The Touch Bar on your MacBook Pro is more than just a strip of OLED display nestled above the keyboard—it’s a powerful interface that enhances productivity, streamlines workflows, and adapts to the applications you’re using. However, over time, its settings can become customized, cluttered, or misconfigured. Whether you want to start fresh, resolve functionality issues, or simply return to Apple’s original configuration, knowing how to reset your Touch Bar to its default settings is essential.
This guide walks you through multiple methods to reset the Touch Bar, whether you’re using the System Settings, Terminal, or troubleshooting mode, and explains everything you need to know before proceeding.
Understanding the Touch Bar: A Quick Recap
Before jumping into the steps to reset your Touch Bar, it’s important to understand what the Touch Bar is and why customizing or resetting it might be necessary. The Touch Bar replaces the traditional row of function keys (F1-F12) on compatible MacBook Pro models from 2016 onwards. Depending on the app you’re using, it displays context-sensitive controls, such as playback options for music apps, emoji suggestions in Messages, or sliders in Final Cut Pro. There’s also a Touch ID sensor built into the right end, making it integral for login and system security.
Customizations, while useful, can sometimes cause performance issues, display errors, or unresponsive elements. A Touch Bar reset is often the ideal solution when troubleshooting or simplifying your device.
Why Reset Your Touch Bar to Default?
Here are some common reasons why users may choose to reset the Touch Bar to its factory settings:
Troubleshooting Malfunctions
If the Touch Bar becomes unresponsive or displays incorrect options, resetting it may resolve glitches or freezes.
Removing Unwanted Customizations
You may have customized the Touch Bar using third-party tools or system settings in the past, and now find the buttons or controls overly cluttered or inefficient.
Preparing Your Mac for Sale or Transfer
If you’re giving away or selling your MacBook, resetting the Touch Bar is a small but meaningful step in restoring the device to original settings for better user experience.
Optimizing Performance on Older MacBooks
Some users report improved responsiveness after resetting system components. While not guaranteed, resetting to factory defaults can serve as a system optimization technique, especially if performance has degraded.
Methods to Reset the Touch Bar to Default
There are a few effective ways to restore the Touch Bar to its original settings. The preferred method will depend on your comfort level with macOS tools and your specific use case.
Method 1: Reset via System Settings
The System Settings app offers a straightforward way to reset the Touch Bar without needing Terminal or restart scripts. This method is ideal for users who prefer a GUI-based solution.
- Navigate to the Apple menu (top-left) and click System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
- In the left sidebar, click on the Keyboard section.
- Look for the Touch Bar section nearby. There, you’ll see an option labeled Customize Control Strip or something similar.
- Click on the Customize Control Strip button. A new window will appear, listing available Touch Bar items.
- To reset, drag the existing items off the layout and replace them with the default ones (such as Escape, Media controls, Siri, etc.).
- Once completed, click Done to save your changes.
This method doesn’t require admin privileges or terminal commands, and changes take effect immediately.
Method 2: Using Terminal Commands
If you’re tech-savvy or have tried the System Settings method without success, using Terminal provides deeper control. Terminal has commands to reset not just the Touch Bar, but also associated preference files that might be conflicting with the interface.
Step 1: Open Terminal
You can do this by:
- Opening Spotlight with Command + Space, typing “Terminal,” and hitting Enter.
- Navigating through the Applications folder to Utilities > Terminal.
Step 2: Enter Reset Commands
Below are the Terminal commands to reset the Touch Bar effectively:
bash
defaults delete com.apple.touchbar simulator defaults
defaults write com.apple.touchbar
defaults write com.apple.controlstrip
defaults write com.apple.systemkeycodes
This line removes all customizations by deleting previously set defaults.
To ensure the Touch Bar is fully reset, restart the System UI server using the following command:
bash
killall SystemUIServer
Step 3: Restart and Check
Once the Terminal commands execute successfully, exit Terminal and restart your Mac to fully restore default settings. After logging back in, the Touch Bar should appear as new.
Note: Terminal operations are powerful and irreversible. Please ensure you understand the commands before executing them.
Method 3: Reset via Recovery Mode (Advanced)
This method is rarely needed but recommended in cases where Touch Bar issues persist after trying other methods. Recovery Mode allows a deeper system-level reset, affecting system caches and launch agents.
Step 1: Restart in Recovery Mode
- Restart your Mac.
- Immediately press and hold Command + R until the Apple logo appears.
Step 2: Access Terminal in Recovery
- Once in Recovery Mode, click on the Utilities menu in the top menu bar.
- Select Terminal.
Step 3: Clear System Extensions and Caches
Enter the following commands:
bash
cd /System/Library/Extensions && rm -rf AppleUSBMergeNub.kext AppleUSBTopCase.kext
touch /System/Library/Extensions
chmod -R 755 /System/Library/Extensions
chown -R root:wheel /System/Library/Extensions
Caution: These commands remove specific kernel extensions used by the Touch Bar. Use only if you’re advanced enough to troubleshoot hardware behavior post-execution, or when normal reset methods fail.
