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Fixing a Non-Responsive Touch Bar on MacBook Pro

Issue Description 

The Touch Bar becomes unresponsive, freezes, or displays incorrect controls. 

Common Causes 

  • Touch Bar service crash 
  • App conflicts 
  • macOS glitches 

Step-by-Step Solution 

Step 1: Restart Touch Bar Services 

  • Open Terminal 

sudo pkill TouchBarServer 

sudo pkill ControlStrip 

  • Enter admin password 

 

Step 2: Restart Mac 

  • Test Touch Bar functionality 

 

Step 3: Update macOS 

  • System Settings → General → Software Update 
  • Install latest update 

 

Step 4: Reset NVRAM (Intel Macs) 

  • Shut down 
  • Hold Option + Command + P + R for 20 seconds 

Explore Further 

  • Test in Safe Mode 

Prevention & Best Practices 

Avoid unstable third-party Touch Bar utilities.