Apple Mail Search Not Working

Why Apple Mail search may not be working

There are several reasons why you may find Apple Mail search not working on Mac, such as Spotlight indexing issues, mailbox sync errors, or incorrect Mail preferences. Spotlight is most commonly the root cause since Apple Mail relies on this feature for searching.

We’ve noticed that some users find Mac Mail not working when using an out of date version of macOS. This is usually rectified by updating, though it may not be that simple if you’re already running the most recent release compatible with your Mac.

How to fix Apple Mail search not working

The fix for Apple Mail search issues usually depends on what the cause of the problem is, but these are the best fixes we recommend:

1. Rebuild mailbox.
2. Check Spotlight preferences.
3. Reset Apple Mail preferences.
4. Update your OS and Apple Mail.
5. Clear Apple Mail cache.
6. Use third-party tools for Apple Mail search issues.

A note from our experts: 

 

If you’re stuck with Apple Mail not searching, and you need support, MacKeeper’s Premium Services put you in touch with trained professionals who can help you get Mail working again—and fix other Mac issues.

 

Try this:

1. Download MacKeeper and install our app on your Mac.
2. When it opens, select Premium Services, then click Chat Now.
3. Describe the problem you’re facing to get fast, expert help 24/7.

1. Rebuild mailbox

We’ve found that mailbox problems often prevent the Mail app from searching properly, and a mailbox rebuild is usually the best fix. Here’s how:

1. Select the mailbox you want to rebuild in Mail’s sidebar.
2. Go to Mailbox > Rebuild in the Mac menu bar.
3. Wait for the process to complete—which can take a while if you have a large mailbox—then try searching again.

If a mailbox you’re looking for seems to be missing, it may be that the account was somehow removed so you’ll need to add email on a MacBook again.

2. Check Spotlight preferences

Mail search uses the Spotlight feature in macOS, so when issues occur, that’s often the root cause. Check ​your Spotlight preferences to ensure Mail is included in searches like so:

1. In System Settings, select Siri & Spotlight.
2. Confirm Mail & Messages is selected.
3. If Mail & Messages is already enabled, disable it, restart your Mac, and then repeat the steps above to turn it back on, which will trigger Spotlight to reindex your mail.

If you also encounter Mac Finder not responding when you try to search, this indicates a wider Spotlight problem. A Mac restart usually helps.

3. Reset Apple Mail preferences

We can often fix Mail search issues by resetting affected email accounts. To do this, simply disable and then re-enable them in Apple Mail preferences by following these steps:

1. Open Mail.
2. Go to Mail > Settings in the menu bar.
3. Select the Accounts tab, choose an affected email account, then uncheck the box next to Enable this account.
4. Quit the Mail app, then reopen it.
5. Return to the Accounts section in Mail settings.
6. Select the account you just disabled, then click Enable this account to re-enable it.
7. After a minute or so, try searching again to see if the problem is now fixed.

4. Update your OS and Apple Mail

Apple Mail problems can sometimes occur when you’re running an out of date version of macOS for too long, or when macOS or the Mail app suffer corruption issues. An easy fix for this is to update your OS:

1. Open System Settings and select General > Software Update.
2. Your Mac will automatically look for an update. If a new version of macOS is available, click Update Now or Upgrade Now.

We’ve noticed Mail problems are becoming more common in macOS Monterey and Ventura now that they’re getting older, while Sonoma and Sequoia tend to face fewer problems overall.

5. Clear Apple Mail cache

Some Apple Mail issues are caused by a corrupt cache file, which needs to be deleted before the app can create a fresh one. Try following these steps:

1. Open Finder, then select Go > Go to Folder in the menu bar.
2. Enter ~/Library/Mail and press Enter.
3. You’ll see a folder here that begins with V; right-click it and choose Move to Trash.
4. Right-click the Trash icon in the dock and select Empty Trash.
5. Restart Mail to create a new cache file and then try searching again.

6. Use third-party tools for Apple Mail search issues

One fix for Apple Mail search issues is to use a third-party search tool instead. Sadly, it’s not possible to replace this function inside the Mail app itself, and Spotlight alternatives like Alfred and Raycast don’t support Mail due to Apple restrictions. However, you can try third-party email clients.

Apps like Outlook, Spark, Canary, and Thunderbird feature powerful search tools—some of which use AI to go even more in-depth—and they support all popular email providers, including iCloud, Gmail, and Yahoo.

Conclusion

When you need to hunt down an important email and you find Apple Mail not searching, it can be frustrating, but there are several tricks you can try to fix the problem, like rebuilding your mailboxes, checking Spotlight preferences, and switching to a third-party email app.

If you need assistance fixing Mail search, or other problems you might be facing on Mac, reach out to the experts through MacKeeper’s Premium Services. Our professional team can help you diagnose and fix almost any issue you might be facing in macOS, and we’re available 24/7.