In recent times, numerous MacBook Pro users have encountered problems with their Touch Bars, ranging from unresponsiveness to failing to display controls. Here, we provide a comprehensive guide to address these issues, based on the latest solutions and user experiences in December 2023.
Common Causes with Fixes for Touch Bar Issues
- Force Quit Troublesome Applications: Sometimes, specific applications can freeze or crash, impacting the Touch Bar’s functionality. To resolve this, use the Force Quit Dialogue (Command + Option + Esc) and terminate the problematic app.
- Restart Your MacBook: Often, a simple reboot can solve minor issues, including those affecting the Touch Bar. This can be done through the Apple menu or, in case of a frozen screen, by a force restart (holding the Power button).
- Refresh Touch Bar and Control Strip: If the issue persists, refreshing the Touch Bar and Control Strip can help. This involves ending the TouchBarServer activity via Activity Monitor or using specific commands in Terminal. The Control Strip, which includes functions like volume and brightness control, can similarly be refreshed.
- Check Touch Bar Display Settings: Incorrect display settings can lead to issues with the Touch Bar. Ensure the settings are configured to show “App Controls” or “App Controls with Control Strip,” and that the “Show Control Strip” option is enabled.
- Clear Touch Bar Cache Files: Corrupted cache files may cause the Touch Bar to malfunction. Deleting these files and clearing the cache can often resolve the issue.
- Modify Sound Output: If issues arise after connecting to an external display or audio device, adjusting the sound output settings may help.
- Update macOS: Outdated macOS versions can contain bugs affecting the Touch Bar. Updating to the latest version can resolve these software-related issues.
- Reset SMC/NVRAM/PRAM: For more persistent problems, resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) and the Parameter RAM (PRAM) on your MacBook Pro might be necessary, especially for models with Intel chips.
- Seek Professional Assistance: If all else fails, contacting Apple Support for professional help is advised.
Conclusion
The MacBook Pro’s Touch Bar is a sophisticated feature that can occasionally encounter problems. However, with the right approach, most issues can be resolved effectively. Users experiencing such problems should systematically try the solutions outlined above, starting with the simplest (like restarting the MacBook) and progressing to more technical solutions (like resetting the SMC or clearing cache files). Remember, if these steps do not resolve the issue, professional assistance from Apple Support is recommended.
In summary, while the Touch Bar issues can be frustrating, they are often solvable with a bit of patience and the right troubleshooting steps.