How to Stop Your Mac from Sending Search Data to Apple

By default, macOS Sequoia sends some of your search data to Apple to improve search results across Safari, Spotlight, and Siri. While Apple states this data is not tied to your personal information or Apple account, some users may prefer to keep all their data private. Luckily, you can turn off this setting in just a few steps. Here’s what you need to know and how to adjust your settings.

Why Does macOS Send Search Data to Apple?

Apple collects certain search data to enhance the accuracy of search results and suggestions. According to Apple’s privacy statement, this data is tied to a random ID that resets every 15 minutes and does not include personal identifiers. However, it could include:

• Safari and Spotlight search queries
• Siri text and voice interactions
• Contextual data like which apps or websites you’re using
• Device-specific information

Apple ensures that files or content stored locally on your device are not included in this data. For subscription services, only the service name and type of subscription may be shared—not your account details, passwords, or usernames.

Turning Off Search Data Sharing with Apple

If you’d rather not have your searches shared with Apple, here’s how to disable it:

1. Open System Settings on your Mac.
2. Click Spotlight on the left sidebar.
3. Turn off the Help Apple Improve Search switch.

For more control, click the Search Privacy button in the Spotlight pane. This lets you choose specific storage volumes you don’t want Spotlight to index.

If you also want to stop Siri suggestions while typing in Spotlight:

1. Turn off the Siri Suggestions switch under Spotlight.

To further limit Siri’s data sharing:

1. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements.
2. Disable Improve Siri & Dictation.

You can also explore other analytics options on this panel, such as:

• Share Mac Analytics
• Improve Assistive Voice Features
• Share with App Developers
• Share iCloud Analytics

Disabling these options will reduce the data sent to Apple.

Managing Location Data in Searches

If Location Services is enabled, your Mac may send location data to improve features like maps and address suggestions. To disable this:

1. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services.
2. Click Details.
3. Turn off Suggestions and Search.

Keep in mind that disabling location settings may limit certain features, like auto-suggesting routes in Maps.

Things to Consider

While turning off these settings improves privacy, it may impact the accuracy of Spotlight and Siri. For example, Siri may not provide as helpful suggestions, and Spotlight may not deliver the most relevant results.

If you’d like more information, visit Apple’s Spotlight Settings on Mac page.

By taking these steps, you can decide how much data, if any, you’re comfortable sharing with Apple while using macOS.