Without this permission, the tablet may not be able to register input.

3.2. Security & Privacy Settings

The Security & Privacy settings in macOS Mojave are designed to protect your system, but they can also block legitimate applications like the Wacom Tablet Driver. It's important to review these settings to ensure that the tablet is not being blocked:

  1. Open System Preferences and click on Security & Privacy.
  2. Click on the Privacy tab.
  3. In the left sidebar, select Accessibility.
  4. Ensure that the Wacom Tablet Driver is checked (allowed) to control your computer.
  5. If the checkboxes are grayed out, click the padlock icon in the lower-left corner and enter your administrator password to unlock the settings.
  6. In the left sidebar, select Files and Folders.
  7. Ensure that the Wacom Tablet Driver has permissions to access necessary folders.

Checking these settings ensures that the Wacom Tablet Driver has the necessary permissions to interact with your system and access the required files and folders.

3.3. Login Items

Sometimes, the Wacom Tablet Driver may not launch correctly upon system startup, causing the tablet to not register. To ensure the driver launches automatically:

  1. Open System Preferences and click on Users & Groups.
  2. Select your user account in the left sidebar.
  3. Click on the Login Items tab.
  4. If the Wacom Tablet Driver or any Wacom-related applications are not listed, click the + button.
  5. Navigate to the Applications folder, open the Wacom Tablet folder, and add the Wacom Tablet Driver to the list.

Adding the Wacom Tablet Driver to the Login Items ensures that the driver starts automatically when you log in, preventing potential issues with tablet recognition.

4. Checking the USB Connection

A stable and reliable connection between your Wacom Intuos tablet and your Mac is crucial for proper functionality. Checking the USB connection is a simple but important step in troubleshooting issues with your tablet. A faulty cable, a loose connection, or a malfunctioning USB port can all prevent the tablet from being recognized.

4.1. Testing Different USB Ports

Sometimes, a specific USB port on your Mac may be malfunctioning or not providing enough power for the Wacom tablet. Testing different USB ports can help identify if this is the issue:

  1. Disconnect the Wacom Intuos tablet from the current USB port.
  2. Try connecting the tablet to a different USB port on your Mac, preferably a USB port directly on the computer rather than a USB hub.
  3. If you are using a USB hub, try connecting the tablet directly to the Mac to rule out any issues with the hub.

Testing different USB ports can help isolate whether the problem lies with a specific port or with the tablet itself.

4.2. Using a Different USB Cable

A damaged or faulty USB cable can also prevent the Wacom tablet from connecting properly. Using a different USB cable can help determine if the cable is the source of the problem:

  1. Disconnect the current USB cable from the Wacom Intuos tablet and your Mac.
  2. Use a different USB cable that you know is working correctly.
  3. Connect the tablet to your Mac using the new cable and check if it is recognized.

If the tablet works with a different USB cable, the original cable is likely the issue and should be replaced.

4.3. Avoiding USB Hubs

USB hubs can sometimes cause connectivity issues, especially if they are not providing enough power to the connected devices. Avoiding USB hubs and connecting the Wacom Intuos tablet directly to your Mac can help ensure a stable connection:

  1. If you are currently using a USB hub, disconnect the tablet from the hub.
  2. Connect the tablet directly to a USB port on your Mac.
  3. Check if the tablet is now recognized.

Connecting the tablet directly to your Mac bypasses any potential issues with the USB hub and ensures that the tablet is receiving adequate power and data transfer.

5. Testing the Wacom Tablet on Another Computer

If you've tried all the software and connection-related troubleshooting steps and your Wacom Intuos tablet still isn't registering on your Mac, it's helpful to test the tablet on another computer. This can help determine whether the issue is specific to your Mac or if there might be a hardware problem with the tablet itself.

5.1. Connecting to a Different Mac or PC

Testing the tablet on another computer involves the following steps:

  1. Disconnect the Wacom Intuos tablet from your current Mac.
  2. Connect the tablet to another Mac or a Windows PC.
  3. Install the appropriate Wacom drivers for the operating system of the test computer (following the steps outlined in Section 2).
  4. Check if the tablet is recognized and functions correctly on the test computer.

If the tablet works on another computer, it indicates that the issue is likely specific to your original Mac's configuration or software. If the tablet doesn't work on any computer, it suggests a potential hardware issue with the tablet itself.

5.2. Interpreting the Results

The results of testing the tablet on another computer can provide valuable insights:

  • Tablet Works on Another Computer: If the tablet functions correctly on another computer, the problem is likely related to your original Mac's software, drivers, or settings. Revisit the troubleshooting steps outlined in Sections 2 and 3, paying close attention to driver installation and system preferences.
  • Tablet Doesn't Work on Any Computer: If the tablet doesn't work on any computer, it suggests a potential hardware issue with the tablet itself. Contact Wacom support or consider seeking professional repair services.

Testing the tablet on another computer is a crucial step in isolating the problem and determining the appropriate course of action.

6. Contacting Wacom Support

If you've exhausted all the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide and your older Wacom Intuos tablet still isn't registering on macOS Mojave, it's time to contact Wacom Support. Wacom's support team can provide expert assistance and guidance tailored to your specific situation. They can offer additional troubleshooting steps, help identify potential hardware issues, or provide information about warranty and repair options.

6.1. Gathering Information Before Contacting Support

Before reaching out to Wacom Support, gather as much information as possible about your issue. This will help the support team understand your problem and provide more effective assistance. Useful information to have on hand includes:

  • Tablet Model: The specific model number of your Wacom Intuos tablet. This can usually be found on the back of the tablet.
  • Operating System: The version of macOS you are using (in this case, macOS Mojave).
  • Driver Version: The version of the Wacom Tablet Driver you have installed.
  • Steps Taken: A detailed list of the troubleshooting steps you have already tried.
  • Error Messages: Any error messages or unusual behavior you have encountered.

Having this information ready will streamline the support process and help the Wacom team diagnose the issue more quickly.

6.2. How to Contact Wacom Support

Wacom offers several channels for support, including:

  • Wacom Website: Visit the official Wacom website (www.wacom.com) and navigate to the Support section. Here, you can find FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and contact information.
  • Online Support Form: Many Wacom websites offer an online support form where you can submit your issue and provide detailed information.
  • Phone Support: Wacom may offer phone support in your region. Check the Wacom website for the appropriate phone number.

When contacting support, be clear and concise in explaining your issue, and provide all the relevant information you have gathered. The Wacom support team is dedicated to helping you resolve your tablet issues and get back to creating.

By following this comprehensive guide, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve the issue of your older Wacom Intuos tablet not registering on macOS Mojave. Remember to systematically work through each step, and don't hesitate to seek help from Wacom Support if needed. With the right approach, you can get your tablet working smoothly and unleash your creative potential.