[Fixed] 10 Tips for iPhone Search Not Working 2025

Part 1: Types of iPhone Search Not Working Issue

iPhone search not working is a problem that’s not just limited to spotlight search. This search issue can manifest itself in other forms as well, which are equally disturbing. For example:

• iPhone searching stuck
• iPhone message search not working
• iPhone app search not working
• iPhone contacts search not working
• iPhone mail search not working
• iPhone photos search not working
• iPhone calendar search not working

Although we mainly focus on iPhone spotlight search not working, the fixes we will try out work on all these situations too.

Part 2: Why iPhone Search is Not Working

Now we know how this issue can present itself, but why does it happen? The reasons for iPhone search not working could be

• Your iPhone or iPad is not connected to stable and available Internet.
• Buggy software and system issues on both new iOS versions and older versions.
• There may be some language and storage problems.
• The Siri search and spotlight search settings go wrong.

Part 3: 9 Common Fixes for iPhone Spotlight Search Not Working

After clearing up on types and reasons, let's focus on how we will fix iPhone search not working. We have 9 basic fixes for you to try one by one.

1. Restart iPhone

Restarting your iPhone is usually the first step whenever you are facing any software issues. To force restart your iPhone

• iPhone 8 or later – Press and release the volume up button, then the down button. Next, press and hold the power button until Apple logo appears.
• iPhone 7 – Press and hold the power button and volume down button until the logo appears.

• iPhone 6 or earlier - Press and hold the power button and home button. Release the buttons when you see the Apple logo.

  

2. Change Language Settings

There may be an issue with the default language that causes iPhone search not working. Changing the language settings here works well especially when you search for something and find nothing on the screen.

• Open Settings and go to General.

• In Language & Region, add another language and set it to default. For example, change the default language from English (US) to English (UK).

  

3. Delete Shortcuts

iPhone widgets and shortcuts are very convenient but may affect the spotlight search. And you can delete these shortcuts to fix iPhone search not working, which does work for many people. For neccessary shortcuts, you can add them back later.

4. Reset All Settings

Resetting the settings to default without losing data can also fix your problems. Open Settings and go to General > Transfer or Reset iPhone. Tap on Reset and choose the option of Reset All settings and see if the issue is resolved after that.

5. Free Up iPhone Storage

Two reasons to free up your iPhone storage to fix iPhone Search not working. Your iPhone tends to be lagging and buggy with an almost full storage. And it takes a long time for Search to find the file you want, which increases the probability of failure.

• Open Settings > General > iPhone storage and you can see the details of the storage.

  
• See what kind of data takes up large storage and free them up. For example, delete unused apps or large files and remove unwanted photos.

6. Check Siri & Search Settings

Besides typing using keyboard, you can also ask Siri to search. In this case, check Siri & Search settings while facing iPhone search not working. Toggle on Suggestions in Search, Allow Siri When Locked, and etc.

7. Show App in Search

iPhone app search not working? Have you allowed these apps to show in search? Siri & Search settings could be changed for some apps and that’s why it might not be shown up.

• Head to Siri & Search. Scroll down and find the apps. Select one.

• Turn on Show App in Search. If it is enabled, toggle it off and toggle on again.

  

8. Update Your iPhone

It was reported that there are some bugs causing iPhone search not working. Updating your iOS version could potentially fix all the issues in the iOS version and fix the laggy software problems. Install any pending update in Software Update.

9. Factory Reset Your iPhone

The last tip here, but not recommended, is to factory reset your iPhone. It restores your iPhone to the default settings like a new one. And clearing all data might fix the issue of iPhone search not working. Do have a backup before erasing your iPhone.

Part 4: Ultimate Way for iPhone Search Not Working [One Fixes All]

The iOS search not working problem caused by a fault in the iOS system is usually not fixed by the tips listed above. Besides iOS updates, you can take matter in your hands and use Tenorshare ReiBoot to fix the system issues. Read the following instructions.

• Download and install ReiBoot on your computer. Click Start to begin the repairing process.

  

  
  

• Connect your iPhone using the charging cable. Click Fix Now. And then select Standard Repair.

  

• Download the firmware package. As soon as download completes, click on Start Standard Repair.

  

• Wait as the process completes. That’s it. You have now fixed iPhone search not working.

  

Conclusion

iPhone Search or Spotlight Search is a very handy tool and if not working, you might get frustrated. However, fixes like above can solve this iPhone search not working issue quite easily. And above all that, Tenorshare ReiBoot is the best one stop solution to all problems caused by iOS system bugs.