Touch Bar Display Only Shows One Half

A couple months ago my touch bar display stopped working, only showing on the left hand side. The buttons are all still functional as when i press my finger where the buttons should be things still happen i.e. sound up or down, brightness etc.


Please see attached screen shot.


I have tried all the simple fixes such as turning my laptop on and off.


My laptop is only 1 year old, operating system Mojave, version 10.14.6.


Any suggestions welcome.


Thanks

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Mar 23, 2021 5:34 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 13, 2021 5:13 AM

Thanks for trying those steps and getting back to us, JamesDykes. It's appreciated. We also apologize for the wait you've had. Since resetting those settings didn't help, we'd like for you to try safe mode.


How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support -- When you start you Mac in safe mode, it takes a bit of time. Based on whether or not the issue happens in safe mode, apply the additional steps below:


"If the issue continues in safe mode


If the issue continues while in safe mode, or your Mac restarts several times and then shuts down while starting up in safe mode, you should reinstall macOS and make sure that your Apple software and third-party apps are up to date.


If the issue doesn't continue in safe mode


If the issue doesn't continue while in safe mode, leave safe mode by restarting your Mac normally. Then test for the issue again. The issue might be resolved.


If the issue returns after leaving safe mode, startup items are probably at fault. Apps can install such items in numerous places, and they aren't always easy to find or recognize. For that reason, you should first make sure that you've installed any available updates for your Apple software and third-party apps.


If updating your software doesn't help, try any of these solutions:

  • Test your login items.
  • To learn whether software in your user account is causing the issue, set up a new user account, then log in to it and try to reproduce the issue in that account.
  • Unplug all accessories from your Mac, including printers, drives, USB hubs, and other nonessential devices. You could have an issue with one or more of those devices or their cables.
  • Reinstall macOS.


If you still need help, please contact Apple Support."


All the best.

Similar questions

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 13, 2021 5:13 AM in response to JamesDykes

Thanks for trying those steps and getting back to us, JamesDykes. It's appreciated. We also apologize for the wait you've had. Since resetting those settings didn't help, we'd like for you to try safe mode.


How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support -- When you start you Mac in safe mode, it takes a bit of time. Based on whether or not the issue happens in safe mode, apply the additional steps below:


"If the issue continues in safe mode


If the issue continues while in safe mode, or your Mac restarts several times and then shuts down while starting up in safe mode, you should reinstall macOS and make sure that your Apple software and third-party apps are up to date.


If the issue doesn't continue in safe mode


If the issue doesn't continue while in safe mode, leave safe mode by restarting your Mac normally. Then test for the issue again. The issue might be resolved.


If the issue returns after leaving safe mode, startup items are probably at fault. Apps can install such items in numerous places, and they aren't always easy to find or recognize. For that reason, you should first make sure that you've installed any available updates for your Apple software and third-party apps.


If updating your software doesn't help, try any of these solutions:

  • Test your login items.
  • To learn whether software in your user account is causing the issue, set up a new user account, then log in to it and try to reproduce the issue in that account.
  • Unplug all accessories from your Mac, including printers, drives, USB hubs, and other nonessential devices. You could have an issue with one or more of those devices or their cables.
  • Reinstall macOS.


If you still need help, please contact Apple Support."


All the best.

Mar 24, 2021 7:04 AM in response to JamesDykes

Hi there JamesDykes,


It appears that the backlight on the Touch Bar of your Mac isn't working, but the buttons themselves still function. We'd certainly like to know what we're tapping, and we're glad to provide assistance.


How to reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support -- First, try resetting the System Management Controller.


Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac – Apple Support -- If it's still not lighting up, reset the NVRAM.


Feel free to get back to us with any questions or problems you may have.


All the best.

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Touch Bar Display Only Shows One Half

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