Why Choose Keith Thomas
• 20 years of experience as a Senior Apple Support Specialist at Apple Computer UK HQ.
• Former Apple Computer UK Mac Support Specialist and Apple Authorised Service Provider background.
• Established and Independent since 2010 for on‑site Apple Support Service – no call centres, no outsourcing, no hardware repairs. Over 25,000+ Apple problems resolved. Unique on-site Apple Support Service. backed up with Independent Apple Telephone Support Assistance.
• Trusted by home users, small businesses, and professionals across London and the South East UK.• Clear, honest, software‑only support. No Hardware Repairs. Expert Apple Consultancy Service.
On‑site Apple Mac Support in London and the South East UK
What this page covers
This guide explains the real reasons Spotlight Search stops working on a Mac, the steps you can try yourself, and when it’s time to get professional on‑site help. It applies to:
• MacBook Air
• MacBook Pro
• iMac
• Mac mini
• Mac Studio
If Spotlight won’t find files, shows no results, freezes, or only works sometimes, this page is for you.
The most common reasons Spotlight Search stops working
These are the issues that Keith Thomas identifies most often during on‑site visits:
• Spotlight indexing stuck or paused
• Low disk space
• Damaged Spotlight index
• iCloud Drive syncing delays
• macOS update issues
• Damaged system files
• Corrupted user account
Quick checks you can do yourself
These steps solve around 60% of Spotlight issues.
Check 1 – Restart the Mac
A restart resets Spotlight services and indexing.
Check 2 – Check free disk space
Spotlight needs free space to index. Aim for at least 20GB free.
Check 3 – Leave the Mac plugged in
Spotlight indexing runs faster when the Mac is idle and charging.
Check 4 – Check iCloud Drive
iCloud syncing delays can cause missing search results.
If Spotlight shows no results
This usually means:
• Indexing stuck
• Damaged Spotlight database
• Low disk space
Try:
• Restarting the Mac
• Freeing disk space
• Leaving the Mac plugged in for a few hours
If Spotlight is slow or incomplete
This usually means:
• Indexing still in progress
• iCloud Drive syncing
• Large folders being indexed
Try:
• Leaving the Mac idle
• Restarting the Mac
• Updating macOS
If Spotlight won’t find files in specific folders
This usually means:
• Privacy settings blocking indexing
• Folder permissions issues
• Damaged metadata
Try:
• System Settings → Siri & Spotlight → Check search settings
• Restarting the Mac
• Moving the folder out and back in
If Spotlight issues started after a macOS update
This usually means:
• Spotlight reindexing
• iCloud Drive re‑syncing
• App incompatibility
Try:
• Leaving the Mac plugged in for a few hours
• Restarting the Mac
• Updating all apps
If Spotlight works on another user account
This usually means:
• Corrupted user account
• Damaged Spotlight preferences
• Permissions issues
Try:
• Testing Spotlight on another user account
• Restarting the Mac
• Reinstalling macOS without erasing data
When DIY stops working
You should get on‑site help if:
• Spotlight refuses to index
• Spotlight shows no results at all
• macOS reinstall does not fix the issue
• Search results are missing across multiple apps
• You need your data preserved
These issues usually require:
• Spotlight and system configuration repair
• macOS recovery
• Data‑safe macOS reinstall
• User account repair
• Permissions and system file diagnostics
On‑Site Apple Mac Support – London & South East UK
If Spotlight Search is not working on your Mac, Keith Thomas provides an often same‑day on‑site support service across:
• Central London
• West, North, South and East London
• Surrey
• Berkshire
• Hampshire
• Wiltshire
Keith Thomas is a Mac Support Specialist in:
• Spotlight and search issues
• macOS configuration repair
• Data‑safe macOS recovery
• macOS reinstall and repair
• iCloud and Apple Account issues
• New Mac setup and migration
• User account and permissions diagnostics
Book on‑site help in London and the South East UK
If Spotlight Search is not working on your Mac, Keith Thomas can visit your home or office and get you working again.
Keith Thomas – Apple Mac Support Specialist
Established 2010 – Open 09:30–20:30, 7 Days
Contact Keith Thomas by Telephone: 07800 940756 or by Text to: 07800 940756, or simply complete an online website contact form 24/7