✔️ 10 fixes for Spotlight search not working on iPhone and iPad
– Reviews News
Spotlight search is one of our favorite features on iPhone. We love the simplicity of swiping down and searching for what you want on your iPhone. However, there are times when it doesn't seem to work. Given how dependent we are on this feature, it gets boring. If you are also facing the issue, here are some ways to fix Spotlight search not working on iPhone and iPad.
Although we already have an article on how to fix Spotlight search not working on Mac, this article focuses on fixing the problem on iPhone and iPads. The methods we have included are quite easy to follow. Besides, these issues also help you if app search is not working. But, before getting into the solutions, let us first understand the reason behind this problem.
Why isn't Spotlight search working?
There are many reasons why Spotlight Search may not work on your iPhone. It could be a problem with settings and adjustments. Additionally, since it has to index a large number of files and folders to give you search results, there may also be language and storage issues.
Here are ten ways to fix Spotlight search bar on iPhone and iPad, so you can get full functionality. Let's start.
How to Fix Spotlight Search iPhone does not work
The key requirement for Spotlight Search to deliver search results online is a good internet connection, and let's start by making sure you have one and gradually move on to other solutions.
1. Check internet connectivity
To load online search results from Safari, you need a good internet connection. Make sure you are using a full strength cellular signal. If you're using Wi-Fi, make sure you're within network range for best results.
If you don't seem to be getting good speeds despite a strong signal, you can contact your service provider to find out if your plan is active or not.
If that doesn't work, you can try removing the shortcuts widget from your iPhone.
2. Delete Widget Shortcuts
Some bugs are fixed in mysterious ways and users accidentally discover these methods in community forums. Removing the Home screen shortcuts widget is one way to fix Spotlight search not working.
Step 1: Swipe right from the first page of your home screen.
Step 2: Long press on the shortcuts widget.
Step 3: Tap Delete Widget.
Step 4: Press Delete again to delete the widget.
This is how you remove the shortcuts widget from your iPhone. Another such method to fix the problem is to disable the startup controls from the control center.
3. Disable "Show startup controls"
Step 1: Open the Settings app.
Step 2: Select Control Center.
Step 3: Disable the toggle for "Show startup controls".
This is a way to find a solution for Spotlight Search not working on iPhone and iPads. Another option that works is to check if you have enough storage space.
4. Check storage space
Since Spotlight Search needs to index all files or folders in your iPhone, the process may become slow or not work at all if you run out of storage space. Here's how to check your storage iPhone.
Step 1: Open the Settings app and select General.
Step 2: Tap Storage iPhone. Check if you have enough storage space left.
Step 3: Otherwise, empty your storage space.
To quickly free up your storage space, uninstall unwanted apps and delete redundant photos. If that doesn't work, you can try changing the default language of your iPhone.
5. Change default language
Sometimes Spotlight Search may have difficulty working with the default language set. So you can try to change the default language. Here's how.
Step 1: Open the Settings app and select General.
Step 2: Select 'Language and region'.
Step 3: Tap on 'Add a language…'.
Step 4: Select a language that is familiar to you. If you prefer English, you can always select another version.
Step 3: Now you can confirm the use of the selected language as the primary language for your iPhone.
You can go back and see if the issue is resolved. However, we also encountered the issue of the keyboard not loading when using the search bar. This mainly happened when using a third-party keyboard. Therefore, you can try removing the third-party keyboard to fix the problem.
6. Remove third-party keyboards
Step 1: Open the Settings app and select General.
Step 2: Select Keyboard.
Step 3: Select Keyboards and open the third-party keyboard.
Step 4: Now turn off the toggle for "Allow full access".
This will ensure that the keyboard iPhone default is used at all times. If that doesn't fix the problem, you can try disabling and enabling Spotlight search in apps.
7. Disable and Enable App Search
When you toggle Spotlight Search on and off in the Settings app, you're essentially updating it. Moreover, there is a high probability that the problem will be solved by this method. So here is a step by step procedure for the same.
Step 1: Open the Settings app and select "Siri & Search".
Step 2: There is no switch to completely disable Spotlight search on your iPhone and iPads. However, you can disable it per app. So select an app from the list.
Step 3: Disable and re-enable the “Show app in search” option.
You can check if this solves the Spotlight Search not working issue on iPhone and iPads. However, doing this for all apps is quite a tedious process.
Therefore, you can try some generic methods which are usually the last resort to fix any issue on your iPhone. Let's try restarting your iPhone or iPad.
8. ResetiPhone
To reset your iPhone or iPad, follow the steps below.
Step 1: First, turn off your device.
- Public chat iPhone X and above Press and hold the volume down button and the side button.
- Public chat iPhone SE 2nd or 3rd generation, series 7 and 8: Press and hold the side button.
- Public chat iPhone SE 1st Gen, 5s, 5c or 5: Press and hold the power button on top.
- On iPad: Press and hold the power button at the top.
Step 2: Now slide the power slider to turn off the device.
Step 3: Next, turn on your device by pressing and holding the power button on your iPhone.
If that doesn't work either, you can try updating your iPhone.
9. Check for iOS updates
If you are using a iPhone 8 or higher, we assume that your iPhone or iPad runs on iOS 16. While we love the new update and all the new features that come with it, it's still pretty new and needs a few iterations. . updates to fix all bugs.
Chances are a bug in iOS 16 is preventing Spotlight Search from working. So make sure you have the latest version of iOS.
Step 1: Open the Settings app and open General.
Step 2: Select Software Update.
Step 3: Make sure you are using the latest version of iOS. Otherwise, you will have an option to "Download and Install" the update.
Finally, if none of these methods work, you can try resetting your iPhone.
10. Reset your iPhone
This is how you can reset your iPhone to fix Spotlight search not working issue.
Step 1: Open the Settings app and tap on General.
Step 2: Select "Transfer or resetiPhone"
Step 3: Tap on Reset.
Step 4: Tap "Reset All Settings" to return all settings to their default state. This will most likely fix this issue.
As the absolute last option, you can “Erase All Content and Settings” and start fresh on your iPhone or iPad. This will obviously delete all your data, so make sure you have a backup.
These are all the methods we can suggest to fix Spotlight Search not working on iPhone or iPad. However, if you still have questions, you can check out our FAQ section below.
FAQs oniPhone Spotlight Search not working
1. Why are some apps not appearing in app search?
They are probably uninstalled or downloaded. Otherwise, you can use some of the methods mentioned above to fix this problem.
2. Does Spotlight Search drain the battery?
No, it is not known to consume significant amounts of battery power.
3. Does Spotlight Search show deleted messages in iMessage?
No, it does not show any deleted messages.
4. Does Spotlight Search show emails?
Yes, load emails from default email app only.
5. How do I delete Spotlight search history?
You can long-press on a recent search item and select "Clear recent results" to delete your search history.
Restore Spotlight Search to iPhone and iPad
These are methods you can use to fix Spotlight Search not working on iPhone and iPads. Most users, including us, use the search bar to find apps, and that's obviously a feature you can't afford to break. However, we are sure that some of the methods we have mentioned in this article will help you to fix the problem.
SOURCE: Reviews News
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