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What is mediaanalysisd on Mac? Why it uses so much CPU, and how to fix it

Updated · 2 min read · by

Quick answer

mediaanalysisd is the macOS service that analyses images and videos for features like Live Text, Visual Look Up and Photos search. It's busiest after imports and updates. Short spikes are normal. If it stays high, something is keeping it busy, and the steps below find and fix it.

What is mediaanalysisd?

mediaanalysisd analyses images and videos so macOS can offer features like Live Text (selecting text in a photo), Visual Look Up (identifying plants, pets and landmarks) and smarter search in Photos. Like photoanalysisd, it does the work on your Mac.

It catches up in the background, so you mostly notice it after something adds a lot of new media.

Why is mediaanalysisd using so much CPU?

How to fix high mediaanalysisd CPU usage

  1. Confirm it in Activity Monitor. Press ⌘ Space, type Activity Monitor, open the CPU tab and sort by % CPU. Watch mediaanalysisd for a minute: short spikes are normal, only steady high usage needs fixing.
  2. Leave your Mac plugged in and idle for a few hours, or overnight.
  3. Wait for the import or sync to finish first. Analysis follows the new items.
  4. Restart if it stays busy for days with nothing new added.

More help: Why is my Mac so hot?

Questions people ask

What is mediaanalysisd on a Mac?

mediaanalysisd is the macOS service that analyses images and videos for features like Live Text, Visual Look Up and Photos search. It's busiest after imports and updates.

Can I quit mediaanalysisd?

It restarts automatically and resumes later, so quitting doesn't help much. Let it finish.

Is mediaanalysisd a virus?

Yes. mediaanalysisd is part of macOS.