How to Fix Finder Search Not Working on Mac

• September 08, 2025
• Admin
• Macbook

How to Fix Finder Search Not Working on Mac

 

·     Example: macOS

·     Steps:

 

1.  Restart Your Mac:

Sometimes, a quick restart can solve random issues. It refreshes your system and clears out background problems.

·     Click the Apple logo in the top left.

·     Choose Restart.

 

          

 

2.  Restart Finder:

Finder might be stuck. Restarting it can help.

·     Click Apple logo > Force Quit.

 

            

 

·     Select Finder > Click Relaunch.

 

               

 

3.  Check Finder’s Search Settings:

Your Search settings might be set to the wrong option.

·     Open Finder > Click Finder in the top bar Settings.

 

            

 

·     Go to the Advance tab.

·     Make sure Search This Mac is selected.

 

           

 

4.  Remove a Bad Finder file:

Sometimes a broken settings file causes problem.

·     Open Finder, press Command + Shift + G

·     Type this path: ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist

 

         

 

·     Right-click the file and select Move to Bin.

 

              

 

·     Restart your Mac.