How To Disable Touch Bar From Terminal Mac

How to Disable the Touch Bar From Your Mac Terminal

The Touch Bar, a customizable strip at the top of some MacBook keyboards, offers quick access to frequently used functions. However, some users prefer to disable it entirely. While there isn't a single, built-in command to completely disable the Touch Bar, we can achieve this using a combination of terminal commands and a bit of understanding about how the system interacts with the hardware. This guide will walk you through the process, explaining each step and providing alternatives for different scenarios.

Why Disable the Touch Bar?

There are several reasons why you might want to disable your Touch Bar. Some users find it distracting, preferring the tactile feedback of traditional function keys. Others might experience occasional glitches or unexpected behavior. Regardless of your reason, this guide will empower you to regain control over your MacBook experience.

Method 1: Using defaults write (Temporary Disable)

This method utilizes the defaults write command to temporarily disable the Touch Bar. It's the quickest solution, but the changes are reverted upon reboot.

1. Open Terminal: You can find Terminal in Applications > Utilities.

2. Execute the command: Paste the following command into your terminal and press Enter:

   defaults write com.apple.touchbar.agent.proxy.plist-disabled 1
   

3. Restart the controlcenter process: This step is crucial for the changes to take effect:

   killall ControlCenter
   

Now your Touch Bar should be disabled. Remember, this effect is temporary; your Touch Bar will be re-enabled upon restarting your Mac.

Method 2: Creating a Shell Script for Easier Access (Temporary Disable)

To avoid typing the commands every time, create a simple shell script:

1. Open a text editor: Use TextEdit or any other text editor.

2. Paste the commands: Copy the two commands from Method 1 and paste them into the text editor.

3. Save the file: Save the file as a .sh file (e.g., disable-touchbar.sh). Make sure to save it in a convenient location.

4. Make the script executable: Open Terminal and navigate to the directory where you saved the file using the cd command. Then, execute:

   chmod +x disable-touchbar.sh
   

5. Run the script: Now you can run the script by typing ./disable-touchbar.sh in the Terminal.

This script provides a more convenient way to temporarily disable the Touch Bar. Again, remember this is temporary, and the Touch Bar will return upon reboot.

Method 3: Permanent Disable (Advanced Users Only)

Caution: This method involves modifying system files and requires a deeper understanding of macOS. Incorrectly modifying these files could lead to system instability. Proceed with caution and only if you're comfortable with advanced system modifications. This method is generally not recommended for average users.

This method typically involves modifying the com.apple.touchbar.agent.plist file using a property list editor. This is a more involved process and is beyond the scope of a simple guide due to the potential for system instability if not done correctly.

Re-enabling the Touch Bar

To re-enable the Touch Bar after using Method 1 or Method 2, simply restart your Mac. If you've used Method 3, you'll need to reverse the modifications you've made to the system files—a process equally complex and potentially risky.

Troubleshooting

If the Touch Bar isn't disabled after following the steps, try restarting your Mac. If the problem persists, ensure you've correctly typed the commands. Consult Apple support or online forums for further assistance.

This comprehensive guide covers various methods to disable your Mac's Touch Bar, catering to different levels of technical expertise. Remember to choose the method that best suits your comfort level and needs. Always back up your data before making significant system changes.