![[Update: Aug. 19] macOS Big Sur update bugs & issues tracker](https://stage.onepluscorner.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/macos-big-sur-bugs-issues.jpg "[Update: Aug. 19] macOS Big Sur update bugs & issues tracker")
This article is being continously updated, with new updates being added to the bottom of the story (and in the table)
Original story (from November 28) follows:
Apple announced macOS Big Sur at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) event on June 22, 2020. And after months of testing, the new OS was released to the public on November 12.
As you may already know, macOS Big Sur brings a host of new changes and improvements to the user interface and also adds a bunch of new features to enhance the overall user experience.
Apart from the visual changes and additional features, it’s also the first macOS version to support ARM-based processors.
This seems to have been a great move from Apple considering the massive wave of positive reviews of the new M1 (Apple silicone) Macs that are flooding the internet.
But it is not all moonlight and roses given fact that the macOS Big Sur update started off on the wrong foot.
Initially, many users who tried installing the macOS Big Sur update on their devices ran into an issue wherein the installation would fail or was downloading extremely slowly even on high-speed connections.
Without taking too much time, Apple rectified the problem, and users were able to download the update on their Macs to experience everything new that macOS Big Sur has to offer.
Well, bugs and issues are also part of ‘everything’ that macOS Big Sur has to offer. Of course, all operating systems have their fair share of bugs and problems and thus it’s no surprise to see issues pop up every now and then.
We have reported on many macOS Big Sur bugs and issues that have been affecting many users who have installed Apple’s latest OS for Macs.
Some of these include the printing, battery draining and overheating, and Apple Watch unlocking issues.
Matter of fact, new bugs and issues seem to pop up every now and then even though the macOS Big Sur update has been around for a short while.
Thus, we have decided to keep track of all the known bugs and issues found on macOS Big Sur and their status in order to keep you informed when such bugs and issues are fixed or whether there are workarounds available.
We will update the tracker table below each time a new bug is discovered or when there are any new developments on an existing bug or issue. Hence, be sure to check the tracker regularly.
Update 1 (November 30)
IST 07:00 pm: Google Drive Backup & Sync users are reporting about a new “Error: 8B227910” issue, which they say they’ve started encountering only after the Big Sur update on their macs. You can read more about it here.
It’s currently difficult to say, who is at fault here (Google or Apple). We’ll update as soon as we have more info.
Update 2 (December 03)
IST 06:55 pm: Some M1-powered MacBook users are claiming that they are interrupted at random with the screensaver. The issue might be affecting other users with the macOS Big Sur update installed. Head here to know more.
Many users with iPhones and Macs are also reporting that the iCloud tabs are not syncing properly after they installed the macOS Big Sur and iOS 14 updates on their devices. Check out more details on the problem here.
Update 3 (December 04)
IST 03:35 pm: After installing the macOS Big Sur update some users are complaining about choppy animations and system lag while using their Macs. For relevant workarounds and detailed coverage, head here.
Update 4 (December 07)
IST 02:55 pm: Folks with older Macs have been complaining of not being able to update to the Big Sur. It appears the rollout was halted for the older devices due to some bricking issue. Head here for the complete story.
IST 03:05 pm: Recent reports suggest that on macOS Big Sur 11.0.1, Sidecar is not working for some users. Interested readers can find the detailed coverage along with the potential workaround here.
IST 04:20 pm: The auto-switching feature which allows the AirPods to automatically switch between iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac isn’t reportedly working for some after installing the macOS Big Sur update on their Macs.
Head here for the complete story along with the potential solutions to the issue in question.
Update 5 (December 08)
IST 03:50 pm: Some Apple users are claiming that after installing the macOS Big Sur update they are facing issues while trying to AirPlay content from their MacBooks to their Apple TVs and other smart devices. Read our detailed coverage here.
Update 6 (December 10)
IST 05:45 pm: Apparently, some users on macOS Big Sur are facing Bluetooth connectivity issues and are unable to use audio accessories and other Bluetooth devices. Head here to know more about the issue.
Update 7 (December 15)
IST 04:35 pm: Some users are reporting that the Spotlight feature is no longer working as expected after installing the macOS Big Sur update on their Macs. Check out all the details here.
Update 8 (December 16)
IST 11:00 am: According to the changelog for the macOS Big Sur 11.1 shared by Apple, it has improved the reliability of unlocking Macs with the Apple Watch. More details here.
