Level 1

43 points

Why is my iPhone Search not working after iOS 18 update?

Hello, ever since I updated my iPhone to iOS 18, I’ve been experiencing several problems with the search functionality across the device. I can’t search for photos in the Photos app, I’m unable to search through my messages, and the search bar in the system settings doesn’t seem to work either. I’ve tried restarting the phone and freeing up storage space, but nothing has worked so far. Has anyone else experienced this issue or found a solution?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Oct 6, 2024 8:50 PM

Top-ranking reply

marcg007

Level 1

36 points

Posted on Oct 13, 2024 6:42 PM

I was having the on both iPhone and iPad. I think what I did solved it but now having trouble remembering what I did. I can’t promise I’m remembering correctly, but here’s what I think I did.

Go to - Settings/Privacy and security/Location Services/System services/suggestions and search: turn the switch to off then on.

it will take a while (the more stuff you have, the longer it takes), but it will re-index your entire device. Hope I remembered it right and that it helps.

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86 replies

SWColby

Level 1

8 points

Mar 13, 2025 2:38 PM in response to isaac_mons

Open Settings, search for “Fitness Tracking”. No results. But that setting is right at the top of the Motion & Fitness page. Any string like that should absolutely be searchable.

Mar 18, 2025 2:30 PM in response to elana278

Perfect. This worked for calendar. Thank you

Mar 20, 2025 7:54 PM in response to Fdlane82

I didnt able to search anything in my device . Iphone Search is not working

Apr 2, 2025 4:58 PM in response to Mango_hubgry-genio

Didn't work for me after update to ios 18.4.

Apr 2, 2025 6:49 PM in response to MikeHNL

Under Settings/Calendar/Sync, you can choose how far back you want events to go. Options are 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and All Events.

Apr 2, 2025 8:31 PM in response to elana278

elana278 "toggle off the two options of Show App in Search and Show Content in Search" didn't work for me. I waited at least half an hour before turning it back on again. Tis a mystery.

Apr 3, 2025 7:36 AM in response to keri-lynnfromrussell

keri-lynnfromrussell wrote:

I’m having all of the above and then some ..

That's because you don't have enough free space on your phone. It has nothing to do with iOS 18.

hlovatt

Level 1

8 points

Apr 8, 2025 6:19 PM in response to marcg007

Unfortunately didn't work for me :(

Nzus

Level 1

18 points

Apr 19, 2025 11:31 PM in response to IdrisSeabright

I have iCloud + and oodles of space on all my devices. Not that

May 8, 2025 1:43 AM in response to LisaDanielleK

How?

May 17, 2025 7:07 AM in response to moodies_4ever

Were you able to fix this problem? This is what I’m going through now.

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Why is my iPhone Search not working after iOS 18 update?