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Is there any fix for the Touch Bar flickering / flashing issue on MacBook Pro 13s?

There's a known issue with the 2018-2019 MacBook Pro 13 whereas the Touch Bar starts flickering or flashing nonstop for a period of time, usually after sleep mode. My laptop is gradually getting worse and worse. It's flashing for longer periods of time now to the point where I can't use it without covering the Touch Bar with black tape because it acts like a strobe light for 15 minutes. I've spent a long time searching the internet for help and I'm coming up empty.


Who else is having issues with the Touch Bar flickering/flashing? And more importantly, does anyone have a fix for this besides the only cost ineffective solution of replacing the hardware?


Thanks!

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 11.1

Posted on Apr 10, 2023 1:03 AM

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Posted on Apr 11, 2023 1:37 PM

Thanks for all the info. Unfortunately I've tried resetting both the SMC and NVRAM and neither one helped.


Everything I've read said this is a hardware issue known to Apple and they're making customers pay full price for a significant repair job (assuming it's past your warranty). I was hoping this isn't true but it sounds like it is.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 11, 2023 1:37 PM in response to leroydouglas

Thanks for all the info. Unfortunately I've tried resetting both the SMC and NVRAM and neither one helped.


Everything I've read said this is a hardware issue known to Apple and they're making customers pay full price for a significant repair job (assuming it's past your warranty). I was hoping this isn't true but it sounds like it is.

Apr 10, 2023 11:17 AM in response to Roberto2525

Roberto2525 wrote:

There's a known issue with the 2018-2019 MacBook Pro 13 whereas the Touch Bar starts flickering or flashing nonstop for a period of time, usually after sleep mode. My laptop is gradually getting worse and worse. It's flashing for longer periods of time now to the point where I can't use it without covering the Touch Bar with black tape because it acts like a strobe light for 15 minutes. I've spent a long time searching the internet for help and I'm coming up empty.

Who else is having issues with the Touch Bar flickering/flashing? And more importantly, does anyone have a fix for this besides the only cost ineffective solution of replacing the hardware?

Thanks!



For a software fix‚ both:


Try resetting the SMC Reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support


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




If no resolve take it in for hardware issue—

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 for support and service - Apple Support



Is there any fix for the Touch Bar flickering / flashing issue on MacBook Pro 13s?

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