6 Fixes for a Frozen or Malfunctioning MacBook Touch Bar

Charlotte Bayley

Updated:July 23, 2024

Is your MacBook Touch Bar frozen or not responding? A malfunctioning Touch Bar can be frustrating, but don't worry, there are several solutions you can try to fix it. In this guide, we'll cover six effective methods to get your Touch Bar back in working order.

Here are six solutions to try if your MacBook Touch Bar frozen or stops working, Let's take a glance!

Restart Your MacBook

Sometimes a simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches. Go to the Apple menu and select "Restart."

Reset the Touch Bar

Open the Terminal app and enter the following command to reset the Touch Bar :

sudo pkill TouchBarServer

After running the command, the Touch Bar should restart and back online.

Update macOS

Make sure your macOS is up-to-date. Go to "System Preferences" > "Software Update" and install any available updates.

Reset SMC (System Management Controller)

1. Shut down your MacBook.

2. Press and hold the Shift + Control + Option keys on the left side of the keyboard, then press and hold the power button.

3. Hold all four keys for 10 seconds, then release them and turn on your MacBook.

Reset NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory)

1. Shut down your MacBook.

2. Turn it on and immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R for about 20 seconds.

3. Release the keys and allow your MacBook to restart normally.

Check Application Compatibility

Some third-party applications might cause the Touch Bar to malfunction. Try closing all applications, especially those less frequently used third-party apps, and then check if the Touch Bar returns to normal.

To force quit certain applications, follow these steps:

1. Press Command + Option + Esc simultaneously to bring up the Force Quit Dialogue or right click the Apple menu to find it.

2. Select the application you want to close.

3. Click Force Quit.

Conclusion

If none of these solutions work, you may need to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further assistance. This comprehensive guide should help you troubleshoot your MacBook Touch Bar issues effectively. Follow these steps to find the best solution for your situation. Good luck!