How to Use the Search Function on Your iPhone & iPad

Can't remember where a certain file is stored or looking for something online? Search your iPhone & iPad to quickly locate anything on your device.

By Tamlin Day Updated 10/31/2021

* This post is part of iPhone Life's Tip of the Day newsletter. . *

This article will tell you how to use the Search function on your iPhone and iPad. You can use your iPhone or iPad’s Search function to find information online or to find something on your device, such as a missing app or a specific iPhone setting. To use Search, justswipe down on the screen to use the keyboard. Here’s how to use the Search function, sometimes called the smart search bar, on your iPhone. For more tutorials on how to use your iPhone and iPad, check out our Tip of the Day.

Related: How to Search the Settings on Your iPhone or iPad

How to Search Your iPhone

  1. From your unlocked Home Screen, swipe down on the middle of the screen until the Search field appears.
  2. You can also access the search bar in the Today View by swiping right on the Home Screen until you see your list of widgets.


     
  3. At the top of the screen, tap the Search field and enter your search term.
  4. Your results will display automatically when you finish typing.

Now you know how to use your iPhone’s search function. For more tips on how to control F on your iPhone using Spotlight Search, read this.

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How-To
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Author Details

Tamlin Day's picture

Author Details

Tamlin Day

Tamlin Day is a feature web writer for iPhone Life and a regular contributor to iPhone Life magazine. A prolific writer of tips, reviews, and in-depth guides, Tamlin has written hundreds of articles for iPhone Life. From iPhone settings to recommendations for the best iPhone-compatible gear to the latest Apple news, Tamlin's expertise covers a broad spectrum. 

Before joining iPhone Life, Tamlin received his BFA in Media & Communications as well as a BA in Graphic Design from Maharishi International University (MIU), where he edited MIU's literary journal, Meta-fore. With a passion for teaching, Tamlin has instructed young adults, college students, and adult learners on topics ranging from spoken word poetry to taking the perfect group selfie. Tamlin's first computer, a Radioshack Color Computer III, was given to him by his father. At 13, Tamlin built his first PC from spare parts. He is proud to put his passion for teaching and tech into practice as a writer and educator at iPhone Life.