How to Rebuild the Spotlight Index

Spotlight is an extremely useful feature that allows macOS users to find any file, application, mail, document, image, etc. stored on the system quickly. Indeed, it is not that surprising that most users report using Spotlight multiple times each day. In some instances, however, Spotlight searches might encounter issues resulting in strange search results, interruptions of the conducted search, or similar problems. A possible solution that could help fix the situation is to rebuild the Spotlight index. Generally, there are two fast and easy methods to do so - via Terminal or through System Preferences.

To rebuild the Spotlight index via Terminal, open the Terminal application from the Launchpad. Once inside, type the following sudo mdutil-i on/command and press the Return key on your keyboard. Users may be asked to enter their admin password. Do so and press the Return key again.

System Preferences also offers a way to rebuild the Spotlight index. Start by going to the Apple menu and choosing 'System Preferences.' Click on the Spotlight icon. Select the 'Privacy' tab and click on the Plus button. Now, select all folders and disks whose index you wish to refresh in the Spotlight search. To add them to the locations prevented from being search, click on the 'Choose' button. You may wish to simply add the whole Macintosh HD. All that is left is to now do the reverse - select the items that were added to the list and click on the 'Minus' button to remove them. Close System Preferences. The Spotlight indexing should have been refreshed.