Why a NotchStar tool is blank or empty

Troubleshooting Published 4 November 2026

All of help center Try NotchStar in the browser Buy for $4

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The tool area is replaced by a message that says the 7 day trial has ended or “This license is no longer active.”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.

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.

Mirror shows no picture

The tool shows “NotchStar needs camera access for the mirror.” Allow Camera in System Settings, Privacy & Security. See camera access.

Now Playing shows nothing

The card says “Nothing playing”. Start playback in Music, Spotify or your browser. See 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 and the Clipboard feature.

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.

None of these

Quit and reopen NotchStar. If it persists, follow report a 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.

Link to this answer

Keep reading.

How to allow calendar and reminders access for 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: 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: 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: Searchable clipboard history in the Mac notch: text, links, images and files. Skips password manager copies. Click any item to copy it again.

Put your notch to work.

Buy it once for $4, activate it in a minute, and keep it. Not sure yet? Try every tool in the browser on the home page, or install the 7 day trial.

Buy NotchStar for $4 Try it in the browser