You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Finder Search has stopped working

Hello all, running a new 16” M1. Search via the Finder and Spotlight stopped working for both user accounts I have on the machine. Just zero results via name and only a couple with everything. I have done to the Add/Delete trick with Spotlight preferences with no luck. It was working yesterday I believe. Only things I’ve installed are MySql and the Cask Brew tools for Homebrew.


I’ve restarted etc. no idea what I can do. Thanks!

MacBook Pro (2020 and later)

Posted on Nov 29, 2021 5:46 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 30, 2021 7:36 AM

MisterPatrickL wrote:

Hello all, running a new 16” M1. Search via the Finder and Spotlight stopped working for both user accounts I have on the machine. Just zero results via name and only a couple with everything. I have done to the Add/Delete trick with Spotlight preferences with no luck. It was working yesterday I believe. Only things I’ve installed are MySql and the Cask Brew tools for Homebrew.

I’ve restarted etc. no idea what I can do. Thanks!




Rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac - Apple Support




if no insight —Try a SafeBoot https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201262



Takes noticeable longer to get to the login screen, does a 5 minute disk repair before it fully boots up, and certain system caches get cleared and rebuilt, including dynamic loader cache, etc.

Login and test. Reboot as normal and test. Caches get rebuilt automatically.


In Safe mode third party system modifications and system accelerations are disabled, it removes malware, etc hampering smooth operation, however a reboot will put it back to normal mode.


This test will tell you if third party interference; extensions etc are not loaded in safe boot mode.



Uninstall all third party apps that are Cleaners/Optimizers/VPN/Anti-Virus

all known to cause issues on the macOS


Similar questions

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 30, 2021 7:36 AM in response to MisterPatrickL

MisterPatrickL wrote:

Hello all, running a new 16” M1. Search via the Finder and Spotlight stopped working for both user accounts I have on the machine. Just zero results via name and only a couple with everything. I have done to the Add/Delete trick with Spotlight preferences with no luck. It was working yesterday I believe. Only things I’ve installed are MySql and the Cask Brew tools for Homebrew.

I’ve restarted etc. no idea what I can do. Thanks!




Rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac - Apple Support




if no insight —Try a SafeBoot https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201262



Takes noticeable longer to get to the login screen, does a 5 minute disk repair before it fully boots up, and certain system caches get cleared and rebuilt, including dynamic loader cache, etc.

Login and test. Reboot as normal and test. Caches get rebuilt automatically.


In Safe mode third party system modifications and system accelerations are disabled, it removes malware, etc hampering smooth operation, however a reboot will put it back to normal mode.


This test will tell you if third party interference; extensions etc are not loaded in safe boot mode.



Uninstall all third party apps that are Cleaners/Optimizers/VPN/Anti-Virus

all known to cause issues on the macOS


Finder Search has stopped working

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.