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Yvonne FengSummary: The Touch Bar missing after updating to Sequoia is detailed in this post, which tells you why your Touch Bar is missing after updating to macOS Sequoia and how to fix it. - From iBoysoft
How do I make my Touch Bar reappear? You are not the only one to propose this question, many people have the same problem after they update to macOS Sequoia, just as the following.
I updated my MacOS Sequoia for my Mac Pro 2020; my Touch Bar is gone! It's black! It's not even showing up under the keyboard. It's nowhere to be found. Can someone please help me with this? - From Apple community
So I went to update my 2020 Macbook Pro today with the Sequoia 15.0 beta and for some reason, it's completely removed my Touch Bar capabilities. Does anyone know if there are any fixes for this? - From Reddit
If you are bothered by this problem, don't worry, this article will guide you to a solution. You can keep reading to find the answer!
Why is my Touch Bar missing after updating to Sequoia?
The Touch Bar missing after updating to Sequoia can be caused by various factors, such as resetting system preferences during the update process or software glitches introduced by the new version. Additionally, some third-party applications or outdated drivers may conflict with the functionality of the Touch Bar.
Another potential cause is the corruption of user profiles or system files. Errors during the update process can sometimes damage these files, disrupting the normal operation of the Touch Bar. It is also possible that the Touch Bar was accidentally disabled in the "Keyboard" section of System Preferences.
Finally, hardware-related issues could be a factor. Although it is rare, the update process might expose pre-existing problems with the Touch Bar module.
Share this article if you know the reason why Touch Bar is missing after updating to Sequoia!
How do I get my Touch Bar back?
You do not need to worry about the Touch Bar missing after updating to Sequoia. We will provide several proven solutions to help you fix it.
- Restart your Mac
- Reset the Touch Bar and Control Strip
- Check System Preferences
- Boot into Safe Mode
- Reset NVRAM/PRAM
- Reinstall macOS Sequoia
Restart your Mac
Restarting your Mac refreshes the operating system, clears temporary cache files, and resolves minor glitches that might have caused the Touch Bar to disappear. Many issues after updates can be fixed with a simple restart because the system reloads all the processes and drivers, including those for the Touch Bar.
You can do this by clicking the Apple menu > Restart, and waiting for the Mac to reboot.
Reset the Touch Bar and Control Strip
If the Touch Bar becomes unresponsive or disappears due to temporary software issues, resetting the Touch Bar can resolve the problem without restarting the entire system. Here is how to do it:
- Open Terminal.
- Type the following commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each:sudo pkill TouchBarServersudo killall ControlStripYou may be asked to enter your administrator password after typing the first command. Type the password and press Enter (Note: The password will not be visible while typing).
- Wait for the Touch Bar to Reset.
- Check if the Touch Bar is now visible and functioning properly.
These commands restart the processes responsible for the Touch Bar and Control Strip. If these processes are stuck or malfunctioning, resetting them can restore functionality. This method is quick and specifically targets the Touch Bar's software components.
Check System Preferences
After an update, system preferences might reset to default or incompatible settings. Checking and reconfiguring the Touch Bar preferences ensures it is enabled and set to display properly. This step is essential to rule out accidental changes or defaults.
How to do it:
- Go to System Preferences > Keyboard.
- Under the “Touch Bar shows” dropdown menu, ensure it is set to either “App Controls” or “Expanded Control Strip.”
Boot into Safe Mode
Safe Mode disables unnecessary processes and third-party extensions that might conflict with the Touch Bar. If it works in Safe Mode, this suggests an issue with a third-party app or process, allowing you to identify and resolve conflicts.
Here is how to do it:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Turn it on while holding the Shift key until you see the Apple logo.
- Once in Safe Mode, check if the Touch Bar appears. Then restart normally.
Reset NVRAM/PRAM
NVRAM/PRAM stores settings like display resolution, time zone, and Touch Bar configurations. Resetting it can fix issues caused by corrupted settings, restoring the Touch Bar's functionality.
- Shut down your Mac.
- Turn it on and immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R for about 20 seconds until the system restarts.
Reinstall macOS Sequoia
If the Touch Bar is missing due to a corrupted update, reinstalling macOS can replace damaged system files and resolve the issue. This method is a last resort if all other fixes fail.
You can do it by restarting your Mac and holding Command + R during boot to enter macOS Recovery. Select "Reinstall macOS" and follow the on-screen instructions.
The above six methods can help you solve the problem of the Touch Bar missing after updating to Sequoia. If you find this helpful, share it with your friends!