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Obsidian Search Not Finding Notes (Stuck Index)

Ongoing Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Updated October 21, 2026

Quick answer

If search, Bases or Dataview don't see new notes, Obsidian's metadata index is stuck. Rebuild the cache in Settings > Files and links, then force-quit and reopen; recurring problems usually point to a huge or malformed note or an indexing plugin.

Most likely fix: Rebuild the index.

Symptoms

New notes don't appear in search or quick switcher, Bases and Dataview tables miss notes, heading link suggestions and Outline are empty, or the Rebuild button does nothing.

Why it happens

  • A very large note (huge tables, base64 images) the indexer can't digest
  • Indexing plugins corrupting the cache
  • Vault on a virtual/encrypted drive causing re-index on every open
  • Files changed outside Obsidian while it was closed

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

  1. 1. Rebuild the index

    1. Settings > Files and links > Rebuild vault cache
    2. Then force-quit Obsidian and reopen it

  2. 2. Switch vaults to reset

    1. Open the vault switcher, open another vault, then switch back - users report this restores indexing temporarily

  3. 3. Remove oversized notes

    1. Look for very large .md files (exports, base64-embedded images, giant tables) and move them out of the vault

  4. 4. Check indexing plugins

    1. Run 'Show debug info' from the command palette and disable indexing plugins temporarily

  5. 5. Use a local drive

    1. Move the vault off Cryptomator/virtual or network drives

This guide also covers

  • obsidian search not working
  • obsidian search not finding notes
  • obsidian rebuild cache
  • obsidian bases not showing new notes

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