The MacBook Touch Bar was Apple’s bold attempt to reinvent how we interact with laptops, a slim OLED strip sitting just above the keyboard, replacing the traditional function keys with a context-sensitive, touch-enabled display. For many Kiwi MacBook Pro users, it quickly became a daily tool: adjusting brightness, scrubbing through timelines, checking Siri suggestions, and adapting to whatever app was open.
So when it stops working, it is genuinely disruptive. You might see a completely black bar, a frozen display, unresponsive touch input, or a bar that flickers on and off. The good news? Many Touch Bar problems can be solved without an expensive repair, a nd for those that can’t, 73Inc in Auckland is here to help.
This guide walks you through every cause and fix, step by step.
1. What Is the MacBook Touch Bar, and Which Models Have It?
Before diving into fixes, it helps to know what you are dealing with. The Touch Bar is a narrow, 2170 × 60 pixel OLED touchscreen that replaces the top row of physical keys on certain MacBook Pro models. It runs a separate processor, the Apple T1 or T2 chip, independently of the main macOS environment.
MacBook Pro models with a Touch Bar include:
• MacBook Pro 13-inch (2016–2022, specific configurations)
• MacBook Pro 15-inch (2016–2019)
• MacBook Pro 16-inch (2019)
Apple removed the Touch Bar from the MacBook Pro lineup in 2021 when it introduced the redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch models with the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, reverting to physical function keys. If your MacBook is a 2021 model or later (14″ or 16″), it does not have a Touch Bar.
2. Common Touch Bar Problems: What Are You Seeing?
Touch Bar issues come in different forms. Identifying which symptom you have will help narrow down the cause:
Touch Bar is completely black / not displaying anything
The bar appears powered off or entirely dark. This can be a software crash, a T1/T2 chip issue, or a hardware failure.
Touch Bar is frozen or stuck on one display.
The bar is lit up but not updating to reflect which app you are using, or it is stuck showing one set of controls.
Touch Bar is unresponsive to touch.
The bar displays content but doesn’t respond to taps or swipes. This may be a touch sensor issue or a software glitch.
Touch Bar flickering or flashing.
The bar flickers repeatedly, turns off and on, or shows visual artefacts. Often a sign of a loose cable connection or hardware deterioration.
Touch Bar works intermittently.y
It works sometimes and not other times. This can be heat-related, software-related, or point to a failing connection inside the device.
3. Start Here: Quick Fixes to Try First
Before assuming the worst, try these steps in order. They fix the majority of Touch Bar issues and take only a few minutes.
Step 1: Restart the Touch Bar Software Process
The Touch Bar runs a background macOS process called ControlStrip. If it has crashed, restarting it may fix the problem immediately.
1. Open Terminal (you can find it in Applications > Utilities, or use Spotlight with Command + Space and type “Terminal”)
2. Type the following command and press Return:
pkill “Touch Bar agent”; pkill “ControlStrip”
3. The Touch Bar should briefly go dark and then restart. Test it again.
Step 2: Restart Your MacBook
A full system restart clears temporary software faults, resets the T1/T2 chip communication, and refreshes all running processes. Go to Apple menu > Restart, and wait for the machine to fully boot before testing the Touch Bar.
Step 3: Reset the SMC (System Management Controller)
The SMC controls low-level hardware functions, including the T1/T2 chip that powers the Touch Bar. Resetting it can resolve many unexplained hardware-level issues.
For MacBooks with a T2 chip (most Touch Bar models from 2018 onwards):
4. Shut down your MacBook completely
5. Hold Control + Option + Shift (right side) for 7 seconds
6. While still holding those keys, also press and hold the Power button for another 7 seconds
7. Release all keys, wait a few seconds, then turn your MacBook on normally
For MacBooks with a T1 chip (Touch Bar models from 2016–2017):
8. Shut down your MacBook
9. Hold Shift + Control + Option (left side) and the Power button for 10 seconds
10. Release all keys and power on
Step 4: Reset NVRAM/PRAM
NVRAM stores settings related to system hardware. A corrupted NVRAM can cause erratic behaviour,r including Touch Bar issues.
11. Shut down your MacBook
12. Turn it on and immediately hold Command + Option + P + R
13. Keep holding until you hear the startup sound twice (or until the Apple logo appears and disappears twice on newer models)
14. Release the keys and let the Mac start normally
Step 5: Update macOS
Apple regularly releases bug fixes and firmware updates that address Touch Bar behaviour. Go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions) > Software Update and install any available updates. After updating, restart and test.
Step 6: Test in Safe Mode
Safe Mode starts macOS with only essential software running. If the Touch Bar works in Safe Mode, a third-party app or extension may be causing the conflict.
