How do I force Spotlight to reindex on my Mac?

Why won’t Spotlight show my files on macOS Tahoe?

Issues with Spotlight on macOS Tahoe usually stem from a corrupted metadata index. When the operating system loses track of file locations, search results become incomplete or fail entirely. The following solutions range from standard system toggles to terminal-based index reconstruction.

Fix 1: Rebuild the Index via Terminal

The most effective way to resolve search failures is forcing the metadata server (mds) to erase its current map and build a new one. This method uses the mdutil (metadata utility) command.

Open Terminal.

Execute the following commands in order:

sudo mdutil -Eai off
sudo mdutil -Eai on
mdutil -as

Understanding the Syntax:

• sudo: Grants administrative privileges required for system-wide changes.
• mdutil: Calls the Spotlight management tool.
• -i off: Disables indexing to stop active processes.
• -E: Erases the local index data.
• -i on: Re-enables indexing, triggering the rebuild process.
• -a: Applies the action to all connected volumes.
• -s: Displays the final status to confirm indexing is active.

Once executed, macOS begins cataloging your drive immediately. This process consumes system resources; allow it to finish before testing search functionality.

Fix 2: Refresh Search Categories

If a full rebuild is unnecessary, you can force a configuration refresh by toggling specific search parameters. This prompts the system to re-scan specific file types.

1. Navigate to System Settings > Spotlight.
2. Locate the entry for Files and Folders.
3. Uncheck the box next to it.
4. Wait 10 seconds, then check the box again.

This action updates the .plist preference files governing Spotlight’s scope. Test your search to see if the missing files appear.

Fix 3: Target the Preboot Volume

macOS Tahoe utilizes a specific volume called “Preboot” for boot-up processes. Corruption here can stall the main indexer. If the previous steps failed, target this specific volume.

1. Open Terminal.
2. Enter the following sequence:

   sudo mdutil -Eai on
   sudo mdutil -Eai off
   sudo mdutil -X /System/Volumes/Preboot
   mdutil -as

Command Breakdown:

• -X: This specific flag deletes the Spotlight index metadata store strictly for the volume path provided.
• /System/Volumes/Preboot: This targets the APFS Preboot volume where boot data resides.

By clearing the metadata store on the Preboot volume, you remove legacy corruption that survives standard reindexing.

Fix 4: Reset the Main Data Volume

If the index is severely damaged, you must purge the main data container. There are two ways to achieve this: a manual deletion (risky) and an official tool reset (safe).

Recommended Method (Official Tool): Use the mdutil tool to target your primary data volume specifically.

sudo mdutil -E /System/Volumes/Data

Alternative Method (Manual Deletion):

This command forcibly removes the hidden database folder. Only use this if the official tool fails.

sudo rm -rf /.Spotlight-V100

Why rm -rf is risky: This command forces deletion without confirmation. A typo in the file path could delete critical system files instead of the index. Always prioritize mdutil -E as it handles the cleanup protocols correctly within the macOS framework.

After running either command, restart your Mac. Spotlight will begin reindexing from scratch.