Disable Spotlight search suggestions

Spotlight search suggestions sends data about your search to Apple and depending on your “location service” settings your location too. So this is no local search. Do web search only in your browser and disable search suggestions and make spotlight an local only search tool.

How to fix it

macOS 13 - 14

  1. Open “System Preferences”
  2. Go to “Siri & Spotlight”
  3. Deselect “Siri Suggestions”

macOS 10.11 – 12

  1. Go to “System Preferences” > “Spotlight”
  2. Deselect “Allow Spotlight Suggestions in Look up”
  3. AND
  4. macOS 11.0: Deselect “Siri Suggestions”
  5. macOS 10.12-10.15 :Deselect “Spotlight Suggestions” in the category list
  6. OS X 10.11: Deselect “Bing Web Searches”
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PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING TIP AND DISCLAIMER!

Keep in mind: not every security and privacy setting is suitable for everyone. Enhancing the security can lead in losing functionality and/or comfort.
Before making changes, please backup your Mac! Do not make too many change at once. After changing your Mac, check if your normal usage of your Mac has changed in a way which fits to you. Are your really willing to loose some functionality and/or comfort?
Most important is, that you learn and understand what are the advantages and disadvantages of the security settings and that you are aware about the capabilities and risks of your Mac configuration.

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CHECK RESULTS BY SIMPLEUMCHECK DO NOT COVER ALL ASPECTS OF POSSIBLE SECURITY CHECKS OR MAYBE INCORRECT OR INCOMPLETE. THE RESULTS ARE ONLY CLUES FOR RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE SECURITY AND PRIVACY ON THE MAC.

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