15. Shut down your Mac
16. For Intel Macs: hold Shift while pressing the power button, release when you see the login window
17. For Apple Silicon Macs: hold the power button until you see startup options, select your drive and hold Shift before clicking Continue in Safe Mode
18. Test the Touch Bar
19. Restart normally and re-test. If it works normally after leaving Safe Mode, try disabling your login items one by one to find the culprit
Helpful Tip for NZ MacBook Users
If you are running an older version of macOS (e.g., Mojave or Catalina), upgrading to a more recent version like Ventura or Sonoma can resolve Touch Bar bugs that Apple has long since patched. Just make sure your MacBook model supports the upgrade first.
Related Read: MacBook Pro Touch Bar not lighting up
4. Software-Specific Fixes
Check Touch Bar Settings in System Settings
Sometimes the Touch Bar is working fine, but it has been configured in a way that doesn’t display what you expect.
20. Go to System Settings > Keyboard
21. Look for “Touch Bar shows” and check what option is selected
22. Options include App Controls, Expanded Control Strip, F1, F2, etc. Key and Quick Actions
23. Try switching between options to confirm the bar is actually displaying correctly for its current setting
Check App-Specific Touch Bar Customisation
Many apps allow you to customise the Touch Bar layout within that specific app. If the Touch Bar looks wrong only in one application (e.g., Final Cut Pro, Safari, or Word), the issue may be app-specific.
In most apps, you can go to View > Customise Touch Bar to reset it. Alternatively, try quitting and relaunching the app.
Create a New User Account
If the Touch Bar works for a new macOS user account but not your main account, the problem is specific to your user profile. This points to a corrupt preference file or conflicting settings.
To test: Go to System Settings > Users & Groups > Add Account, create a temporary user, log in, and test the Touch Bar. If it works there, the issue is isolated to your main account’s settings.
5. Liquid Damage and the Touch Bar: A Common NZ Problem
New Zealand’s climate, combined with Kiwi habits like working with a coffee or flat white nearby, means liquid spills on MacBooks are one of the most common issues 73Inc sees. The Touch Bar is particularly vulnerable because liquid can seep through the hinge area and affect the flex cable connecting the bar to the logic board.
If You’ve Had a Liquid Spill
Do not try to use the MacBook. Turn it off immediately, flip it upside down on a clean towel, and bring it to 73Inc as soon as possible. Liquid damage worsens significantly over time as it corrodes internal components. The sooner a technician inspects it, the better the chances of saving the Touch Bar and the rest of the machine.
Common signs that liquid damage has affected your Touch Bar:
• Touch Bar stopped working shortly after a spill , even if you think only a small amount of liquid got in
• The bar flickers or shows discolouration
• The keyboard or trackpad is also behaving oddly alongside the Touch Bar
• You notice a faint smell of something burning or can see corrosion near the keyboard hinge
6. Physical Damage and Hardware Failures
The Touch Bar is a delicate OLED strip connected to the logic board via a thin flex cable. Physical stress, such as dropping the MacBook, opening/closing the lid too forcefully, or placing heavy objects on the machine, can damage this cable or the bar itself.
Signs that point to physical or hardware failure:
• The bar worked perfectly until a physical impact, drop, or knock
• The bar displays correctly, but one section doesn’t respond to touch
• Part of the bar is lit, and part is dark , suggesting a partial cable failure
• The bar works only when the MacBook is in certain positions (often indicating a loose cable that connects when pressure changes)
These issues require professional repair. A technician needs to open the MacBook, inspect the flex cable, and either reseat it (if loose) or replace the Touch Bar assembly (if damaged).
7. Is It Worth Repairing? Honest Advice for Kiwis
This is the question most MacBook owners eventually ask. Here is a practical breakdown to help you decide:
When Repair Makes Sense
• Your MacBook is in otherwise excellent condition with a good battery, a clean screen, and fast performance
• The repair cost is significantly less than the price of a replacement MacBook
• You rely on the Touch Bar for your work (design, music production, video editing)
• Your model is still capable of running the latest macOS versions
When Replacement Might Be Worth Considering
• Your MacBook is an older Intel model that is approaching end-of-life for software support
• Multiple components are failing , not just the Touch Bar
• The repair cost approaches or exceeds 50–60% of the device’s current market value
• You’ve been considering upgrading to an Apple Silicon model anyway
The NZ Consumer Guarantees Act, Know Your Rights
If your MacBook Touch Bar failed within a reasonable time and you believe it is a manufacturing defect, you may have rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA). Unlike a standard warranty, the CGA applies regardless of what Apple’s own warranty says, and “reasonable” durability depends on the product’s purpose and price.
If Apple or an authorised repairer refuses to help under warranty and you believe the fault is a manufacturing defect, the CGA may provide a pathway to a remedy. Contact Consumer Protection NZ or Citizens Advice Bureau if you need guidance on this.
73Inc’s Best Price Guarantee
73Inc offers a best-price guarantee on all repair, meaning their prices are competitive with (and often significantly lower than) what other Auckland repairers or Apple’s own service charge. For example, one customer saved over $500 on a MacBook Pro battery replacement alone.
