METADATA_NEVER_INDEX File

What are METADATA_NEVER_INDEX files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a METADATA_NEVER_INDEX file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your METADATA_NEVER_INDEX files.

What is a METADATA_NEVER_INDEX file?

Files that contain the .metadata_never_index file extension are hidden files that have been created within an Apple device to prevent Spotlight (a built-in search tool on Apple computers) from indexing a file, folder or partition. For example, if there is a particular file, folder or partition on a user's hard drive that the user does not want Spotlight to index, the user must create a .metadata_never_index file to protect that information.

If the .metadata_never_index file is removed after it has been created, the information that the file was protecting from the Spotlight utility may then be indexed by the Spotlight program.

How to open METADATA_NEVER_INDEX files

Important: Different programs may use files with the METADATA_NEVER_INDEX file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your METADATA_NEVER_INDEX file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested three different METADATA_NEVER_INDEX openers which you will find listed below.

Last updated: September 22, 2023

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of METADATA_NEVER_INDEX files. Remember, different programs may use METADATA_NEVER_INDEX files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

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