It happens to the best of us: you know exactly what file you’re looking for on your iPhone, but you can’t remember where it is stored.
Or, you’re looking for something on the Internet, but aren’t quite sure where to begin.
Luckily, the iPhone has a “Search” feature built right into the operating system itself that will allow you to quickly find what you’re looking for in a matter of seconds.
You don’t even have to launch a separate app in order to access it – all you have to do is swipe down from your “Home” screen and you’ll be well on your way to finding all of the information you need when you need it the most.
It really is one of your iPhone’s Hidden Superpowers!
Here’s everything you need to do to use the “Search” feature on your iPhone whenever you want.
1. Swipe down from the middle of your “Home” screen to bring up the “Search” field on your iPhone.
2. Tap inside the “Search” bar and use the iPhone’s virtual keyboard to type whatever it is that you’re looking for.
Note that in addition to specific files, you can also search for a particular app by name. You can even use the “Search” bar similar to how you would use a Google search to look for results directly from the Internet.
3. Tap on the appropriate option from the list of results that appears on screen.
That’s it! If you searched for the name of a file, you will be taken to the application on your iPhone that can open the file type in question.
If you searched for something similar to how you would use Google, you will be taken directly to the “Safari” web browser so that you can review the results in more detail.
One of the reasons why this feature works so well is because your iPhone always “indexes” all of your files whenever you upgrade the operating system.
This means that iOS itself always “knows” what is on your phone and where various items are stored.
That way, whenever you do need to perform some type of search, it can all move along much faster than it otherwise would.
Likewise, remember that you can use the same method – pulling down from the center portion of the screen to reveal the “Search” bar – from any page on your phone.
You don’t necessarily have to return to the main “Home” screen every time.
If you found today’s tip useful, please share it with your friends by using the Share Buttons below… I really appreciate you helping to spread the word about my Free iPhone Tips!
What if I need to use google chrome instead of Safari. How do I change this??
I truly learn a great deal more about my iPhone and it’s features from reading your emails.
Keep the excellent information flowing our way!
Many thanks
I didn’t know that. You always have little bits of helpful information. Thanks
Enjoy your tips because I am not that tech savvy
Thank you for all your great information!
I can’t seem to get it to work. I have an iPhone 12 would that make any difference?
Thank you. I’m forever learning something new. I look forward to your posts. Thank you
I tried to go to the search from a different page other than the home page, it doesn’t seem to work. other than from the home page.
Thank you, so much, for all the tips & tricks you share. I am learning a lot.
Love your tips! Thank you!!!!
If it weren’t for your tips, iPad Pete, I wouldn’t know most of the applications you teach us! Thank you so much! PS I dazzle my friends showing them what I’ve learned!
Thank you!