2016 MacBook Pro Touch Bar is showing but unresponsive

My 2016 MacBook Pro Monterey Touch Bar is showing but it doesn’t respond when I want to use it it’s just there I’ve tried resetting the smc it didn’t work

Posted on Jan 12, 2026 3:36 PM

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Posted on Jan 12, 2026 4:57 PM


re: 2016— has a T1 Controller I would try both



resetting NVRAM/PRAM Reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support


resetting the System Management Controller Reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support


and compare your results


No resolve try a SafeBoot Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support this wll sort many anomalies

Login and test. Reboot as normal and test. Caches get rebuilt automatically.



5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 12, 2026 4:57 PM in response to Daniel_vibe


re: 2016— has a T1 Controller I would try both



resetting NVRAM/PRAM Reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support


resetting the System Management Controller Reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support


and compare your results


No resolve try a SafeBoot Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support this wll sort many anomalies

Login and test. Reboot as normal and test. Caches get rebuilt automatically.



Jan 14, 2026 5:40 PM in response to Daniel_vibe

Daniel_vibe wrote:

Just did that it’s still not responding


It would suggest you have a hardware failure.


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"

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple


Outside the USA

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support


see vintage and obsolete:

Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired warranty - Apple Support

Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired ...



Jan 14, 2026 6:53 PM in response to Daniel_vibe

I agree with @leroydouglas. At least with it being a hardware issue.


However, I don't recommend repairing any Intel Mac at this point for multiple reasons. The money spent on repairs is better put towards a new laptop. At this point if you need to use any of those Function keys or the ESC key, then use an external keyboard instead to continue using this laptop since at least the investment in the external keyboard can be used with other computers when you finally retire this laptop.


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2016 MacBook Pro Touch Bar is showing but unresponsive

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