ScreenSaver Not Working On Mac In macOS 12 (Black Screen!)
Last updated on December 14th, 2021 at 06:45 am
Posted in Bug Fixes by Tyrone on October 30, 2021Is the screensaver not working on Mac after the macOS Monterey update? Does the screen turn black, when the screensaver starts playing, instead of displaying photos from a folder or album that you’ve selected in System Preferences?
macOS Monterey Screensaver Bug
This issue has been reported to us by Jim B., in the comments section of our macOS 12.0.1 review page:
“I have the newest 27″ iMac that Apple offers and have a problem with the screen saver. The only ones that work are those that Apple has for you to choose. I have been using photos that I have taken as a screen saver for years, but now all I get is a black screen.”
I managed to replicate this on a MacBook Air and got the screensaver black screen problem for all options that run with photos that you can select from a folder or photo album!
How To Fix ScreenSaver Not Working in macOS Monterey
Most likely, Apple will have to issue a fix for it in an upcoming software update!
Update: The macOS Monterey screen saver bug has been fixed in the macOS 12.1 software update! Fix is confirmed in the release notes as well, as by our own tests. Can you confirm it too? Use the comments section!
We’ve just submitted feedback (ID: FB9731040) regarding this black screen saver issue and used this article for reference.
So, if you encounter the same problem please confirm it in the comments section, to see how widespread the issue is. Do mention your Mac model.
Workaround For macOS Monterey Screensaver Bug
Until a fix becomes available, you can still use screen savers in macOS 12 as long as you pick a type that doesn’t require to access photos from a folder or album.
Screensavers that currently work in macOS 12 are: Monterey, Hello Drift, Flurry, Arabesque, Shell, Message, Album Artwork and Word of the Day.
macOS Monterey screensavers affected by the black screen glitch: Floating, Flip-up, Reflections, Origami, Shifting Tiles, Sliding Panels, Photo Mobile, Holiday Mobile, Photo Wall, Vintage Prints, Ken Burns and Classic.
How To Change Screen Saver on Mac
- To update the screensaver in macOS Monterey you have to open System Preferences and click on Desktop & Screen Saver.
- Browse the Screen Saver tab and select the desired type form the left sidebar!
Tip: I recommend you to check out the new macOS Monterey screen saver that animates the underwater canyon found in Monterey Bay, California, USA.
Have you found a better solution for Screensavers not working on Mac? Use the comments section and share your feedback.
Related: Other common macOS Monterey problems are:
– USB hubs not working after macOS Monterey update.
– macOS Monterey not enough storage to install.
And same here, iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2017).
Same issue on Mac mini with the latest update.
Appreciate the comment.
Same issue…
iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017)
Same issue here… MacBook Pro (16-inch 2019)
Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 5500M 4 GB – Intel UHD Graphics 630 1536 MB
I am having the same issue,my screen saver goes black instead of showing my photos from a folder like I always have,it’s a brand new iMac i7 27 inch. Just upgraded to Monterey.
Don’t worry. Everyone is getting this. It will be corrected with a software update.
Same issue
Black screen when the screensaver starts. 2017 iMac.
We’re having the same problem
Thanks for confirming.
I have the same trouble iMac 27″
iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019), OSX 12.0.1. Same problem.
I have the same problem. Black screen instead of photos
imac retina 5k 27 inch late 2015
iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015)
Same issue
I have exactly the same problem with an iMac Retina 5K from 2015
Same iMAC Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017
SAME PROBLEM. BLACK SCREEN SAVER INSTEAD OF MY PHOTOS
Same, iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019)
Same here on my 2021 iMac and 2021 MacBook Pro, since I installed Monterey.
Thanks for confirming.
Same here since I installed Monterey on my 2017 iMAC 21 inch
I am having this problem too. I have iMac 27 inch and macOS Monterey version 12.0.1
I am having this problem too. I have iMac Pro 27 inch and macOS Monterey version 12.0.1
Same problem. Late 2014 Mac Mini with 2 Eizo monitors (19″ square and 27″) and AMD Radeon VII 16 GB graphics.
Same problem, blackscreen no my photos, IMac 27 inch, late 2015. Monterey 12.01
Thanks for mentioning.
Same issue. iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2017)
Appreciate the info.
Same issue with a 2018 iMac (3.6ghz, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD)
same issue
same issue – Mac mini
yes same here
Same issue as others have mentioned. My iMac is late 2017 21″ running macOS 12.0.1.
Same issue with screensaver. MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016)
I’m super annoyed with this and all the other bugs. There’s just one after another! Does anyone else have the fun one where Photoshop DOESN’T SAVE if the laptop is connected to an external monitor? Isn’t that a great one? Graphic Designers rejoice — you cannot save your work unless you use the laptop screen! Ugh. Ugh Ugh Ugh.
MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015) 2.5 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7, 16 GB, Intel Iris Pro 1536 MB
Thanks for reporting this Michael. Yes, the Adobe Photoshop issue is new to us. Thanks for pointing it out. Apparently you can also change the preferences and set your MacBook as main screen, and then go back to the external monitor setting. Saving should work at this point.
I have only just been able to access the update for Monterey and yes I have the black screen also for a ScreenSaver. iMac 2018.
Thanks for reporting.
Black screen with “No Photos” after installing Monterey.
Appreciate the comment.
Got it on my OS 12 as well. Other non-picture screen savers seem to be working
Thanks for the feedback.
iMac 5k 27″ Retina Late 2015
Same, black screen saver, won’t access photos. iMac Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2019 3.2 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i7
Thanks for confirming.
Anch’io ho lo stesso problema, il salvaschermo rimane nero e non accede alle foto (iMac del 2017)
Translated from Italian: “I also have the same problem, the screensaver remains black and does not access the photos (2017 iMac)”
I have reported this like a thousand times since the first beta with no luck.
Thanks for the feedback. That’s not good news, if it passed the beta stages and Apple already knew about it. We might be in for a long wait.
Same problem here
Same here. iMac 27″ 2017 OS 12.0.1
Same here imac 27″ (2019)
I have the same problem with my MacBook Pro 2017 running Monterey. I want my pictures/photos to load on my laptop – this is extremely frustrating and simply not acceptable. Shame on Apple.
Thanks for the feedback.
same problem mac jpro (2019) Montey 12.0-1
Appreciate the comment.
Same problem here. Black screen, no photos. Macbook Pro, 16-inch running Monterey 12.0.1.
Thanks for confirming.
Same problem black screen no photos imacOS Monterey Version 12.0.1
Thanks for confirming.
Same problem with Mac Mini (2018) with Monterey upgrade
Thanks for sharing.
Same problem with MacBook Air. Screensaver is black.
Thanks for mentioning.
Not working for me. OS 12.0.1
Appreciate the comment.
Yes I have the same problem on my iMac 27 inch desktop
I thought it was something wrong with my computer until I read your information.
Thank you
You’re welcome. Still waiting for a fix.
Yes, same annoying problem, black screen. 27inch imac, hurry up apple with a fix 😔
It should be in the works.
Me too . 27 inch 2017
Same Problem