mail search function not working in MacOS Sonoma

I had this and spoke to Apple support. They directed me to start my computer in safe mode, which completely fixed the problem. There install had created a software glitch that was cleared once started in safe mode and then I restarted as normal.

I have the same issue after updating my Macbook Pro (14-inch 2021) M1 to Sonoma. I first noticed this in Mail but "Search" does not work in most of the Apple applications like Notes, Spotlight, Calendar, and Pages; these are the ones I have tested so far. I have tried many things I found online but nothing fixes the issue. As a temporary solution, I have to install Microsoft Outlook where the "Search" works perfectly fine.

Please notice that I have another MacBook Pro (Intel 2016), that I updated to Sonoma as well and I haven't had any issues on this machine.

I hope Apple is looking into this and provide a way to fix it.

Try rebuilding the mailbox or resetting the Mail preference and that should help.

Open Finder, go to-

~/Library/Containers/com.apple.mail/Data/Library/Preferences

Here delete com.apple. Mail.plist file. After this restart the Mail and the issue will be fixed.

If that doesn't work then here's a detailed guide by me that you follow to fix Mail Search function not working in macOS Sonoma.

Same here. The search bar in Mac Mail is not working in my newly updated Sonoma OS with a MacBook Pro 13" 2020, Apple M1 Chip. Nor is the overall search function (spotlight) for my machine. SUPER frustrating and damaging to my ability to do my job.

I have the same issue over here. It's also happening in Notes. Tried all the tricks I could find using terminal, but no dice. Turning Spotlight on/off, reindexing all drives, rebuilding mailboxes etc. Seems to be a bug.

I found the problem was caused by the latest update to Goodnotes. Searching from that starting point lead to the solution of

1. logging out / signing out of iCloud
2. Restart computer
3. log into / sign into iCloud

Both Mail and Photos (and Notes etc.) will re-index over a few minutes and all works for me now.

If the above still doesn't work, turn off both Mail and Photos in iCloud settings and then turn both on again.

I hope this helps

I tried everything anyone here and elsewhere suggested and nothing worked. But I just updated to 14.2.1 and the problem is gone. Fixed. As if it had never been broken in the first place, in both messages and mail.

I have had this issue with all my computers when I upgrade. On the first occasion I spoke to apple and they told me how to fix it and the fix has worked with all my computers whenever it happens. Open you computer in SAFE MODE, you can google how to do it. Then check the email search is working and close and restart in normal mode.

It will then work.

Thank you for your response. Good to hear you have had no issues. Yes, I had no problems with the previous OS, so much so that I have reinstalled it. The issue was specific to Mail search.

Cheers, Marcus

Thank you for your reply. My tech department reinstalled the previous OS, so I could use Mail Search which is important to my work, so I am unable to perform the function you are suggesting. I am not willing to upgrade to Sonoma OS again, until I have an understanding of what is causing the problem. I will forward your suggestion to my tech dept. and get their thoughts and if they had already tried your suggestion.

Cheers, Marcus

Never had GoodNotes on this computer.

Hi - Been on 14.2.1 MacBook Pro (M2) since it came out and still don’t have search function in mail

Tell us what your mail menu item under 'Window' select the Connection Doctor and print out the commands that error out! Then go account settings in mail and see if you fat finger a setup parameter setting it up!

I tried a number of fixes from the web but finally signed out of iCloud and then signed in again. email files were deleted and then resynchronised and search began working again. You will need to wait for the resync to work its magic (depending on the number of emails in your various folders).

I also just noticed Photos didn't resync but this is as simple as turning iCloud Photos off in Settings and then turning back on and Voilá.

This worked for me for about a day.. Then had to uninstall iCloud account and mail accounts, then reinstall. After spending a week doing this is downgraded as well. This problem for me was in mail & messages. Didn’t check notes that I recall.