IST 04:30 pm: These are all the bugs and issues that are fixed with the Big Sur 11.1 update as per Apple’s official changelog:
– QuickTime Player might quit when opening a movie with a timecode track after upgrading from macOS Catalina
– Bluetooth connection status was not displayed in Control Centre
– Reliability of unlocking your Mac automatically with your Apple Watch
– Trackpad scrolling speed may be faster than expected on MacBook Pro models
– LG UltraFine 5K Display may incorrectly display at 4K resolution on Macs with M1
Update 9 (December 22)
IST 06:32 pm: Some users who have installed the latest Big Sur 11.1 update are reporting that they are now experiencing issues when connecting their Macs to 4K monitors. Read our detailed coverage on the issue here.
Update 10 (December 28)
IST 03:48 pm: Some iMessage users on are reportedly facing a few different issues after installing the macOS Big Sur 11.1 update on their Macs. Head here to know more about these problems.
Update 11 (December 31)
IST 06:31 pm: macOS Big Sur 11.1 now forces users to adjust the size of dialog boxes every time they pop up which has lead to a slew of complaints. You may read all about it through this link.
Update 12 (January 08, 2021)
IST 11:37 am: The recent macOS Big Sur update has rendered the Touch ID on several MacBooks almost useless with users reporting a string of issues. Read all about it through this link.
Update 13 (January 08, 2021)
IST 11:41 am: Some users report that macOS Big Sur 11.1 update fails to install and results in a system crash. Or it may simply refuse to download completely.
If you are one of such, then check out these workarounds.
Update 13 (January 12, 2021)
As per a recent tweet, Apple is seemingly aware and already working on a fix for the Bluetooth connectivity issues brought about by the macOS Big Sur update.
Update 14 (January 15, 2021)
IST 01:07 pm: Users are bumping into a range of issues with Google Meet following the macOS Big Sur update. They report that they can’t hear or see anyone on video calls & that audio crackles on Safari.
Update 15 (January 19, 2021)
IST 12:19 pm: There is a fresh bug with the Fast User Switching feature on the new M1 Macs wherein the screensaver takes over and leaves users temporarily locked out of their machines. Read more about it from here.
Update 16 (January 22)
IST 01:18 pm: Apple has now fixed one of the many display issues plaguing the Mac mini M1 wherein external displays showed a black screen when connected using an HDMI to DVI converter, as per macOS Big Sur 11.2 release notes. Read more here.
Update 17 (January 28)
IST 12:35 pm: Almost a month after Apple reportedly stated that the Big Sur external display issues are known and being worked upon, users still await a fix. However, there’s now a fresh workaround available. For more info, head here.
Update 18 (February 03)
IST 01:31 pm: Google is rolling out a fix to address the Google Meet issue where users cannot see each other. Details here.
IST 02:34 pm: Google will soon roll out an update to fix the issue where Chrome users are experiencing high CPU usage with Service Worker process after v88 update. Details here.
Update 19 (February 04)
IST 12:47 pm: Sadly, the Big Sur 11.2 update makes no difference in the external display/monitor issues faced by many following the Big Sur 11.0 update. More details here.
Update 20 (February 04)
IST 06:23 pm: The macOS Big Sur update takes away the option to set custom snooze time durations for Calendar notifications and users want it back. Read on here.
IST 06:27 pm: A sudo bug that can grant an attacker root access has been discovered on macOS Big Sur. Fortunately, Apple is aware of the same and plans to release an update to patch it soon.
Update 21 (February 05)
IST 12:11 pm: Node.js seems to be running into an unprecedented issue upon trying to install Yarn dependencies. The bug came into existence right after the Big Sur 11.2 update and hence it’s advisable to not update to it if you are a Node.js developer.
Friendly reminder to those who develop with or use Node.js on their M1 Macs – don’t rush installing macOS 11.2 (20D64). Native version of Node.js is currently broken on 11.2.
Source
A issue for the same has been opened in GitHub and if all goes well, the matter should get resolved soon.
Update 22 (February 08)
IST 02:47 pm: Multiple reports doing rounds can confirm that some macOS Big Sur users are unable to download the latest version 11.2. In cases where the download is successful, installing becomes a problem.
On the brighter side, there seems to be a workaround for this issue, just like was the case with 11.1. See details here.
Update 22 (February 10)
IST 07:08 pm: Many users have reported that their MacBook camera/webcam has stopped working after updating to macOS Big Sur. We have compiled a list of workarounds for the same.