8. When to See a Professional: Don’t Wait Too Long
If you have tried all the software fixes above and the Touch Bar is still not working, it is time to see a professional technician. Continuing to use the MacBook or attempting DIY repairs risks:
• Causing further damage to the flex cable or logic board
• Voiding any remaining warranty or consumer rights claims
• Missing liquid damage that is quietly corroding other components
The sooner you bring the device in, the more likely it is that a straightforward repair (like reseating a cable) will fix the problem, rather than a more costly component replacement.
9. How 73Inc Can Fix Your MacBook Touch Bar in Auckland
73Inc is one of Auckland’s most experienced and trusted Apple repair centres, with over 8 years of hands-on expertise working with MacBook hhardware including Touch Bar models. Located in Grey Lynn, Auckland, their team of skilled technicians handles everything from quick software diagnostics to complex logic board repairs.
Here is what you can expect when you bring your MacBook to 73Inc:
Thorough Diagnostic Assessment
73Inc’s technicians don’t just guess; they carry out a proper diagnosis to identify the root cause of the Touch Bar issue, whether it is a software crash, a loose flex cable, liquid damage, or a failed component. You receive clear information about what is wrong and what the repair involves before any work begins.
Same-Day Repairs Where Possible
73Inc focuses on fast turnaround times without compromising quality. Many repairs, including Touch Bar fixes, can be completed the same day. You can wait at the store or pop out for a coffee on Ponsonby Road and come back to a fixed MacBook.
Quality Parts and a 90-Day Warranty
All repairs at 73Inc use high-quality replacement parts, and every service is backed by a 90-day warranty. If anything goes wrong within that period, you bring it back, and they sort it, no questions asked.
Honest Pricing, No Surprises
73Inc provides clear, upfront pricing before any repair begins. Their best-price guarantee means you can trust that you are getting a fair deal. There is no pressure to proceed; if the repair doesn’t make financial sense for your situation, they will tell you honestly.
Afterpay Available
73Inc offers Afterpay, so you can fix your MacBook now and pay it off over time, useful when an unexpected repair bill arrives at the wrong moment.
Walk-In or Mail-In Service
Based in Auckland but not in the city? 73Inc also offers an in-mail service; send your MacBook in, they repair it, and send it back. This makes professional repair accessible to MacBook owners across New Zealand, not just Aucklanders.
📍 Find 73Inc
55b Pollen Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021 Phone: 0800 726 622 Email: info@73inc.nz Open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Walk-ins welcome, no appointment needed. Website: 73inc.nz
10. Frequently Asked Questions
My Touch Bar worked fine this morning and stopped this afternoon. What happened?
Sudden failures like this are often software-related, a macOS process has crashed,d or a recent update has caused a conflict. Try the Terminal fix (pkill command) and an SMC reset first. If those don’t resolve it, it may be worth having a technician check for a developing hardware issue.
Can I use my MacBook without the Touch Bar?
Yes. If your Touch Bar stops working, the physical keys (Escape, volume, brightness, etc.) still function normally on most models. The Touch Bar is a secondary input method; the laptop remains fully usable without it.
How much does a Touch Bar repair cost in New Zealand?
Repair costs vary depending on the MacBook model and the nature of the fault. A software fix may be very low cost; a Touch Bar assembly replacement is more significant. Contact 73Inc at info@73inc.nz or 0800 726 622 for a quote specific to your device and issue.
Does Apple cover Touch Bar repairs under AppleCare?
If you have an active AppleCare+ plan and the Touch Bar failed due to a manufacturing defect (not accidental damage), it is typically covered. Accidental damage claims have an excess fee. If you are out of warranty, an independent specialist like 73Inc is usually significantly cheaper than Apple’s own repair service.
Will resetting my Mac wipe my data?
The SMC reset, NVRAM reset, and Safe Mode steps described in this guide do not erase your data. A full macOS reinstall could potentially affect data, so always back up to Time Machine or an external drive before attempting any more involved steps.
Is the Touch Bar coming back in future MacBook models?
As of the time of writing, Apple has not indicated plans to reintroduce the Touch Bar. The 2021 and later MacBook Pro models returned to physical function keys, and Apple Silicon MacBooks do not feature the Touch Bar. If you love the Touch Bar, maintaining your current model in good condition is the best option right now.
Final Thoughts
A malfunctioning Touch Bar is frustrating, but it is rarely the end of your MacBook’s life. Start with the software fixes, restarting the Touch Bar process, SMC reset, and NVRAM reset, which fix many cases without spending a dollar. If those steps don’t help, the issue is most likely hardware-related, and that is where professional help makes the difference.
73Inc has been Auckland’s trusted Apple repair specialist since 2016, with over 460 five-star Google reviews from Kiwi customers who needed exactly the kind of honest, fast, quality repair that a broken Touch Bar demands. Whether you walk in or mail your MacBook in from elsewhere in New Zealand, you are in expert hands.
Don’t let a broken Touch Bar slow you down. Call 73Inc today on 0800 726 622 or visit 73inc.nz to get your MacBook sorted.