diff --git a/spyder/widgets/findinfiles.py b/spyder/widgets/findinfiles.py
index 4e2b1054237..6acd861739a 100644
--- a/spyder/widgets/findinfiles.py
+++ b/spyder/widgets/findinfiles.py
@@ -781,7 +781,6 @@ def __init__(self, parent):
         self.spinner = QWaitingSpinner(self, centerOnParent=False)
         self.spinner.setNumberOfLines(12)
         self.spinner.setInnerRadius(2)
-        self.spinner.start()
         layout = QHBoxLayout()
         layout.addWidget(self.spinner)
         layout.addWidget(self.status_text)
@@ -799,6 +798,16 @@ def set_label_path(self, path, folder=False):
     def reset(self):
         self.status_text.setText(_("  Searching for files..."))
 
+    def showEvent(self, event):
+        """Override show event to start waiting spinner."""
+        QWidget.showEvent(self, event)
+        self.spinner.start()
+
+    def hideEvent(self, event):
+        """Override hide event to stop waiting spinner."""
+        QWidget.hideEvent(self, event)
+        self.spinner.stop()
+
 
 class FindInFilesWidget(QWidget):
     """