Site TIPS PAGE🔎   UP ONE LEVEL
 OJB's Site. v2.4.L: tip227 tips mac owen2 
Tip

Discuss   Up to OJB's Mac Tips List

Rebuild Mail Search

If you cannot search for messages in Apple Mail (a search doesn't find expected results), try rebuilding the Spotlight search index for email messages.

Go to Apple menu, then "System Settings"
On newer operating systems, click "Spotlight".
On older (pre-Sonoma), click "Siri & Spotlight".
On older systems, scroll down to search results on the right.
Deselect "Mail & Messages."
Wait for a few seconds.
Restart your Mac.
Repeat all the steps, but reselect the "Mail & Messages" option.
The search for Mail should be rebuilt.

Note 1: The restart might not be necessary, but include it if you can.
Note 2: After these steps it might take a while for the search to be fully rebuilt.

Related Tips

Reset Spotlight Database
Rebuild the Spotlight Index
Spotlight Local Reset





My latest blog post: Think for Yourself: In the end, everything is just an opinion. Be skeptical, and think for yourself! (posted 2026-04-25).

My latest podcast: OJB's Podcast 2026-04-14 How Far is that Star?

If you're not sure what to view from my site, here are some suggestions: My Latest Airshow Report, My Favourite Wines and Beers, An Interesting Astronomical Observation, See Some Photos, Read Some Mac Tips.


Site News (Mobile): OJB's web site, v 2.4 which has major changes, and possibly errors! Please report anything to ojb@mac.com.