Full screen mode not working on a Mac can be quite frustrating, but there are a few possible reasons for this issue. I’ve encountered this problem myself, and I’ll share some insights and possible solutions based on my personal experiences.
1. Application Compatibility:
One common reason for full screen mode not working is that the application you’re using may not support it. Some older applications or certain software may not be designed to work in full screen mode. In such cases, the option to enter full screen mode may be grayed out or simply unavailable.
To check if this is the issue, try opening a different application that you know supports full screen mode, such as Safari or Pages. If you can enter full screen mode with other applications, then the problem likely lies with the specific application you were trying to use.
2. Keyboard Shortcut or Gesture Conflict:
Another possibility is that there might be a conflict with the keyboard shortcut or gesture you’re using to enter full screen mode. macOS provides different options for entering full screen mode, such as clicking the green button in the top-left corner of the window, using the keyboard shortcut Control + Command + F, or performing a trackpad gesture.
If the keyboard shortcut or gesture you’re using doesn’t work, try the alternative methods. For example, if you were using the keyboard shortcut, try clicking the green button or using the trackpad gesture instead. This can help determine if the issue is specific to the shortcut or gesture you were using.
3. Application or System Glitch:
Sometimes, temporary glitches can prevent full screen mode from working properly. In such cases, a simple restart of your Mac may resolve the issue. Restarting can help clear any temporary system or application glitches that may be interfering with full screen mode.
To restart your Mac, click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select “Restart,” and wait for your Mac to reboot. After the restart, try entering full screen mode again and see if it works.
4. System Preferences Settings:
There are certain settings in the System Preferences that can affect full screen mode behavior. To check these settings, follow these steps:
A. Click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
B. Navigate to the “Mission Control” preference pane.
C. Ensure that the checkbox for “Displays have separate Spaces” is selected.
D. Close the System Preferences and try entering full screen mode again.
If the checkbox was already selected, you can try unchecking it and then re-checking it. This can sometimes help reset the settings and resolve any issues related to full screen mode.
5. Check for Updates:
Lastly, it’s always a good idea to ensure that your macOS and applications are up to date. Sometimes, bugs or compatibility issues causing problems with full screen mode are resolved in software updates.
To check for macOS updates, click on the Apple menu, select “System Preferences,” and then choose “Software Update.” Install any available updates for your Mac.
For application updates, open the App Store, click on your profile picture in the bottom-left corner, and go to the “Updates” tab. Update any applications that have available updates.
If none of these solutions work, it’s possible that there may be a more specific issue with your Mac or the application you’re using. In such cases, it may be helpful to contact Apple Support or the developer of the application for further assistance.