User level: Level 1 (4 points)The search bar in the settings app does not work at all. When typing basic settings that should appear such as "wallpaper", a message stating "no results for 'wallpaper'" appears. The same goes for all other settings that I have tried.
Posted on Sep 21, 2026 6:47 AM
User level: Level 10 (123,805 points)Sep 21, 2026 7:10 AM in response to DimDimio
If System Settings shows “No Results” for every search term after updating to macOS 27, note how many times the Mac has been restarted since the upgrade, then restart it once more and test the search.
Also check System Settings >> General >> Software Update and install any available update. Apple Support — Update macOS on Mac
Because Spotlight indexes system settings and indexing occurs after a macOS upgrade, allow it sufficient time to complete before rebuilding the index.
Apple notes that indexing can take hours or even days, depending on the amount of data. Check System Settings >> Spotlight to make sure the relevant search categories are enabled. Apple Support — About Spotlight indexing and search results
If the problem persists, rebuild the Spotlight index using Apple's procedure: open Spotlight >> Search Privacy, add the startup disk, normally Macintosh HD, wait a few seconds, remove it, and click Done.
Then allow indexing to complete before testing System Settings search again. Apple Support — About Spotlight indexing and search results
Next, start the Mac in Safe Mode, test the System Settings search, and then restart normally and test it again.
If the problem remains, create a temporary standard user account in System Settings >> Users & Groups and search for something such as Wallpaper.
If search works in the temporary account but not the original account, something associated with the original account may be involved.
If it fails in both accounts, the problem is also reproducible outside the original account.
These results should provide a clearer basis for deciding what further troubleshooting is appropriate.
User level: Level 9 (72,871 points)Sep 21, 2026 7:28 AM in response to DimDimio
Have you rebooted your Mac? If not, that's the first step. If that does not help, then see if the problem is present when you boot in safe mode. That process performs some system cleanup and clears caches, and also disables 3rd party extensions that may cause problems.
Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support
If that does not correct the issue, test in a new user account. A newly-created user account will have all settings at default, and if the issue does not occur in that new account then it provides guidance on what may need to be changed to correct the issue.
Add a user or group on Mac - Apple Support
Once the testing is complete, the new account can easily be deleted.
Delete a user or group on Mac – Apple Support
Those steps will help to isolate the problem.
It might help to download and run EtreCheck, written by a long-time forum member. The free version is fine. Post the full report using the Additional Text button. No personal information is revealed.
Spotlight re-indexes your Mac after a macOS update, and this process can take some time.
About Spotlight indexing and search results on Apple devices - Apple Support
Note that you may to rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac.
Rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac - Apple Support
Another user reported this issue the day after I upgraded to Golden Gate, and personally I could not replicate it. Still can't, searching in System Settings works normally for me.
User level: Level 10 (123,805 points)Sep 21, 2026 7:51 AM in response to DimDimio
Building on a previous posting in regards to Etrecheck application
Download the Application Etrecheck ( External Link ) directly from the Developer.
The Application is Not a " Silver Bullet " and is only a tool to examine the Hardware / Software used on this computer
This is a Diagnostic Tool that makes no changes to the computer Hardware / Software used on this computer
The application is free or paid from added features.
The Report will Not Reveal Any Personal Information.
Post back the Full Report - Share Report >> Copy , then paste >>>> using the Additional Text Icon <<<<
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256361904