How to Search the Settings on Your iPhone (iOS 16)

* This article is from our Tip of the Day newsletter. . *

There are a lot of different iPhone settings, and with each new version of iOS, the list grows. Luckily, there's a way to search your iPhone settings with a conveniently located search bar. I’ve found this particularly useful when I don’t know exactly what I’m looking for, but I know what it pertains to. 

Why You'll Love This Tip:

  • Easily locate settings options on your iPhone without having to scroll through the whole Settings menu.
  • Quickly find settings and preferences you're unfamiliar with instead of clicking hopelessly.

How to Search Settings on iPhone

While this tip for searching your Settings menu on iPhone is a great way to access settings you tend to change frequently, it's also the easy way to locate settings even when you're unsure where they are located. For instance, I wanted to set my phone to Dark mode permanently, but I wasn't sure if that was located under Display, Focus, or Accessibility. Using the Settings search bar bypasses the need to know exactly where everything is. If you like tips like this about using your iPhone, be sure to sign up for our free Tip of the Day! Here's how to search the iPhone's settings menu:

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  1. On your iPhone, open Settings.

    On your iPhone, open Settings.
  2. Scroll down briefly to reveal the hidden search bar.

    Swipe down from the top of the screen to reveal the hidden search bar.
  3. If you want to search for a particular app's settings, tap the search bar.

    If you want to search a particular app's settings, tap the search bar.
  4. Type in the name of the app.

    Type in the name of the app.
  5. Tap the app when it appears to access its settings.

    Tap the app when it appears to access it's settings.
  6. If you want to search for a particular iPhone setting, but are unsure where it's located, type in the name of the setting. You will see the location where that feature can be edited.

    If you want to search for a particular iPhone setting, but are unsure where it's located, type in the name of the setting. You will see the location where that feature can be edited.
  7. Once you've tapped it, it should take you to the appropriate settings!

    Once you've tapped it, it should take you to the appropriate settings!

Isn't that so convenient? Now you know how to search in the Settings app. Give it a try the next time you're trying to find something on your device! Next, learn how to search your entire iPhone using Spotlight Search.

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Author Details

Conner Carey's picture

Author Details

Conner Carey

Conner Carey's writing can be found at conpoet.com. She is currently writing a book, creating lots of content, and writing poetry via @conpoet on Instagram. She lives in an RV full-time with her mom, Jan and dog, Jodi as they slow-travel around the country.