A practical guide to fixing MacBook Pro Touch Bar flickering issues

Have you been experiencing the dreaded Touch Bar flicker on your MacBook Pro? This is a known and often debated issue with many MacBook Pros, but specifically the MacBook Pro 13 that was released between 2018 and 2019. 

The problem usually occurs after waking your computer up from sleep mode, and it gradually gets worse until you are forced to contact Apple Support for a costly repair. Is there hope for fixing your MacBook Pro Touch Bar when it’s flickering? Maybe.

While there isn’t a tried and true solution to fix your MacBook’s flickering Touch Bar, there are a few things you can try that have been known to work. Let’s take a look at your options for troubleshooting a flickering Touch Bar on MacBook Pro.

What to do when your MacBook Pro Touch Bar is flickering

MacBook Pro Touch Bar has been a controversial addition since it first came out. Many users report that the Touch Bar is an added distraction that decreases productivity. Throw in the possibility that your Touch Bar will start flickering with a mind of its own, and you’ll find that the Touch Bar is more of a liability than an asset. It’s no wonder that Apple’s most recent computers have done away with the Touch Bar entirely. 

Before you toss your MacBook out the window in frustration, let’s take a look at some of the solutions that have worked for others. Give them a try before taking drastic measures.

1. Restart your Mac

The very first thing you should do when you face any issues with your Mac is restart it. It gives your computer a fresh start and usually fixes a lot of glitches. So, head over to the main Apple menu and click Restart. 

2. Turn off your TouchBar Server

If you’re at your wits end with your Touch Bar flicker, here’s a temporary solution that will turn off the flickering so you can get back to work. 

Follow these instructions to stop your MacBook Pro’s Touch Bar from flickering:

1. Open the Finder on your MacBook and click ‘Applications’ from the sidebar.

2. Type ‘Activity Monitor’ in the search bar and click on the app when it comes up.

3. You will see a list of processes that are currently in use on your Mac. Search for ‘TouchBar Server’ in the search bar. 

4. Select ‘TouchBar Server’ on your screen.

5. Click the stop button (an x icon at the top of your screen).

6. Now, search for ‘Control Strip’ in the search bar. 

7. Select ‘Control Strip’ and click the stop button at the top of the screen. 

You can use these steps to temporarily disable your Mac’s Touch Bar and keep it from flickering. 

3. Scan your MacBook for malware

There has been some discussion about whether malware can cause hardware malfunctions like a flickering Touch Bar, and while the verdict is still out, it’s still important to run periodic malware scans to keep your system safe. Get your free CleanMyMac trial and follow these steps to scan for malware:

1. Open CleanMyMac on your MacBook Pro.

2. On the left sidebar, choose Protection.

3. Click ‘Scan.’

4. Follow the onscreen instructions to remove any malware.

Tip: Touch Bar flickering is just one Mac issue you can experience. Another nasty glitch is trackpad not working. To learn how to fix it, check out this step-by-step guide.

4. Reset the SMC and NVRAM/PRAM on your MacBook Pro (Intel-based computers)

This next suggestion has not been confirmed as a permanent fix for MacBooks with a flickering Touch Bar, but it has definitely helped some users, and it doesn’t hurt to give it a try. 

First, you must reset the SMC, or System Management Controller. This is a chip on intel-based Macs that controls some of the hardware components like cooling fans, the Touch Bar, and the power supply.

Follow these instructions to reset your MacBook Pro’s SMC:

1. Simultaneously press and hold the Control + left Option + Shift keys on your keyboard.

2. Continue to hold the keys down and wait 10 seconds. Now, press and hold the Power button. You should be holding all four keys down at the same time. 

3. Hold for another 10 seconds.

4. Release all the keys.

5. Now, press the Power button to turn on your MacBook.

Next, follow these instructions to reset NVRAM/PRAM, which is short for Non-Volatile RAM:

1. Turn off your MacBook Pro.

2. Press the power button, and immediately press and hold the Option + Command + P + R keys.

3. Wait 20 seconds. 

If resetting the SMC and NVRAM/PRAM doesn’t fix your MacBook Touch Bar flickering, you can try other fixes listed in this article on what to do if Touch Bar is not showing Control Strip.

If none of those help, the problem is likely due to faulty hardware, and you will need to contact Apple Support to schedule a repair. 

Best Mac utility for performance optimization

Keeping your Mac clean and optimized can help prevent system glitches and unexpected issues. Regular maintenance ensures your device runs smoothly and efficiently.

CleanMyMac: All-in-one maintenance and cleanup tool

CleanMyMac is designed to keep your Mac fast, stable, and free of unnecessary clutter.

It helps you:

• Remove junk files and system clutter
• Scan for malware threats
• Free up RAM 
• Manage background processes
• Monitor your Mac’s health in real time

You can try it free for 7 days to see how it can help you reduce system strain and improve your Mac’s performance. 

Not every Apple update is a success story. Unfortunately, the MacBook Pro Touch Bar has never had a great reputation, and in 2021, Apple removed the Touch Bar from high-end MacBook Pro models and opted to include full-size function keys.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my MacBook Pro Touch Bar flickering?

Touch Bar flickering is most common on the MacBook Pro 13-inch (2018–2019, Intel-based models). In many cases, the issue appears after waking the Mac from sleep. It can be caused by:

• Software glitches
• A failing Touch Bar display component
• Problems with the Touch Bar Server process

Can malware cause the Touch Bar to flicker?

There’s no clear proof that malware directly causes the Touch Bar to flicker. But harmful software can affect how your Mac runs and interfere with system processes. That’s why running a malware scan is a smart step to make sure your Mac is working properly and nothing unusual is causing problems.

Is it safe to keep using my MacBook Pro if the Touch Bar is flickering?

Yes, in most cases it’s safe to keep using your MacBook. If everything else works normally, your Mac isn’t getting unusually hot, and the battery isn’t swollen, you can continue using it. 

However, if the flickering gets worse over time, it could mean there’s a hardware problem. It’s better to check it before any bigger issues arise.