How to Fix MacBook Touch Bar Issues: Complete Guide
Is your MacBook Pro Touch Bar frozen, unresponsive, or showing a blank screen? This guide covers every proven method to fix it, from quick Terminal commands to dedicated apps.
The Touch Bar on MacBook Pro models (2016-2021) can occasionally freeze or become unresponsive. The good news is that most Touch Bar problems are software-related and can be fixed in minutes without a trip to the Apple Store.
This guide will walk you through four different methods to fix your Touch Bar, starting with the quickest solutions. We'll also help you determine if your issue is software or hardware-related.
Before you start: Try restarting your Mac first. If your Touch Bar works normally after a restart but freezes again later, you have a software issue that this guide can help fix.
Method 1: Terminal Commands (Free, 30 Seconds)
The fastest way to fix a frozen Touch Bar is using Terminal commands. This method restarts the Touch Bar processes without requiring a full system restart.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Open Spotlight by pressing
Cmd + Space - Type Terminal and press Enter
- Copy and paste this command:
pkill "Touch Bar agent" && killall ControlStrip && killall TouchBarServer- Press Enter to run the command
- Wait 2-3 seconds — your Touch Bar will restart automatically
What this command does:
It safely terminates the three processes that control your Touch Bar: Touch Bar agent (manages app-specific content), ControlStrip (handles system controls), and TouchBarServer (the main display process). macOS automatically restarts these processes.
Best for: Users comfortable with Terminal who want the quickest free solution.
Method 2: TouchBarFix App (€2.99, One Click)
If you prefer a visual interface or don't want to type commands, TouchBarFix provides a one-click solution that does exactly what the Terminal commands do.
How to use TouchBarFix:
- Download TouchBarFix from Gumroad (€2.99)
- Open the downloaded app
- Click the "Fix Touch Bar" button
- Your Touch Bar restarts in about 30 seconds
Why use the app over Terminal?
- • No risk of typos in commands
- • Visual feedback showing progress
- • Convenient for repeated use
- • Works on macOS 13 (Ventura) and later
Note: A free open-source version is also available on GitHub for developers who want to review or modify the code.
Method 3: Activity Monitor (Free, 2 Minutes)
If you prefer a graphical interface but don't want to install anything, you can use macOS's built-in Activity Monitor to restart Touch Bar processes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Open Spotlight (Cmd + Space) and type Activity Monitor
- In the search box, type TouchBarServer
- Select the process and click the X button in the toolbar
- Click Force Quit
- Repeat for ControlStrip and Touch Bar agent
Best for: Users who want a visual method without installing software.
Method 4: SMC Reset (If Other Methods Fail)
If the above methods don't work, resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) can resolve deeper software issues affecting the Touch Bar.
Note: Try Methods 1-3 first. SMC reset is more involved and usually not necessary for Touch Bar issues.
For Intel MacBook Pro (2016-2020):
- Shut down your Mac completely
- Press and hold Shift + Control + Option + Power for 10 seconds
- Release all keys simultaneously
- Press the Power button to turn on your Mac
For Apple Silicon MacBook Pro (M1, 2020):
Apple Silicon Macs don't have a traditional SMC. Instead, simply shut down your Mac, wait 30 seconds, then restart. This accomplishes the same thing.
When Your Touch Bar Needs Professional Repair
The methods in this guide fix software-related issues. Contact Apple Support if:
- • Touch Bar stays frozen even after restarting your Mac
- • You see physical damage, cracks, or dead pixels on the Touch Bar
- • Your MacBook has water damage
- • The Touch Bar is completely black and won't light up at all
- • None of the methods in this guide work after multiple attempts
Quick Reference: Which Method to Choose
| Method | Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal Commands | 30 sec | Free | Technical users |
| TouchBarFix App | 30 sec | €2.99 | Non-technical users |
| Activity Monitor | 2 min | Free | GUI preference, no install |
| SMC Reset | 2 min | Free | Last resort |