IST 07:23 pm: There have been scattered reports of the macOS Big Sur updates 11.2/11.3 wiping data from the system. For more details, head here.
IST 07:24 pm: The sudo bug that can grant an attacker root access which is mentioned above has finally been fixed with macOS Big Sur 11.2.1. For more details, head here.
Update 23 (February 12)
07:11 pm (IST): According to user reports, it appears that several big-name companies are yet to update their app icons to match the new Apple icon guidelines 3 months down the line. Details here.
Update 24 (February 13)
IST 06:31 pm: Several macOS Big Sur users are reporting inconsistent menu bar colors issue when switching desktops, but we have some workarounds here.
Update 25 (February 16)
IST 11:11 am: The update to Big Sur 11.2.1 has addressed the annoying issue where previous versions failed to install or complete download. See details here.
Update 26 (February 26)
IST 04:57 pm: With the macOS Big Sur update 11.2.2, the reliability of Bluetooth has been improved and some problems have been fixed including one related to external displays that led to a black screen when connected to a Mac mini (M1, 2020) using an HDMI to DVI converter. An issue with non-certified hubs and docks has also been fixed. More details here.
IST 05: 08 pm: A new workaround is now available that has done the job for many for the Google Meet issues after macOS Big Sur update (Can’t hear/see anyone and audio crackling on Safari). More details here.
Update 27 (March 01)
IST 07:31 pm: The Big Sur 11.2.2 update seems to have made some improvements with regards to broken support for external 4K monitors. To read more, head here.
Update 28 (March 04)
IST 06:30 pm: One of our readers has just confirmed that the Spotlight search workaround that involves uninstalling Little Snitch also fixed the issue where the “Recents” folder won’t display contents. Details here.
Update 29 (March 09)
IST 11:03 am: Apple has a new security-focused macOS Big Sur update to version 11.2.3 that tags along fixes for an issue with malicious web content due to memory corruption.
Impact: Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution
Description: A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved validation.
Source
Update 30 (March 16)
IST 07:06 pm: Reports coming in can confirm that plenty of macOS Big Sur users, including those on version 11.2.2, are still experiencing issues with external hard drive functionality. Details here.
Update 31 (March 22)
IST 05: 44 pm: Several macOS Big Sur users have reported freezing/hanging issues and more when using Chrome but we have actually found a possible culprit.
Update 32 (March 29)
IST 06:30 pm: The macOS Big Sur feature that lets users switch or change input languages by pressing the Globe or Fn key on M1 Macs appears to be broken for some. Check out all the details as well as workarounds here.
Update 33 (April 19)
IST 08:26 pm: Adobe has released the update version 22.3.1 for Adobe Photoshop which brings fixes for several macOS Big Sur bugs. Check out the complete coverage here.
Update 34 (April 27)
IST 03:50 pm: The Big Sur 11.2 update mentions fixes for Bluetooth issues so you might want to check this out.
IST 03:54 pm: The Big Sur 11.3 update just went live with a bunch of new features and several bug fixes. Among them are fixes for the external 4K monitor connectivity issues. Details here.
Update 35 (April 28)
IST 02:40 pm: Users are reporting a strange desktop folder named “Relocated items” following the Big Sur 11.3 update, but it’s nothing to worry about.
IST 06:13 pm: Reports from users suggest that Apple has fixed the screensaver issue on its M1-powered Macs with the Big Sur 11.3 update. Check out all the details here.
Update 36 (May 03)
IST 12:50 pm: Apple recently released the macOS Big Sur 11.3 update but users are unable to use sideloaded iOS/iPadOS apps on it. Check out the complete coverage by heading here.
Update 46 (May 04)
03:07 pm (IST): A security update just went live for macOS Big Sur bumping up the version to 11.3.1.
Impact: Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.
Description: A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved state management.
Source
Update 47 (May 05)
03:09 pm (IST): A user has now given a new explanation for the Big Sur 11.3 mysterious desktop folder issue and has once again emphasized that the desktop folder is deletable. More details here.
Update 48 (May 06)
06:54 pm (IST): Apple users, after the macOS Big Sur update, ended with broken ethernet adapters on their machines. Affected users can try the workaround mentioned here.
Update 49 (May 11)
01:23 pm (IST): According to a recent Reddit thread, several macOS Big Sur users are unable to figure out a way to change their system, finder, and folder icons. Check out this coverage with a workaround for the same.
