{"id":195992,"date":"2022-06-30T13:49:55","date_gmt":"2022-06-30T11:49:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sftarticles.wpenginepowered.com\/en\/?p=195992"},"modified":"2025-07-01T20:36:29","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T03:36:29","slug":"restart-touch-bar-stops-working","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/restart-touch-bar-stops-working\/","title":{"rendered":"Fix and restart the Touch Bar when it stops working in 4 steps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While many users don\u2019t use the Touch Bar on their Mac daily, it is still a useful tool<\/strong> to have available\u2026when it works. The Touch Bar offers many useful shortcuts that make navigating your Mac much easier and more convenient. Certain apps, games, and documents benefit from the efficiency of this tool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it can sometimes give unexpected behaviors or stop working<\/strong> altogether. So, how can you get your Touch Bar to start working again? This article will look at how to fix and restart the Touch Bar<\/strong> when it stops working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is my Mac Touch Bar not working?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Issues like your Touch Bar not working<\/strong>, freezing, or not responding to your touch is not uncommon. There are a few different reasons why you may be experiencing these issues. The most common culprits<\/strong> causing problems with your Touch Bar include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  • Software bugs<\/li>
  • Malfunctioning apps<\/li>
  • Resource heavy apps<\/li>
  • Outdated MacOS<\/li>
  • Certain settings<\/li>
  • Hardware issues<\/li>
  • Working on Mac in high temperatures<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Fixing and restarting the Touch Bar in 4 steps<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Let\u2019s look at one of the easiest and most effective solutions<\/strong> to fix and restart your Touch Bar. This solution works on macOS Catalina and newer versions, including Big Sur and Monterey. If you have an older version, try some of the other solutions listed below.<\/p>\n\n\n

    1. Open the Terminal native app on your Macbook<\/h2>\"Fix

      The Terminal app is already pre-installed on Mac. You can search for it with Spotlight. Or navigate to \u2018Finder,\u2019 then click on \u2018Applications\u2019 and \u2018Utilities.\u2019 Here, you\u2019ll <\/span>find the Terminal<\/b> shortcut.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

    2. Type in the restart commands<\/h2>\"Fix

      The app will open in a new window. The Terminal app is a command-line system similar to Command Prompt in Windows. Type in the command \u2018<\/span>sudo pkill TouchBarServer<\/b>;\u2019 then press \u2018Enter\u2019 and in the new line type \u2018<\/span>sudo killall \u201cControlStrip\u201d;<\/b>.\u2019 Pree the \u2018Return\u2019 key to continue.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

    3. Type in your password<\/h2>\"Fix

      As a security measure, the Terminal app will <\/span>ask for your password<\/b> before restarting the Touch Bar. Type in your password. Please note that it won\u2019t appear on the screen while you type. This is another security measure. Once you\u2019ve typed in your password, press the \u2018Return\u2019 key to continue.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

    4. Restart the Touch Bar<\/h2>

      Once you\u2019ve pressed the return key on your keyboard, the system <\/span>will instantly restart<\/b> your Touch Bar. You should see the Touch Bar flicker on and off, and it should start working again.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ol><\/div>