Step 4: Reboot System
Type the following command to restart:
bash
reboot
This will reload the system extensions and may recalibrate the Touch Bar interface at a deeper level.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting the Touch Bar
Even with a factory reset, some users may encounter recurring issues. Here’s how to identify and fix common problems related to the Touch Bar.
Touch Bar Not Responding After Reset
If after resetting your Touch Bar is unresponsive, this could be due to software conflicts or cached preferences not being completely cleared.
Force Restart the Touch Bar Server
By forcing the System UI Server to restart via Terminal using the command:
bash
killall SystemUIServer
You can often clear out residual glitches.
Check for macOS Updates
Outdated software can lead to incompatibility. Navigate to:
- System Settings ➔ Software Update
Install all available updates.
Touch ID Stopped Working After Reset
If your Touch ID (integrated with the Touch Bar) stops working after a factory reset or aggressive Terminal operation, it may require re-enrollment.
Steps to Re-enable Touch ID:
- From the Apple menu, click System Settings.
- Go to Touch ID & Password.
- Enter your password.
- Click Add a Fingerprint and follow on-screen instructions to re-enroll a finger.
If the Touch ID fails repeatedly, you may need to bring the device to Apple Support for sensor hardware diagnostics.
Touch Bar Not Showing Escape Key or App Controls
Sometimes even after resetting, the Touch Bar does not display the expected Escape key or app-specific functions.
Solution: Review Control Strip Settings
Navigate to:
- System Settings ➔ Keyboard ➔ Customize Control Strip
Ensure that the following standard items are included:
- Escape (Esc)
- Brightness controls
- Siri
- Lock Screen Shortcut
- Media controls
If missing, drag them back to the Touch Bar panel. These are usually restored automatically after a full reset, but double-checking this can resolve minor inconsistencies.
Precautions Before Resetting Your Touch Bar Manually
Before applying any of the methods mentioned above, it’s wise to take precautions to ensure you don’t lose key preferences or cause system conflicts.
Create a System Backup
Use Time Machine to back up your MacBook before starting. If something goes wrong with the reset, you can restore to a previous state quickly.
Know Your macOS Version
Touch Bar functionality slightly differs across macOS versions, particularly between Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, and Sonoma. Knowing your macOS version ensures you’re following the correct path for your system.
Verify System Integrity Protection
If you frequently use Terminal, especially as an admin, ensure System Integrity Protection (SIP) is active. This can be checked using recovery tools or by running:
bash
csrutil status
Disabling SIP can make your system vulnerable, even when used for troubleshooting. Re-enable it after all operations.
Use Authenticated Sources for Terminal Commands
Only follow Terminal instructions from trusted or Apple-verified sources. Malicious code or outdated scripts can harm your system.
How Often Should You Reset the Touch Bar?
Although resetting the Touch Bar is safe, doing it frequently is unnecessary unless you are actively troubleshooting. If used for occasional customization fixes or before selling a device, a reset once every 12–24 months is typical.
Recommended Reset Triggers
Here’s a brief table summarizing when resetting the Touch Bar is advisable:
| Trigger Situation | Should You Reset? |
|---|---|
| New Mac purchase or OS reinstall | Yes – clean slate for optimal setup |
| Touch Bar controls not functioning | Yes – if standard troubleshooting fails |
| Distracted by cluttered Touch Bar after heavy customization | Optional – if default offers better focus |
| Daily usage and frequent app switching | No – only if issues occur |
Alternative Tools to Customize the Touch Bar
If you enjoy customizing your Touch Bar but want to return to default settings without uninstalling third-party tools, there are several apps you can try alongside the native Mac reset.
- Flux – Adjusts screen warmth based on time of day; has optional Touch Bar toggle
- T2M2 – Provides quick switching between Dark and Light modes
- BetterTouchTool – Highly extensible Touch Bar customization
Each tool provides its own reset or disable option within settings, so you can disable a plugin before resetting the system defaults through Terminal or System Preferences.
Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Touch Bar
Resetting the Touch Bar to default is not only a great way to fix issues, but it can also offer a cleaner, faster computing experience. Whether you use System Settings for a quick visual fix, Terminal for deeper system-level control, or Recovery Mode for advanced resets, you have a number of options at your disposal.
Understanding how the Touch Bar works, maintaining regular preferences, and resetting it only when needed empowers you to maintain a smooth workflow across your MacBook Pro. By using clean system tools and staying informed about macOS updates, you’ll ensure that your Touch Bar remains a responsive and valuable tool in your daily digital life.
If you found this guide useful, you’re likely enjoying the deeper control macOS offers—perfect for both casual users and professional creators alike. So, whether you reset your Touch Bar once a year or once a month, do it confidently knowing you’ve got the right method at your fingertips.
