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Apple Computer Repairs and Services

How to Fix a MacBook Touch Bar That Isn't Working

The MacBook Touch Bar is one of the standout features of Apple’s MacBook Pro, offering a range of customizable options and shortcuts for easier access to various controls. However, if you find that your MacBook Touch Bar is not working, it can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix the issue.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a series of methods that could help restore functionality to your MacBook Touch Bar. Whether the Touch Bar is unresponsive, missing, or behaving erratically, you’ll find actionable solutions that address the most common causes.

Common Reasons for Touch Bar Not Working

Before diving into troubleshooting, it’s essential to understand the common causes of a malfunctioning Touch Bar. Here are some reasons your MacBook Pro Touch Bar might stop working:
  • Software issues: An outdated macOS, incompatible apps, or bugs may cause the Touch Bar to malfunction.
  • Hardware failures: Physical damage or internal connection problems can impact the Touch Bar’s performance.
  • Corrupt system settings: Settings related to the Touch Bar might become corrupted, preventing it from working correctly.
  • Overloaded system resources: Sometimes, an overloaded system can cause the Touch Bar to become unresponsive.

1. Restart Your MacBook

If your MacBook Touch Bar is not working, the first step to try is restarting your MacBook. This can solve a variety of software-related issues by refreshing the system and clearing temporary glitches. To restart your MacBook:
  • Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
  • Select "Restart" from the dropdown menu and wait for the system to reboot.
After the restart, check if the Touch Bar is responsive again.

2. Reset the SMC (System Management Controller)

The System Management Controller (SMC) controls many low-level functions on your Mac, including the Touch Bar. If the Touch Bar is not responding or is behaving erratically, resetting the SMC can often fix the problem. Here’s how you can do it:
  • Shut down your MacBook completely.
  • Press and hold the Shift + Control + Option keys on the left side of your keyboard, along with the power button.
  • Hold these keys for about 10 seconds, then release them.
  • Press the power button again to turn your MacBook back on.
The reset will clear any temporary issues affecting hardware components, including the Touch Bar.

3. Reset the NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory)

NVRAM stores specific system settings, including information related to the Touch Bar. If these settings are corrupted, it could cause your Touch Bar not to work. Here’s how to reset the NVRAM:
  • Shut down your MacBook.
  • Power it back on and immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R.
  • Hold the keys for about 20 seconds, then release them.
  • Your Mac will restart.
Once your MacBook reboots, check if the MacBook Pro Touch Bar is now functional.

4. Check for macOS Updates

Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues, leading to problems with the MacBook Pro Touch Bar. Apple frequently releases updates that address bugs and improve system performance. To check for updates:
  • Click on the Apple logo at the top-left corner of your screen.
  • Select "System Preferences," then click "Software Update."
  • If an update is available, click "Update Now."
After the update, verify whether your Touch Bar is working correctly.

5. Force Quit the Control Strip

The Control Strip manages the controls displayed on the Touch Bar, and a bug in this app could cause your MacBook Pro Touch Bar to stop working. To fix this, you can force quit the Control Strip app:
  • Press Command + Option + Escape to open the Force Quit Applications window.
  • Locate and select "ControlStrip" in the list.
  • Click "Force Quit" to restart the app.
Once the app restarts, the Touch Bar should refresh and work again.

6. Manually Reboot the Touch Bar Using Terminal

If the previous steps haven’t worked, you can manually restart the Touch Bar using the Terminal application. This method is effective in cases where the Touch Bar is not showing or responding. Follow these steps:
  • Open Terminal (found in Applications > Utilities).
  • Type the following command to kill the TouchBarServer: sudo pkill TouchBarServer
  • Press Enter and enter your password when prompted.
  • Then, type the following command to restart ControlStrip: sudo killall ControlStrip
  • Press Enter again.
This will reboot the Touch Bar, potentially fixing any unresponsiveness.

7. Reinstall macOS

If none of the previous solutions worked and your MacBook Pro bar is not working, the issue might be related to corrupted system files. Reinstalling macOS can restore your operating system to a stable state without erasing your personal files. To do this:
  • Backup your important files using Time Machine or another backup method.
  • Shut down your MacBook and restart it while holding Command + R to enter macOS Recovery Mode.
  • Select “Reinstall macOS” from the options and follow the on-screen instructions.
This will reinstall the macOS system, potentially fixing any software-related issues affecting the Touch Bar.

8. Check for Physical Damage

If the Touch Bar is not working despite trying all of the above solutions, it’s possible that the issue is hardware-related. Physical damage, such as water spills or impact, can cause internal connections to loosen or malfunction.

In this case, you should consult a professional technician or visit an Apple Store to have your MacBook inspected and repaired.

9. Contact Apple Support or Total Mac Solutions

If the MacBook Pro Touch Bar disappears or isn’t responding after trying all these troubleshooting methods, it might be time to reach out for professional help. At Total Mac Solutions, we specialise in diagnosing and fixing a wide range of MacBook issues, including Touch Bar not working problems.

Our expert technicians can quickly identify whether the problem is related to software or hardware and provide you with a cost-effective solution. Contact us today for a fast, reliable repair service that gets your MacBook Pro Touch Bar working like new again.

Conclusion

Dealing with a MacBook Touch Bar not working can be frustrating, but most issues can be resolved with a few simple steps. Whether it’s a minor software glitch or a deeper system issue, there are plenty of methods available to get your Touch Bar back to full functionality. Start by restarting your system, resetting the SMC and NVRAM, or checking for software updates. If the problem persists, you can try more advanced solutions like force quitting the Control Strip, manually rebooting the Touch Bar via Terminal, or reinstalling macOS.

If none of these solutions work, or if you suspect hardware damage, don’t hesitate to reach out to Total Mac Solutions. Our team of experienced professionals is here to help you with all your MacBook repair needs. Let us restore your MacBook Pro Touch Bar to its full functionality quickly and efficiently.

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