---
id: getting-started.menu-bar-icon-does-not-appear
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/getting-started/menu-bar-icon-does-not-appear
category: "Getting started"
subcategory: "Finding your way around"
question: "Why can't I see the Storage Studio icon in my menu bar?"
alt_questions:
  - "Storage Studio menu bar icon missing"
  - "Storage Studio icon hidden behind the notch"
  - "Storage Studio running but no icon"
  - "Menu bar too full for Storage Studio"
  - "Where did Storage Studio's icon go?"
short_answer: "Your menu bar is probably full — macOS hides icons that don't fit, especially around the notch. Quit some menu-bar apps, reopen Storage Studio from Applications, or turn on its Dock icon in Settings → Interface."
tags: ["menu bar", "troubleshooting", "icon"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/getting-started/where-is-the-storage-studio-icon", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/getting-started/menu-bar-icon-colours"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Why can't I see the Storage Studio icon in my menu bar?

macOS hides menu-bar icons when the bar runs out of room — common on MacBooks with a notch or when many menu-bar apps are running. Storage Studio is usually still running; its icon just doesn't fit.

Try:

1. Quit a few other menu-bar apps to make room.
2. Open Storage Studio again from your Applications folder.
3. Turn on **Settings → Interface → Show Storage Studio in the Dock** so you can always reach it from the Dock.

The Apps grid shortcut (⌃Space by default) also opens the app from anywhere.