Where is the indexing PROGRESS?

Where do I find the indexing progress in Tahoe (v26.2)?

I know the system is indexing, but I cannot see the progress.

(Either a progress bar or a percentage would be helpful.)


I've tried opening a search and typing indexing.

I've tried hovering over the Spotlight icon.

I've looked at the Spotlight privacy area, but it only lists the volumes to exclude.


Thank you.

Posted on Jan 16, 2026 8:43 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 16, 2026 8:50 AM

Click the Spotlight magnifying glass on your menu bar and type in one letter in the search bar.

If Spotlight is indexing, then you should see a process bar at that time.


If you wish or think that you need to reindex Spotlight.

see > Rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac - Apple Support


If you are having other issues with your Mac..?

Download and run the free version of EtreCheckPro, from > https://etrecheck.com/en/index.html

Then post back here with your Report, as per > How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 16, 2026 8:50 AM in response to ctobola

Click the Spotlight magnifying glass on your menu bar and type in one letter in the search bar.

If Spotlight is indexing, then you should see a process bar at that time.


If you wish or think that you need to reindex Spotlight.

see > Rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac - Apple Support


If you are having other issues with your Mac..?

Download and run the free version of EtreCheckPro, from > https://etrecheck.com/en/index.html

Then post back here with your Report, as per > How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community

Jan 16, 2026 8:52 AM in response to ctobola

There is no Spotlight indexing progress bar. The only way to tell indexing is taking place is to click the Spotlight 🔍 search icon in the menu bar. If indexing is proceeding you should get a message saying “indexing".


There may be a terminal command to see progress live but I don't have that knowledge. In older versions of macOS was a rotating indexing indicator as I recall. Indexing takes place in the background and slows down or speeds up depending on the system load.

Where is the indexing PROGRESS?

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