Written by
Sherry SongThe Reminders app on macOS is a handy tool for managing tasks and keeping your schedule organized. However, some Mac users have reported issues with search functionality not working as expected whether updating to macOS Sequoia or not.
Since upgrading to macOS Sequoia, I am unable to search in Reminders app. I confirmed I could do it on my iPhone and iPad, how can I do? -forums.macrumors.com
My Reminders app is totally stuffed with my MacBook running macOS Sequoia. I thought it was not syncing or frozen, any fixes? -reddit.com
The search function in my Calendar and Reminders app not responding, so strange. -discussion.apple.com
If you are experiencing this problem like them, don't worry, this guide provides step-by-step solutions to help you fix the issue Reminders search not working on Mac.
How to fix the Reminders app not working on macOS?
Let's resolve the issue with the methods below one by one:
# Fix 1: Check iCloud sync
A common cause of search issues is iCloud sync problems. Follow these steps:
- Apple menu > System Settings > Apple Account > iCloud.
- Choose See All, and confirm that the Reminders toggle is enabled.
- Try disabling and re-enabling the toggle, then allow some time for your data to sync again.
# Fix 2: Verify Spotlight settings
Reminders search broken after Sequoia updates relies on Spotlight indexing. You can:
- Apple menu > System Settings > Spotlight.
- Ensure that Events & Reminders is selected under the Spotlight search results.
- Turn off it and turn it on again.
- Restart your Mac and test the search feature again.
# Fix 3: Disable Reminders in Calendar
Adding your Reminders to the Calendar app can sometimes help address search issues on Apple Reminders.
- Finder > Applications > Calendar.
- Click the Calendar icon on the top.
- Check whether you select the Scheduled Reminders under the Other.
- Manually turn it off.
(Or you can manually add these tasks to the Calendar app as events and reminders.)
# Fix 4: Clear Reminders Library caches
Corrupted cache files can interfere with app performance, which may lead to the issue that you can't search Reminders app after macOS updates.
- Finder > Go > Go to Folder.
- Type ~/Library and press the Enter key.
- Find the files/folder below, right-click them and choose Move to Trash.
~/Library/Containers/com.apple.reminders
~/Library/Containers/com.apple.reminders.
~/Library/Containers/com.apple.ReminderKitUI.
~/Library/Group Containers/group.com.apple.reminders
~/Library/Reminders
Have you fixed the issue of Search being broken after Sequoia upgrade? Share this post, please.
# Fix 5: Utilize Terminal commands
Advanced users can use Mac Terminal to troubleshoot the Reminders app search not working on macOS.
- Finder > Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
- Type sudo mdutil -Eai off and press the Enter key.
- Type sudo mdutil -Eai on and press the Enter key.
- Type mdutil -as and press the Enter key.
# Fix 6: Reindex Reminders index
If the above methods don't resolve the issue, try rebuilding the Spotlight index of Reminders specifically.
- Apple menu > System Settings > Spotlight.
- Scroll down and click Search Privacy.
- Click the add button and choose Library > Applications Support > Apple > Spotlight, then click Choose at the bottom.
- Click Done then restart your Mac.
# Fix 7: Use Mac Safe Mode
Booting your Mac in Safe Mode can help diagnose and fix software conflicts:
- Shut down your Mac, then turn it on while holding the Shift key.
- Log in and test the Reminders search feature.
- Restart your Mac normally to exit Safe Mode.
Share these helpful fixes if you fix the Reminders search not working on macOS, share it to help more people~ If the issue persists, consider contacting Apple Support for further assistance.