Update 50 (May 14)
04:35 pm (IST): As per recent reports, Spark Mail users are unable to see their whole inbox on macOS Big Sur. The issue has been officially acknowledged and a fix is being looked into.
Update 51 (May 25)
06:06 pm (IST): The macOS Big Sur update 11.4 just went live with bug fixes for the following issues:
Bookmarks in Safari may get reordered or moved into a folder that can appear hidden
Certain websites may not display correctly after your Mac wakes from sleep
Keywords may not be included when exporting a photo from the Photos app
Preview may become unresponsive when searching PDF documents
16-inch MacBook may become unresponsive when playing Civilization VI
Source
Update 52 (May 26)
04:19 pm (IST): A user stumbled upon a bug on Apple Photos Version 6.0 (321.0.110) on macOS Big Sur v11.1 where he is unable to export keywords to EXIF.
– Expected Result: The keyword is present in the EXIF data. These steps used to work for me on macOS 10.15 Catalina.
– Actual Result: The keyword is missing from the EXIF data
Responding to it, a user suggested that there’s a workaround available. Here’s how to execute it.
Export file as a tiff and convert the tiff to jpeg or HEIC with an Automator workflow. This way the metadata is embedded in the file itself. (Source)
Update 53 (July 16)
01:26 pm (IST): Some recent reports suggest that the broken support for external 4K monitors issue has returned with the Big Sur 11.4 update. Head here for details.
Update 53 (July 20)
10:20 am (IST): As per recent reports, the play count and last played date in Apple Music is not updating on macOS Big Sur 11.4. Head here for more details on the matter and a possible workaround.
10:40 am (IST): While Apple added the Calendar snooze options back in macOS Big Sur 11.3, users are still not satisfied with the new options they are getting and the overall re-implementation of the snooze function. More details here.
Update 53 (July 22)
04:02 pm (IST): The latest macOS Big Sur 11.5 update brings a few fixes and improvements especially to the Podcasts app. Here’s the changelog:
macOS Big Sur 11.5 includes the following improvements for your Mac:
Podcasts Library tab allows you to choose to see all shows or only followed shows
This release also fixes the following issues:Music may not update play count and last played date in your library
Smart cards may not work when logging into Mac computers with the M1 chip
Update 54 (July 26)
04:02 pm (IST): In case you’ve been getting the ‘You do not have permission to open the application’ message on your Mac running macOS Big Sur, then you may wat to check out this video for a guide on how to fix it.
Update 55 (July 27)
11:02 am (IST): macOS Big Sur 11.5.1 includes the IOMobileFrameBuffer which allows an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited. More on that here.
Update 56 (July 28)
1:02 pm (IST): Users of macOS Big Sure report that update version 11.5.1 has restored the startup chime that seemingly disappeared following the update to Big Sur version 11.5.
1:43 pm (IST): New reports from users of mac Mini indicate that the external display flickering issue still persists even in the latest macOS 11.5.1 update. More on that here.
Update 57 (August 04)
06:50 pm (IST): According to several reports, some MacBook users are facing a problem where they are getting the Global Reset error after every reboot. The issue started occurring after the macOS Big Sur update and persists even after the update to version 11.5.1. More on that here.
Update 58 (August 16)
11:42 am (IST): To resolve the ‘You do not have permission to open the application’ when using a scanner on Mac, affected users are advised to take the following steps.
– Quit any apps that are open.
– From the menu bar in the Finder, choose Go > Go to Folder.
– Type /Library/Image Capture/Devices, then press Return.
– In the window that opens, double-click the app named in the error message. It’s the name of your scanner driver. Nothing should happen when you open it.
– Close the window and open the app you were using to scan. A new scan should proceed normally. If you later choose to scan from a different app and get the same error, repeat these steps.
Source
A fix is coming in a future software update, at least according to Apple.
Update 59 (August 19)
IST 09:52 am: Now, Apple is reportedly recommending a screen replacement for users on macOS Big Sur whose cameras stopped working. More on that here.
