MacBook Finder Search Not Working: 9 Tips for a Quick Fix

Posted By Volodymyr Chubei | 30 Aug 2024

Finder is a useful tool for searching files and folders on your hard disk, iCloud Drive, other devices and storage services. Sometimes Finder fails to search for files and there can be several reasons for its incorrect operation. In this article, let's look at the reasons why MacBook finder search is not working and also suggest options to fix the problem.

Why is Finder not working on my Macbook

Some of the main reasons why the Finder doesn't work on your MacBook include the following:

macOS operating system malfunctions;
software conflicts;
search settings failure;
lack of RAM or processor resources;
the presence of malware.

You don't have to go to a repair shop to fix the problem. There are several ways to restore the search functionality on your own.

9 tips to fix MacBook Finder when it isn't responding

Here is a guide to help you get Finder functionality back. Most problems can be fixed by following simple steps, such as restarting MacBook Finder and the operating system. There are more complicated steps, but even these can be handled by a user with minimal knowledge of how a MacBook works.

1. Restarting your MacBook

A restart clears processes or applications that are clogging system resources and memory. A restart also installs pending updates and fixes memory problems. To restart your MacBook, click the Apple logo and select "Restart" from the list. If the problem is not solved, proceed to the next step.

2. Restarting the Finder

When applications fail, a simple reboot sometimes helps to fix the problem. To do this, click on Apple in the menu and select "Force shutdown". In the next step, in the list of programs, select Finder and click "Restart". Check if the software works.

3. Checking Finder settings

If reboots did not help to restore Finder functionality, it is recommended to check the Finder settings. To do this, follow the instructions:

Launch the Finder window by clicking on the application name in the menu bar.
In the window that opens, select "Settings".
Click on the "Advanced" option.
At the bottom there is a "When performing a search" setting where you have to select "Search on this Mac" if another option is set.

Also: What to Do If your MacBook Won't Turn on

4. Spotlight check

It is recommended that you check your Spotlight search settings. You may have one or more folders in the excluded folders. Follow the steps below:

Tap the Apple symbol in the menu.
Select "System Settings."
Click on Siri and Spotlight, click on the Spotlight privacy tab.
If there are folders in the list that you want to search, delete them. To do this, click on the folder you want to index, then on "-".
Click "Done."

5. Customizing the Spotlight search index

Finder and Spotlight use the same search index, so to fix the problem when the search doesn't work, it is recommended to try updating the index.

To restore the Finder index:

Launch Finder and click on "Applications".
Select "Utilities" and then "Terminal".
Paste sudo mdutil -i on / into the command line.
If necessary, enter your password, and press "Return".

The time it will take to recover depends on the amount of data that needs indexing. After the process is complete, check that the Finder works correctly.

6. Setting the default search

When the Finder is not working, sometimes you need to restore the default Finder to work. To do this, stick to the following procedure:

Open the Finder application.
Go to the "Advanced" section.
In the "When searching" settings, change the default search. Try setting one of the following options: "Use previous search area", "Search on this Mac", or "Search in current folder".

7. Deleting the PLIST file

If Finder PLST is corrupted, the application may not work properly. In such a case, it is best to delete the file:

Open Finder and press Command+Shift+G.
Navigate to the path ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist.
Find the PLIST file in the list, click on it while holding down the Control key.
Select the "Move to Cart" option.
Reboot the device for the changes to take effect.

8. Booting in safe mode

When you run it this way, you may find errors that cause problems with your MacBook. The login process differs depending on the processor type.

Intel-powered MacBook Input:

Turn off the device.
After 10-12 seconds, boot the computer by pressing the power button and Shift.
Release Shift immediately after the login starts.

MacBook Input for Apple Silicon:

Turn off the device.
After 5-7 seconds, press the button until "Load startup parameters" appears on the display.
Select the desired boot disk.
Hold Shift and click on the "Continue in Safe Mode" option.

After downloading, launch Finder and see how the application works in safe mode. If the Finder works, you will have to find and remove the software that prevents it from correct operation.

Also: How to Fix a Frozen MacBook: 8 Tips

9. Upgrading your MacBook

Regular updates of your operating system will help you avoid all sorts of problems. This is necessary to improve security as well as to fix bugs in the software. To update your laptop, select "System Settings" and click on the "Basic" tab. Click on "Software Update" and, if available, install the new version of macOS.

If you can't solve the problem with our guide, you may need to replace a specific part, such as the battery. On the Apple Parts website you will find a lot of original spare parts for different MacBook models. The company offers only certified parts and components, without counterfeits and cheap analogs.

If you don't have the knowledge and skills to replace the part yourself, order your MacBook repair from Apple Parts by mail. Select your device model and the part that needs to be replaced. Send us your computer and wait for the diagnostic results. After the repair, pay the bill and get your MacBook back in a couple of days.

Genuine Top Case W/ Keyboard W/ Battery, Space Gray A2779

FAQ

1. Why is my Mac not letting me search?

Such problems are most often associated with various software malfunctions. This can be related to settings, boot failures, or the presence of malware.

2. Why is my MacBook finder search option not working?

The cause may be an outdated version of macOS, improper indexing, and a corrupt PLST file. Also, incorrect Spotlight settings can negatively affect the Finder's performance.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Volodymyr Chubei
Computer Repair Specialist at TechToro.io

Volodymyr was born in Ukraine and has found his passion for electronics from his childhood. At the age of 13, he was capable of soldering some basic elements of a logic board and today he is one of the co-founders of TechToro.io