Don’t forget to share this guide with fellow MacBook Pro users in need of a clean slate!
What is a Touch Bar reset and why might I need to do it?
Resetting your Touch Bar to its default settings means restoring it to the original configuration it had when you first purchased your Mac. This can be helpful if you’ve customized the Touch Bar extensively and wish to start fresh, or if you’re experiencing issues such as unresponsiveness or incorrect button displays. A reset can also assist in troubleshooting software glitches that affect the functionality of the Touch Bar.
To reset the Touch Bar, you’ll typically use Terminal or the Keyboard settings in System Settings to restore default configurations. This will remove customizations like assigned app-specific controls and any third-party application buttons you’ve added. However, it won’t affect other system settings or your personal files, making it a safe and useful step for resolving interface inconsistencies.
How do I reset the Touch Bar using Terminal?
You can reset the Touch Bar to its default settings by using the Terminal app on your Mac. To begin, open Terminal, which is found in the Utilities folder within Applications. Once it’s open, type the command sudo pkill TouchBarServer and press Enter. This command restarts the TouchBarServer process, which often resolves minor glitches and refreshes the Touch Bar’s interface.
If you’re looking for a more complete reset, you can use another Terminal command: sudo defaults delete /Library/Preferences/com.apple.touchbar.agent.plist. This will delete the preferences file for the Touch Bar. After running the command, restart your Mac to apply the changes. This method ensures that the Touch Bar starts with its default configuration, clearing out any customizations or corrupted settings that might have been causing issues.
Can I reset the Touch Bar through the System Settings?
Yes, you can reset the Touch Bar to a large extent through the Keyboard settings in System Settings. Go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions), click on Keyboard, and then select the “Touch Bar Settings” button. Here, you can adjust which apps show controls and choose whether the function keys or app controls appear by default.
However, unlike Terminal commands, the System Settings interface does not fully reset all customizations at once. Instead, it allows you to manually remove individual app controls and restore the function key layout. For a complete reset that removes all third-party controls and restores Apple’s original defaults, a Terminal-based solution is more effective and recommended for users comfortable with those tools.
What should I do if resetting the Touch Bar doesn’t fix the issue?
If resetting the Touch Bar through Terminal or System Settings does not solve the problem, you can try additional troubleshooting steps. First, restart your Mac and check if the issue resolves itself after a clean boot. Sometimes, background processes or third-party applications can interfere with the Touch Bar’s functionality, and a restart clears temporary conflicts.
If the problem persists, consider updating your macOS to ensure you have the latest system patches and improvements. You can also check if specific applications are causing the problem by temporarily uninstalling third-party apps that interact with the Touch Bar. For more advanced users, resetting NVRAM, resetting SMC (on older Mac models), or using Apple Diagnostics may help identify hardware or deeper system-level issues.
Will resetting the Touch Bar remove any applications or system features?
No, resetting the Touch Bar will not remove any applications or system features from your Mac. It only affects the settings and configurations related to the Touch Bar itself, such as which buttons appear and how they respond to different apps. All your installed software, preferences outside the Touch Bar, and personal files remain untouched after a reset.
However, be aware that third-party applications that add custom controls to the Touch Bar may need to be re-enabled after a reset. This is because the reset can disable these customizations, requiring you to reactivate them manually in the app or through the Touch Bar settings. It’s a good idea to check the preferences of any Touch Bar-compatible apps after performing a reset to ensure they are functioning as expected.
How often should I reset the Touch Bar?
There’s no need for regular Touch Bar resets unless you’re encountering issues or want to revert to defaults after extensive customization. Most users only reset the Touch Bar when they notice unexpected behavior, such as unresponsive controls, or when switching between different workflows that require a clean Touch Bar setup.
Frequent resets can be disruptive if you’ve spent time tailoring the Touch Bar to your preferences. It’s best to reset only when troubleshooting or when a change in your work habits makes your current configuration less efficient. As with most system adjustments, moderation is key—use a Touch Bar reset as a solution when needed, not as a routine maintenance task.
Are there any risks involved in resetting the Touch Bar via Terminal?
Resetting the Touch Bar using Terminal commands is generally safe and poses minimal risks. These commands specifically target the Touch Bar’s settings and do not interfere with core system functions or personal files. However, using Terminal incorrectly can potentially cause issues if unrelated commands are entered, so it’s important to only use the correct commands as instructed.
It’s also worth noting that while the process is safe, it can temporarily disrupt the Touch Bar, leaving it blank or unresponsive for a few seconds while the system restarts the TouchBarServer. As long as you’re following trusted instructions and not modifying system files unnecessarily, there’s little chance of causing harm. For those unfamiliar with Terminal, backing up your system via Time Machine before making changes is always a good precautionary step.