Written by
Jenny ZengA large number of users have found Spotlight Search not working or only working partially after the macOS Sequoia update.
Some are disappointed that Spotlight search doesn't show apps like it would on previous versions, preventing them from launching apps efficiently. When they search for an app, they get web search suggestions, system files, or the wrong app, rather than the actual application.
Others have trouble finding files through Spotlight search, where either no related files show up or the results aren't complete.
These Spotlight issues are not exclusive to macOS Sequoia. In fact, it happened to Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, and any other update as well. But don't worry; we'll help you fix Spotlight search not working on macOS Sequoia.
Fix 1: Rebuild Spotlight index in Terminal
Spotlight typically reindexes files on a Mac after a macOS update. The reindexing process starts automatically and can take some time, depending on the amount of data on the Mac.
If the reindexing isn't complete or encounters issues, Spotlight will have problems showing the right results. So, a likely reason for Spotlight search not showing the correct apps or files on macOS Sequoia is that Spotlight hasn't finished reindexing data or the reindexing process is not going according to plan.
In this case, you can wait longer with your Mac on and plugged into power or manually rebuild the Spotlight index.
Here's how to rebuild Spotlight index in Terminal:
- Unplug unnecessary external drives or other peripherals.
- Open Finder, then launch Terminal from the Applications/Utilities folder.
- Type the command below and hit Enter to turn off Spotlight and erase the index.sudo mdutil -Eai off
- Type your admin password and hit Enter.
- Run the following command to enable Spotlight on Mac.sudo mdutil -Eai on
- Execute the command below to show the current Spotlight indexing status for all mounted volumes.mdutil -as
After the reindex is done, Spotlight should work properly on macOS Sequoia. Share this guide if it's helpful!
Fix 2: Use the privacy list
If Spotlight still doesn't show applications or files on macOS Sequoia as expected, add the folder to the privacy list and remove it. To do this:
- Go to System Settings > Spotlight.
- Scroll down and click the "Search Privacy" button on the right.
- Drag the folder that's not cooperating to the list of locations that Spotlight is prevented from searching. (If Spotlight can't find apps, drag the Applications folder to it. Or, simply drag the Macintosh HD icon on the desktop to exclude all files.)
- Click Done and close System Settings.
- Wait for some time.
- Open Search Privacy, select the disk, and click the ( - ) delete button to remove it from the privacy list.
- Click Done.
Fix 3: Update macOS Sequoia
It's also possible that the Spotlight search issue is caused by bugs on the current system and a new point release will fix it. Therefore, if there's a new update available, try updating macOS Sequoia in System Settings > General > Software Update.
Fix 4: Reload the metadata plist file
If Spotlight search can't find some apps on Mac, for example, system apps, you can resolve it by reloading the metadata plist file. Here's how:
- Launch the Terminal app.
- Disable Spotlight indexing on all drives.sudo mdutil -a -i off
- Type your admin password and press Enter if prompted.
- Disable the Spotlight metadata service.sudo launchctl unload -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.metadata.mds.plist
- Re-enable the Spotlight metadata service.sudo launchctl load -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.metadata.mds.plist
- Re-enable Spotlight indexing.sudo mdutil -a -i on
Fix 5: Downgrade macOS Sequoia
If Spotlight search remains broken on macOS Sequoia, consider reverting back to a previous version. For instance, if you upgraded from Sonoma, you can downgrade macOS Sequoia to Sonoma.
Help others fix Spotlight search not working on macOS Sequoia by sharing this article!
