Where Is the macOS Spotlight Index Stored?
Spotlight keeps a per volume index in a hidden folder at the volume root. The system service mds with mdworker processes maintains it.
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Each indexed volume has a hidden .Spotlight-V100 folder at its top level. Inside it, Store-V2 holds store.db and related index files plus VolumeConfiguration.plist.
On modern Macs the main data volume path is under /System/Volumes/Data. Do not edit index files directly. Use mdutil and System Settings Search privacy controls to manage indexing.
Where macOS stores this, by platform
/.Spotlight-V100
Top level index folder on each volume. Owned by root. Use sudo mdutil -s / to check status and sudo mdutil -E / to erase and rebuild. Rebuild can take time and increase CPU use.
/System/Volumes/Data/.Spotlight-V100
Actual index location for user data on recent macOS layouts. Rebuild with sudo mdutil -E /System/Volumes/Data or sudo mdutil -aE for all volumes. No change to system integrity protection is needed.
Frequently asked questions
How do I rebuild the Spotlight index?
Use sudo mdutil -E / for the system volume and the Data volume, or add then remove the volume in System Settings Search privacy. Keep the Mac awake until mds and mdworker finish.
Can I delete .Spotlight-V100 manually?
Avoid manual deletion. Use mdutil -E to erase the store safely. Manual removal needs root, can mangle permissions, and the system recreates the folder on mount.
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