Fix Mac Mail Search Not Working on Mac? Expert Guide

Written By

Published on
September 8th, 2021

Updated on
April 26, 2025

4 minutes Read

Summary: Recently, we came across numerous Mac OS users who were complaining that the Mac Mail search not working. In case if you’re also looking for a reliable technique to fix it, read this blog carefully. Well, various reasons are available where the Mail search function is not working, like corrupted Mail index files. You don’t need to worry anymore. We will provide different verified solutions to fix it. 

In this expert guide, we’ll provide all the possible solutions that might help resolve these issues. Firstly, take a look at the reasons to know the scenarios of Mac Mail not working. 

Why Is Apple Mail Search Not Working?

You must read this section to know some common issues that create this problem:

  • Incorrect Spotlight Indexing: Sometimes due to incorrect or corrupt indexing can lead to this issue. 
  • Out-of-Date macos: Due to an outdated Mac version, your Mac Mail search feature might stop working 
  • Corrupt Data in Mail: Check for corrupt data in Mail, as it can lead to this problem. 
  • Overlapping Other Apps: Interference from other apps or third-party tools can be the reason for this. 
  • Internet Issues: An unstable internet connection can be the reason for the Mail search not working. 

Now, we will discuss the methods to fix it instantly. 

Mac Mail Search Not Working – Different Solution

The search box on Mac Mail not working issues can be resolved by various techniques. Here, we will discuss absolute and reliable techniques that help to overcome the issue of OS X Mail search not working. Let’s start. 

1. Restart Mail App

You can restart the Mail app to reload all of its resources and fix “MacOS Mail search not working”. 

  1. On your Mac, click the search icon in the top right corner. 
  2. Then, enter and open Activity Monitor -> Memory.
  3. After that, pick the Mail app and close it by using Activity Monitor.
  4. Further, open the Mail app and try it if it works. 

2. Reload your Mac

If the above solution doesn’t work, try restarting the whole system to remove the issue causing the error. 

  1. Firstly, tap on the Apple logo -> Restart option.
  2. Now, wait until the system responds or reboots. 
  3. After this, reload your Mail app and try the search feature to check if it is working. 

3. Add a New Account

You can try another method to eliminate your existing account and add a new account on your Mac OS. This process helps to reload account data and refresh the Apple server connection. 

  1. To start it, tap on the Apple logo in the left corner. 
  2. After that, choose System Preferences -> Internet Accounts. 
  3. In the end, select the account -> click minus(-).

4. Update Mac OS

Sometimes, an outdated Mac OS causes the search feature to malfunction. Therefore, updating it can be the best solution. 

  1. To begin, click the Apple logo -> System Preferences.
  2. Under System Preferences, hit Software Update.
  3. Now, press Update if available.

5. Boot in Safe Mode

If the Mac OS is not working properly, try to boot it in safe mode. With this, users can check for possible errors and repair them. 

  1. To do this, shut down your PC. 
  2. Later, press the shift key + Power button.
  3. You have to press it until Mac Boots Up. 

6. Rebuild Mac Mailbox

You can also rebuild your mailbox, which helps you to solve your problem. 

  1. First of all, select the Mail app -> Mailbox menu.
  2. Then, browse and click Rebuild (In Mailbox).
  3. Now, wait till the process ends. 

Conclusion 

The Mail app on macOS has a search function that helps users easily locate specific emails instantly.  Due to Mac OS update and other issues, if this feature is not working, try the discussed methods to fix the Mac Mail search not working error. However, it still doesn’t work, it is best to take a backup of all the data. So, users can easily retrieve them whenever they need. To take a backup of Mac Mail, try MacSonik iCloud Backup Tool. Using this utility, users can back up Apple Mail emails into multiple file formats with minimal downtime with no effort. Additionally, it is reliable for all users to take a backup of bulk data, including Mailbox backup. 

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