Table of Contents
- Why Is Your MacBook Pro Touch Bar Still Black After an Update? Proven Fixes for Frustrating Issues
- Common Causes
- Solution 1: Restart the TouchBarServer Process
- Solution 2: Restart Your MacBook Pro
- Solution 3: Boot into Safe Mode
- Solution 4: Use Recovery Mode and Complete Shutdown
- Additional Observations
- When Troubleshooting Fails
- User Experience
Why Is Your MacBook Pro Touch Bar Still Black After an Update? Proven Fixes for Frustrating Issues
A malfunctioning or blacked-out Touch Bar after a macOS update is a widespread and aggravating problem for many MacBook Pro users. The Touch Bar serves as a vital interface for function keys, system toggles, and app controls. Its sudden disappearance can disrupt productivity and limit access to essential features.
Common Causes
- Software glitches following macOS updates
- System process failures
- Hardware issues, especially on older models
Solution 1: Restart the TouchBarServer Process
Open Activity Monitor, search for “TouchBarServer,” select it, and force quit. Alternatively, use Terminal:
sudo killall TouchBarServer
This action often restores the Touch Bar immediately.
Solution 2: Restart Your MacBook Pro
Go to the Apple menu and select “Restart.” A simple reboot can resolve temporary software conflicts.
Solution 3: Boot into Safe Mode
For Apple Silicon Macs: Shut down, hold the power button until Startup Options appear, select your disk, then hold Shift while clicking “Continue in Safe Mode.”
For Intel Macs: Restart and hold Shift during boot.
Safe Mode can clear caches and fix system issues affecting the Touch Bar.
Solution 4: Use Recovery Mode and Complete Shutdown
- Boot into Recovery Mode (hold power button until Startup Options).
- Shut down completely from Recovery, wait a minute, then power on again.
This sequence has helped some users restore Touch Bar functionality.
Additional Observations
When the Touch Bar fails, related settings may also disappear from System Settings. Safe Mode may also reduce excessive System Data, addressing two issues at once.
When Troubleshooting Fails
- If the Touch Bar remains nonfunctional after all software steps, hardware failure is possible.
- Out-of-warranty repairs can be costly, sometimes approaching the price of a new MacBook Air.
- Alternatives include using an external keyboard and treating your MacBook Pro as a desktop workstation.
User Experience
Hundreds of users have reported similar issues on Apple forums and Reddit, especially after major macOS updates on older Touch Bar-equipped Macs. This highlights a recurring problem, particularly as Apple has moved away from Touch Bar technology.
Addressing Touch Bar failures quickly can minimize disruption and help you maintain productivity on your MacBook Pro.