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Reflect Semantic Search 'Couldn't Load the Model' Error

Ongoing Mac Updated October 21, 2026

Quick answer

When you enable semantic search in Reflect Open, it downloads a model file (model.onnx). The error 'invalid peer certificate: unknown issuer' usually means a corporate proxy or security tool such as Zscaler is intercepting HTTPS. Try a home network or ask IT to allow the download.

Most likely fix: Try a different network.

Symptoms

Tapping Enable semantic search shows 'Couldn't load the model: sizing model.onnx request error: io: invalid peer certificate: unknown issuer', and semantic search stays off.

Why it happens

  • A corporate proxy or security product re-signs HTTPS traffic with its own certificate
  • The app doesn't trust that certificate, so the model download is blocked

How to fix it

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

  1. 1. Try a different network

    1. Connect to a home network or phone hotspot
    2. Open Settings in Reflect Open and click Enable semantic search again

  2. 2. Check for HTTPS interception

    1. Open Terminal
    2. Run: curl -sv -o /dev/null https://huggingface.co 2>&1 | grep issuer
    3. A normal result mentions 'Amazon RSA 2048'; a company name or Zscaler means traffic is being intercepted

  3. 3. Ask IT to allow the model download

    1. Share the curl output with your IT team
    2. Ask them to exempt huggingface.co from HTTPS inspection

This guide also covers

  • reflect couldn't load the model
  • reflect semantic search not working
  • reflect invalid peer certificate

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