How to update the locate db in macOS Catalina?

This command always used to work:

sudo /usr/libexec/locate.updatedb

Now it produces a string of errors:

% sudo /usr/libexec/locate.updatedb

Password:

shell-init: error retrieving current directory: getcwd: cannot access parent directories: Permission denied

MacBook Pro with Touch Bar

Posted on Nov 25, 2019 2:27 AM

Top-ranking reply

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,290 points

Posted on Nov 25, 2019 7:25 AM

sudo launchctl load -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.locate.plist

This Terminal command works on Catalina 10.15.1 from the zsh shell. I would wait a few minutes before attempting to use the command-line locate command as it takes awhile to generate the locate database in /var/db. Locate now works for me in Catalina, but do check its manual page:

man locate

View in context

Similar questions

2 replies

Top-ranking reply

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,290 points

Nov 25, 2019 7:25 AM in response to brsm1990

sudo launchctl load -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.locate.plist

man locate

Nov 25, 2019 7:05 AM in response to brsm1990

not sure if it matters, but have you updated Terminal

to use zsh instead of bash?

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

How to update the locate db in macOS Catalina?