Touch Bar workarounds?

jeremyfromnewhaven wrote:

The Touch Bar on my 2019 MacBook Pro doesn't work, and it's apparently a mechanical problem (I've done all the diagnostics).

Since I can't get my Mac repaired, I'm wondering if there are any workarounds? Can I set keyboard shortcuts to take over some of the basic functions--mainly just volume control, brightness control, skip to next song. Those are the only things I've found myself missing.

It's a hassle to have to go into system preferences every time I want to adjust the screen brightness.

You have all those option w/ out the touchbar see >System Preferences

Touchbar is not with out issue— if resetting the SMC https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295

does not bring it back to life, I would not hesitate to try resetting NVRAM/PRAM http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1379

as you last ditch attempt—

0therwise you have a hardware issue:

Mac notebook, contact us and we'll send you a box you can use to ship it to an Apple Repair Center. We'll return your repaired product to you as quickly as possible. Depending on where you get service, you might be able to check the status of your repair online. Start a service request https://support.apple.com/mac/repair/service

In or out of warranty you can get a free over the counter 'Apple Service Diagnostics' test /assessment

Make an appointment for a "hardware issue"—

https://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/

Outside the USA

https://locate.apple.com/country

From iOS device using the app to make a online Genius Bar appointment is easy:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/apple-support/id1130498044?mt=8

(note: due to the temporary closure of Apple Stores and the staggered reopening there may be some delays.

ref: https://www.apple.com/shop/browse/store/temporary_closures )

Call (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753)

or call AppleCare Support at 1-800-APLCARE.

jeremyfromnewhaven wrote:

yes, technical problem. I would get the laptop repaired but apple told me it would be 10-day turnaround, which I can't afford right now. Maybe during a break from work.

What is the big deal—

Buy a replacement you have14 days to return it for a full refund. Take advantage of that offer.

Stock items ship next day express in the USA. Set up your new Mac - Apple Support

Have Apple ship you a box as posted above, why beat yourself silly over a hardware issue.

Mac notebook, contact us and we'll send you a box you can use to ship it to an Apple Repair Center. We'll return your repaired product to you as quickly as possible. Depending on where you get service, you might be able to check the status of your repair online. Start a service request https://support.apple.com/mac/repair/service

You can make it all happen in one phone —call Call (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753) 

When you get your Mac back in 10 days— return the new one.

Or trade in the broken one, and keep the new one, Apple Trade In - Apple Let Apple deal with their own quality control issues.

You have tried reinstalling the OS? The Touch Bar is ran by software so it can't be a mechanical problem. If reinstalling the OS doesn't work then backup your important files and fully erase your drive, reformat and reinstall MacOS Catalina. It's probably a corrupt file installed causing issues with your Touch Bar.

"Hi, I've already done all the re-booting, re-installing, etc. with Apple technicians. They concluded that it IS a Mechanical Problem."

Well if that's the case then you should have it repaired. You should be still under warranty. The reason I question the word "mechanical" because the only thing mechanical in the MacBook Pro is the fan. Everything else is either software-related or technical, but not mechanical. But send it in for repair. Not sure why you're looking for workarounds if it's defective?

jeremyfromnewhaven wrote:

Great idea. I never thought of that. Thanks.

And what did you do over the last 4 days(?) Trade or buy new?