Spotlight has long been an iconic Mac feature, in line with the versatile Dock. What makes it a useful asset is that it can deliver fast and accurate search results. Beyond speed dialing, Spotlight also has lots of great tricks like converting currency and doing calculations. It scans the entire Mac, indexing all files and folders stored on the computer for more accurate results. While this extensive search behavior is indeed a remarkable feature, it leaves little room for privacy. What if you have some special folders that you don’t want indexed in search results? It turns out that there is a way to prevent Spotlight from searching for a specific folder on Mac.
Exclude a Folder or Disk from Spotlight Search on Mac
The Spotlight preference has a privacy tab where you can specify any folders on your Mac you want to exclude from search. After selecting the folders it will no longer search in these locations. This way, your personal files or anything you store in them will stay out of sight.
Well, if you change your mind, you can go into the same privacy setting and remove those files for re-indexing in Spotlight search. Having said that, let’s get started with quick steps!
- Click to start apple menu select it in the upper left corner of the screen and System Preferences. You can also launch the System Preferences application.
2. Now, click on spotlight symbol.
3. Next, click on Privacy tab.
4. Next, click on “+” button.
5. Finally, select any folder/external drive Alternatively, you can drag and drop folders directly into the window when you no longer want them indexed in Spotlight search results.
Going forward, Spotlight will not search in the specified location.
If you want to re-index these folders, go back to the Spotlight setting and then select the folder from the list. After that, click on “-” button to approve.
Block Spotlight from Searching for Specific Folder on Mac
Come in! So you can protect some of your private folders from being exposed by Spotlight search. I find this feature extremely useful as I always prefer to keep some of my personal items away from prying eyes. If you also want to protect your files, I think you would appreciate it equally.
Did you find this article helpful? Write your thoughts in the comments. Also, check out these equally useful macOS guides like using new battery settings on Mac, super cool iMessage effects, and iOS style control center if you want to explore more hacks.
Support our work ❤️
If you enjoyed this article, consider leaving a tip to help us keep publishing great content.
