Last scan = Never?

Norton 360 for Mac
1

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Issue abstract:

Detailed description:an

Product & version number: Norton 360

OS details:running version Tahoe 26.3.1 What is the error message you are seeing? Last scan: Never or similar words even though I run scans every time I turn my Mac on. Anyone had this problem and solved it? Thanks!

If you have any supporting screenshots, please add them:

2

Hello @BrianM_Duffy
This “Last scan: Never” error on macOS Tahoe 26.3.1 often indicates a failed update or a logic conflict between the Norton application and the newer macOS system architecture. Many users have reported similar stability issues with the Tahoe 26.3 update, including system sluggishness and application errors.

Recommended Solutions

  • Perform a Full Uninstall/Reinstall (Most Effective):
    Standard updates can sometimes leave conflicting files. A clean reinstall is the primary fix recommended by Norton for persistent Mac scan errors.
    1. Open Applications and double-click Norton Uninstaller.
    2. Provide your Mac administrator password and follow the prompts to remove the app.
    3. Restart your Mac immediately after the uninstaller finishes.
    4. Log into your Norton Account and download the latest version specifically compatible with macOS Tahoe.
  • Run LiveUpdate Until Exhausted:
    Manual scans may fail to record if the virus definitions are out of sync. Open the Norton app and run LiveUpdate repeatedly until it displays “No more updates available”.
  • Reset System Permissions:
    macOS Tahoe has introduced stricter data access protections. Ensure Norton has Full Disk Access in your Mac’s System Settings > Privacy & Security. If it is already enabled, toggle it off and then back on to refresh the permission

If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to wait for a specific patch, as macOS Tahoe 26.3 has several documented regressions that Apple and third-party developers are still addressing.

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When Norton 360 for Mac reports “Last scan = Never,” it usually indicates that the application’s internal database has failed to record a completed scan or that a background process is stalled. This typically happens due to:

  • Failed or Incomplete Scans: If a scan is interrupted (e.g., the Mac goes to sleep or is shut down), Norton may not register the session as a completed event.
  • Outdated Definitions or Software: A “Never” status can appear if LiveUpdate has not successfully patched the software or if there is a version mismatch with your macOS (notably reported with newer versions like Sequoia 15.0).
  • Corrupted Installation: Internal service framework errors or corrupted files within the Norton directory can prevent the software from updating its own status logs.

Recommended Solutions
Run LiveUpdate Multiple Times
Open Norton and run LiveUpdate from the Security dashboard. Continue running it until it confirms “Virus definitions are updated” and no further patches are available.
Restart Your Mac
A full system restart often clears temporary glitches in the background services that handle scan reporting.
Perform a Manual Quick Scan
Manually initiate a Quick Scan. If it completes successfully, it should force the “Last scan” status to update from “Never” to the current time.
Check Power Settings
Ensure your Mac is not set to go to sleep during the scan. For laptops, keep the device plugged into power while scanning.
Uninstall and Reinstall
If the status remains stuck, use the Norton Uninstaller located in your Applications folder to remove the software, then download and install a fresh copy from your Norton account.

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Note: AI sourced content may make mistakes
Caveat: I’m not Mac

3

Thanks much for the quick response. Will let you know how it worked.

4

Hello @BrianM_Duffy
Care to share your progress

5

Are you referring the Scans interface? I see the UI has reflected the last time certain scans were run. So there’s no issue here.

6

You said “Are you referring to the Scans interface?” Yeah, I mean when I open the Norton 360 app on my Mac and go to the “Security” tab it will show under the Scan portion “Last scan:” then a date and time. It is working now but from time to time will show “Never” or words to that effect.

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