Why Can't I Move the Dock for Another Screen after Updating to macOS Sequoia?

macos tips
1

Hello,

I updated my MacBook Pro to macOS Sequoia today, and now the Dock no longer moves between screens as it used to.

I have three-screen setup, including my MacBook, and the issue with the Dock has become a problem.

Additionally, I’d love to know if there is a way to display the Dock on all monitors simultaneously, if possible.

2

I have seen many Mac users have the same issue on many forums and there listed the main reasons why you can’t move the Dock between screens after updating to macOS Sequoia:

  1. Display arrangement changed: The display alignment may have been reset during the update.
  2. Primary display not set: The dock may only appear on the primary display, which could have been altered.
  3. Dock movement disabled: The dock might not be set to automatically hide and appear when hovering on other screens.
  4. Separate spaces enabled: macOS may treat each display as a separate space, preventing the dock from moving between screens.
  5. Restart required: The system may need a restart for settings to take effect after the update.
  6. Outdated NVRAM/PRAM Settings**: Old settings in NVRAM/PRAM could be causing display issues.
  7. Software bugs: The initial macOS Sequoia version may have bugs that interfere with the dock’s movement.
3

Before updating to macOS Sequoia, in Sonoma or whatever the previous macOS version was, we had our secondary and third monitors arranged above the MacBook in the Arrange Display section of display settings.

However, after the Sequoia update, the Dock no longer moves between screens when the monitors are arranged above the MacBook in Arrange Display.(If there is nothing wrong with your MacBook.)

Maybe you can:

(1)Click Apple menu > System Settings > Desktop & Dock, scroll down to find Mission Control, turn on Displays have separated Spaces.

(2) I found someone just adjusts the Dock position: Click Apple menu > System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Position on screen > Right/Left.

(3) Position the monitors side by side, which allows the dock to move between them.

(4) Adjust the Size and Magnification under Dock of Desktop & Dock.

4

How about trying these fixes one by one? Sometimes, these simple ways can work out.

  1. Restart your Mac.
  2. Check the macOS update. Maybe the versions after the macOS Sequoia 15.0.0 can fix some bugs. Or you can wait for the nexxt update.
  3. Turn off and turn on Separate Spaces.
  4. Go to Apple menu > System Settings > Desktop & Dock and ensure that Automatically hide and show the Dock is enabled.
  5. In System Settings > Displays, make sure the display where you want the dock to appear is set as the primary display.
  6. Reset the NVRAM/PRAM by shutting down your Mac and then holding Option + Command + P + R immediately after turning it on. Release the keys after about 20 seconds.

Hope they can help you.

5

The Dock is more of a tool to make Windows users feel at home, similar to how Launchpad is for iOS users. Both are essentially unnecessary and take up valuable screen space.

While the Dock has some useful functions, like dragging a file to Mail to create an attachment or opening files with a non-default app, these features don’t justify the effort.

If you just wanna open the app on another screen: Just press Command + Space, type a few letters, and hit return. Drag it to a certain screen. Convenient, right?