Fixing Black Screen and Graphical Glitches After macOS Sequoia Update on 2017 MacBook Pro

To fix display issue after updating a 2017 13-inch MacBook Pro to macOS Sequoia (or potentially another version if Sequoia was mentioned in error). If the screen is showing weird artifacts such as black backgrounds, different-colored buttons, and password input field problems, it may indicate a graphics issue or system corruption during the update.

Here are a few potential solutions to resolve the issue:

1. Boot in Safe Mode

Safe Mode can help troubleshoot and potentially fix graphic-related issues that may occur after an update.

• How to Boot in Safe Mode:
  1. Shut down your MacBook Pro.
  2. Turn it on and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
  3. Release the Shift key once you see the login screen.
  4. Log in (it may take longer to boot as Safe Mode performs a system check).

Once in Safe Mode, check if the issue persists. If the display appears normal, restart the Mac to exit Safe Mode and see if it helped resolve the problem in normal mode.

2. Reset NVRAM/PRAM

Resetting the NVRAM/PRAM can help fix graphical glitches, as these store display settings, among other system configurations.

• How to Reset NVRAM/PRAM:
  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. Turn it on and immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R for about 20 seconds.
  3. Release the keys when you hear the startup chime (or see the Apple logo).

This process will reset certain display settings, which might help resolve the issue.

3. Reset SMC (System Management Controller)

The SMC controls various low-level functions on Intel-based Macs, including display-related issues. Resetting the SMC may help fix the problem.

• How to Reset SMC on a MacBook Pro (2017):
  1. Shut down your MacBook Pro.
  2. Press and hold Shift + Control + Option on the left side of the built-in keyboard, then press the power button at the same time.
  3. Hold all these keys for 10 seconds, then release.
  4. Press the power button again to turn on your Mac.

4. Reinstall macOS

If the graphical issues persist, it’s possible that some system files were corrupted during the update. Reinstalling macOS without wiping your data can replace damaged system files.

• How to Reinstall macOS:
  1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter Recovery Mode.
  2. Once in Recovery Mode, select Reinstall macOS.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall macOS. Your files should remain intact.

5. Check for Software Updates

There may be additional macOS updates or patches that fix display-related bugs after the initial update. Ensure that your system is fully updated:

• Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Software Update and check for any available updates.

6. Check External Peripherals

If you have any external devices or peripherals connected, such as a display, disconnect them and see if the issue resolves. Sometimes external devices can interfere with the display after an update.

7. Perform Disk Utility First Aid

Corrupted disk permissions or file system issues could also cause graphical issues after an update.

• How to Run Disk Utility First Aid:
  1. Boot into Recovery Mode by holding Command + R on startup.
  2. Open Disk Utility and select your main macOS drive.
  3. Click on First Aid and let it scan and repair any detected issues.

Conclusion

If you’re facing odd graphical glitches after updating to Sequoia (or another macOS version), start with Safe Mode, NVRAM/PRAM, and SMC resets. If the problem persists, consider reinstalling macOS or performing disk repairs via Disk Utility. If none of these methods work, the issue could be hardware-related, in which case consulting Apple Support or visiting an Apple Store might be necessary.

Let me know if you need additional help with any of these steps!