Search doesn't work in Apple Mail any more.
I'm on an Apple M2 Pro, with Tahoe.
Normally I type a word into the search bar - a name or key word and apple finds all the emails with that word in the sender or in the subject line.
Now it shows me absolutely nothing. As in it does not function AT ALL. Even when I put the full email address in the search bar it fails to show me anything.
MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 26.5
In Tahoe and later the search will only search in the currently viewed mailbox. Have you selected "All MAoboxes" in the sidebar, when you are starting a search?
Long shot but try killing the corespoltlightd process. Easiest way is to use Activity Monitor, search for it using the search box (top right) then hit the circle-x in the toolbar and force quit. If search doesn't find it then in the menu bar hit "View" and make sure "All Processes" is ticked.
If that doesn't work then you could try deleting and re-starting the Spotlight Index (Mail uses Spotlight index for search). Google it or search these boards for it.
Re: Search doesn't work in Apple Mail any more.
If you are looking for a solution:
Below are three suggestions you might want to try.
(1) Have you tried restarting your Mac yet ?... often restores order if something is not working as expected ... (re-establishes connections, deletes temporary files etc., and much more.)
(2) Are your still using MacOS 26.5 as your post to us suggests?
The newest version of MacOS 26 is MacOS 26.7.1, and:
"This update provides security fixes for your iPhone".
NB: Always wise to back-up Mac first if updating Mac OS. Also: Choose the update carefully if you don't want to update to MacOS 27.0.1 yet, if that is compatible with your Mac
(Mac Pro with Apple silicon (2023) is compatible)
(3) If you have unnecessary third-party security software and / or a third-party VPN installed (that is: not a VPN provided by an employer): that may be the cause of interference in the Mail app ... even if turned off they will still likely run in the background ... using uninstallers from their developers is the best way to get rid of them, and their associated files.
Thank you kindly for your reply, and for sharing your findings.
Re: "I'm not on my iphone, I'm on my Macbook".
Apologies for any inconvenience: (corrected my initial error)
(2) iOS info. in previous reply above was immediately edited to
(2) MacOS info: (can only be done within 15 mins of posting)
__________________
Re: "I am on 26.5.2"
Yes. There have been five MacOS 26 updates, since 26.5.2. (some with bug-fixes, and security fixes, etc.) Keeping your Mac's MacOS up-to-date often sidesteps issues from arising.
The newest version of MacOS 26 is MacOS 26.7.1, and:
"This update provides security fixes for your iPhone".
If you do not want to do the major upgrade to MacOS 27 yet, (or if your Mac is not compatible with it (eg: MacBook Pro with Apple silicon (2020 and later) is compatible),
you might consider updating to MacOS 26.7.1
According to Apple: "macOS Tahoe 26 updates improve the stability, performance, or compatibility of your Mac and are recommended for all macOS Tahoe users"
If you choose to update:
After backing up your Mac data for safe-keeping
To update to MacOS 26.7.1 ... use the App Store
or
To upgrade to MacOS 27.0.1 ... it is via:
Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software updates.
I have got all mailboxes selected obviously.
I have restarted my computer many times.
I am on 26.5.2
I'm not on my iphone, I'm on my Macbook.
There are no firewalls or VPNs on my macbook.
And when I go into locations there is only one - automatic. Which is not editable as far as I can see.
Yes of course I have.
Search doesn't work in Apple Mail any more.