| Affected devices | Bug/issue descrption | Status |
| Macs | Installation failed error | Fixed |
| Macs | Third-party apps fail to launch | Acknowledged |
| Older MacBooks | Device does not boot when connected to monitor via Thunderbolt | Unacknowledged |
| Macs | Google Drive backup and sync issues | User reports & possible workarounds |
| Macs | Battery draining and overheating | User reports & possible workarounds |
| Affected device | Bug/issue descrption | Status |
| Macs | Unable to print documents with most printers | User reports & possible workarounds |
| Macs | No option to change login screen background | User reports & possible workarounds |
| Macs | Apple Mail search function does not work | User reports & possible workarounds |
| Macs | Unable to unlock Macs with Apple Watch | Fix released |
| Older Macs | Big Sur update bricking some MacBooks | Unacknowledged |
| Affected device | Bug/issue descrption | Status |
| Macs | iCloud tabs not syncing properly | Unacknowledged |
| M1 MacBooks | Screensaver appears even when using the computer | Reportedly fixed |
| Macs | Choppy animations and system lag | User reports & possible workarounds |
| Older Macs | “No update is available” error | User reports | Macs | Sidecar not working | User reports & possible workarounds |
| Affected device | Bug/issue descrption | Status |
| Macs | AirPods auto-switching feature not working | User reports & possible workaround |
| Macs | AirPlay not working as expected | Possible workaround |
| Macs | Bluetooth connectivity issues | Workarounds (Possibly fixed) |
| Macs | Spotlight no longer working as expected | Possible workarounds |
| Macs | External 4k monitor issues | Resurfaced |
| Affected device | Bug/issue descrption | Status |
| Macs | iMessage unable to sign in, app not starting/syncing, and other issues | Workarounds |
| Macs | Big Sur 11.1 now always reverts Open/Save dialog boxes to original size | Unacknowledged |
| MacBooks | Big Sur 11.1 update breaks Touch ID and other issues | Workarounds |
| Macs | Big Sur 11.1/11.2 update fails to download or install | Fixed |
| Macs | Google Meet users can’t see/hear anyone | Fixed |
| Affected device | Bug/issue descrption | Status |
| M1 Macs | Fast User Switching bug | Unacknowledged |
| Mac Mini M1 | Display issues | Some fixed, workarounds |
| Macs | Google Meet audio crackling on Safari | Workarounds |
| Macs | High CPU usage with Service Worker process in Chrome 88 | Fixed |
| Macs | Calendar snooze duration options removed | Details |
| Affected device | Bug/issue descrption | Status |
| Macs | Sudo bug that grants root access to hackers | Fixed |
| Macs | Big Sur 11.2 breaks Node.js support | Unacknowledged |
| MacBooks | Camera/webcam not working | Workarounds |
| Macs | Updating to Big Sur 11.2/11.3 beta deletes data | Unacknowledged |
| Affected device | Bug/issue descrption | Status |
| Macs | Inconsistent app icons | Unacknowledged |
| Macs | Inconsistent menu bar colors when changing desktops | Workarounds |
| Macs | Recents folder not displaying contents but searching within folder yields results | Workaround |
| Macs | Memory corruption issue | Fixed |
| Macs | External hard drive function not working accordingly | Unacknowledged |
| Macs | Lagging/freezing/crashing issues when using Google Chrome | Workaround |
| Affected device | Bug/issue descrption | Status |
| M1 Macs | Globe/Fn key not working to switch language input | Workarounds |
| Macs | Relocated items folder on desktop | Explanation |
| Macs | Sideloaded iOS/iPadOS apps not working on macOS Big Sur 11.3 | User reports |
| Macs | USB ethernet adapter not working after macOS Big Sur update | Possible workaround |
| Macs | Unable to change macOS Big Sur system, finder, and folder icons | Workaround |
| Affected device | Bug/issue descrption | Status |
| Macs | Spark Mail whole inbox not vissible | Acknowledged |
| Macs | Photos 6.0 doesn’t export keywords in EXIF data | Fixed (Update 52) |
| Macs | Apple Music play count and last played date not updating | Workaround |
| Macs | ‘You do not have permission to open the application’ error | Workaround |
| Macs | macOS Big Sur 11.5.1 IOMobileFrameBuffer issue | Acknowledged |
| Affected device | Bug/issue descrption | Status |
| MacBooks | Gloabl Reset error after restarting | Unacknowledged |
PiunikaWeb started as purely an investigative tech journalism website with main focus on ‘breaking’ or ‘exclusive’ news. In no time, our stories got picked up by the likes of Forbes, Foxnews, Gizmodo, TechCrunch, Engadget, The Verge, Macrumors, and many others. Want to know more about us? Head here.
Dwayne Cubbins
789 Posts
I've been interested in tech for as long as I can remember. And I used to be a Windows Phone enthusiast. When I am not writing about tech, I'm on the couch playing games with my squad. Oh, I also play the guitar and drums.
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