macOS appearance (Light/Dark) stuck

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Level 1

4 points

macOS appearance (Light/Dark) stuck

Hi all,

Recently the appearance options have become stuck on my 2021 MBP (16 inch with M1 Pro) - currently running Ventura 13.1 (22C65) but issue has seem to be persisting for a while (definitely was present on Monterey too).

Whenever it's fully switched to either Light or Dark, when I switch to something else, all applications seem to switch, sometimes the wallpaper switches too, but all system UI elements stay in the previously selected mode, even after logging out/a reboot. With an external monitor, sometimes they all stay in the previously selected mode, sometimes all monitors except the "primary" one switch to the newly selected mode.

This issue also happens when using the "auto" feature to select the appearance style.

Any ideas? This has been bothering me quite a bit.

MacBook Pro Apple Silicon

Posted on Dec 20, 2022 2:13 AM

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Answer 1

Old Toad

Level 10

210,615 points

Dec 21, 2022 1:48 PM in response to ErikJB

If all else fails give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.

NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following;

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

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Answer 2

TammyW_03

Community Specialist

Dec 21, 2022 12:39 PM in response to ErikJB

Hey ErikJB,

Let's help to narrow this down by testing it in another user account. This will let us know if the issue is system-wide or only within your account, to know where to focus our troubleshooting. Here's how to create a new user account to test with (be sure it's an administrator account): Change Users & Groups settings on Mac - Apple Support

Just in case, here's information on using Dark Mode on your Mac: Use Dark Mode on your Mac - Apple Support

Keep us posted on the results.

Take care!

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macOS appearance (Light/Dark) stuck

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