# Why a NotchStar tool is blank or empty

> A blank NotchStar tool usually means a missing permission, nothing to show yet, a hidden tab or the trial prompt. Check each tool here.

Canonical: https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-tool-blank/
Last updated: 2026-11-04

Published 2026-11-04.

A blank NotchStar tool nearly always has a simple reason. Find your tool below.

## All tools show a buy prompt

The tool area is replaced by a message that says the 7 day trial has ended or "This license is no longer active." with a buy button and an **I have a key** button. NotchStar says your notes, clipboard and settings are untouched. See [what happens when the trial ends](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-trial-ends-what-happens/).

## Calendar says it needs access

The tool shows "NotchStar needs calendar access to show your day." Allow Calendars and Reminders in System Settings, Privacy & Security. See [allow Calendars and Reminders](https://www.notchstar.com/help/allow-calendar-reminders-access-notchstar/).

## Mirror shows no picture

The tool shows "NotchStar needs camera access for the mirror." Allow Camera in System Settings, Privacy & Security. See [camera access](https://www.notchstar.com/help/allow-camera-access-notchstar-mirror/).

## Now Playing shows nothing

The card says "Nothing playing". Start playback in Music, Spotify or your browser. See [Now Playing not showing](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-now-playing-not-showing/).

## Clipboard history is empty

It lives in memory and is cleared on quit. It only records while NotchStar runs, and it skips items a password manager marks as concealed. See [clipboard history clears on quit](https://www.notchstar.com/help/clipboard-history-clears-on-quit/) and the [Clipboard feature](https://www.notchstar.com/features/clipboard/).

## The shelf is empty

The shelf is also cleared when you quit.

## A tab is missing

It may be switched off in Settings, Tools. See [reorder or hide tools](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-tool-order-and-hidden-tools/).

## None of these

Quit and reopen NotchStar. If it persists, follow [report a bug](https://www.notchstar.com/help/report-a-notchstar-bug/).

## Quick answers.

### Is a blank tool a sign the app is broken?

Usually not. It is most often a permission, an empty list or a hidden tab.

## Keep reading.

- [How to allow calendar and reminders access for NotchStar](https://www.notchstar.com/help/allow-calendar-reminders-access-notchstar/): NotchStar asks macOS for calendar access and reminders access the first time you open Home or Calendar. Click Allow on both to see your day.
- [How to allow camera access for the NotchStar mirror](https://www.notchstar.com/help/allow-camera-access-notchstar-mirror/): Open the Mirror tab and click Allow when macOS asks for the camera. NotchStar only shows a live preview and never records. Steps if you missed it.
- [Why NotchStar is not showing the song that is playing](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-now-playing-not-showing/): If Now Playing is empty, start playback in Music or Spotify, check Automation and read the notes on apps that do not report to macOS.
- [Clipboard history that lives in your notch](https://www.notchstar.com/features/clipboard/): Searchable clipboard history in the Mac notch: text, links, images and files. Skips password manager copies. Click any item to copy it again.

## More in Troubleshooting.

- [Why the NotchStar notch does not open](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-notch-does-not-open/): If the notch does not open on hover, check the star in the menu bar, the Open notch setting, the screen it is on and whether it is pinned or stuck.
- [How to report a NotchStar bug](https://www.notchstar.com/help/report-a-notchstar-bug/): Email hello@notchstar.com with your macOS version, Mac model, the NotchStar version and what you expected. Short steps to repeat the problem help most.
- [Why NotchStar is not showing the song that is playing](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-now-playing-not-showing/): If Now Playing is empty, start playback in Music or Spotify, check Automation and read the notes on apps that do not report to macOS.
- [Why the NotchStar star is missing from the menu bar](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-menu-bar-icon-missing/): The NotchStar star can hide behind the notch on a crowded menu bar. Free space, quit other icons or check that the app is running.