Spotlight stopped working iOS 18

Question

Spotlight stopped working iOS 18

I alway use spotlight on ios. I just have a a few apps on home screen and use spotlight for everything. I've done this for years on all my iphones and it has suddenly stopped working. There's no obvious change. My phone wasn't recently updated and I didn't change any settings.

Usually when I type anyting into spotlight I get various options like:

-Apps

-Option to search in safari

-Contacts

-Option to search in App store

I've double checked settings. Everything that is meant to be on is still on I believe. I've attached photos of what I get now and my search settings. Usually typing in photos would at least bring up the app but nothing. I've restarted multiple times and it'll sometimes work but then stop. Resetting to factory settings is last resort but I just wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions before I do that.

iPhone 15 Plus, iOS 18

Posted on May 1, 2025 4:10 AM

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Answer 1

May 2, 2025 7:44 AM in response to whackeryounis

whackeryounis wrote:

It can highlight if other people have that issue.

If it's reported enough it gets raised to Apple to have a look into it

Apple doesn't read here in this user-to-user forum for feedback or suggestions. You can, however, let them know your concerns here:

Product Feedback - Apple

No waiting required.

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Answer 2

SravanKrA

Level 10

433,136 points

May 2, 2025 6:34 AM in response to whackeryounis

whackeryounis wrote:

My phone wasn't recently updated

Update it now.

Is your device Jailbroken? If that's the situation, please be informed that attributing the issues to iOS updates may not be accurate.

I have been updating my devices ever since I bought my first device in 2009. iPhone 3Gs, 4S, 5, 6, SE (1st Gen), 7, 8 and iPhone 12 Pro, iPad Pro, iPhone 13, Macbook Air 2019, MacBook Pro 16"

I never had any issues with any iOS, iPadOS, or macOS updates to date.

I would personally recommend everyone update their devices instead of listening to rumors from people who may not have kept their devices free from any spurious software.

iOS / iPadOS devices cannot be hacked or infected with Virus / Malware / Spyware if it is updated to the latest iOS/iPadOS unless you have intentionally downloaded spurious software or unauthorized apps directly from the internet and installed them on your device or/and have Jailbroken.

iOS updates generally aim to enhance user experience, boost security, and fix bugs rather than disrupt core features. Issues after updates might stem from underlying, unmentioned factors. Updates won't typically alter personal data but may refine settings or features. Backup before major updates for safety. Review Apple's update details and backup advice for a smooth process.

This seems purely coincidental so please check the Setting on your device.

See what each update does: About iOS 18 Updates, About iOS 17 Updates, About iOS 16 Updates, About iOS 15 Updates, About iOS 14 Updates, About iOS 13 Updates, About iOS 12 Updates, and so on...

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Answer 3

May 2, 2025 7:14 AM in response to SravanKrA

I find your response quite a condescensing. You're talking as if just because you've never had any issues then it's impossible for others to have any. People can experience issues after installing an update. When I said mine was recently updated, I was highlighting that this issue wasn't caused by an update.

There are such a thing as software bugs. It's the reason why software updates exists on everything from operating systems to apps. Yes, updates can add new features but they also fix software issues. Anytime there's an update for anything, they also say what they're for and the majority will say something along the lines of "solve softwae issues that have been reported". It's not an all or nothing. Some people have issues some don't.

No my device isn't jailbroken. I have macbooks, another iPhone, iPads, an Apple watch etc. They're all up to date. I used to work as an apple technician a few years ago. When you do that job, we're in the loop of known software issues that were being worked on. I saw many customers with software issues that I didn't have.

People reporting issues in these forums can be helpful for 2 reasons:

It can highlight if other people have that issue.

If it's reported enough it gets raised to Apple to have a look into it

To double check that there was something I hadn't missed in terms of troubleshooting, I contacted apple support and they said it's a known issue and it's something they're looking into

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Answer 4

May 2, 2025 8:53 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

😂

No way you're not some kind of bot

They do check. They have moderators, community specialists who provide limited direct responses. But if a common issue comes up based on a tag, it gets flagged ...

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Answer 5

May 2, 2025 11:08 AM in response to whackeryounis

whackeryounis wrote:

No way you're not some kind of bot

Oh, dear. My cats are going to be so disappointed.

They do check. They have moderators, community specialists who provide limited direct responses. But if a common issue comes up based on a tag, it gets flagged ...

I'm well aware that there are Hosts. I have even met some of them. But their role is limited primarily to making sure that we all stick to the rules. Given the volume of posts and the size of the team (small), that's really all they have time to do.

Posts here don't have tags.

There used to be "Community Specialists" who would answer posts in certain forums that had gone unanswered for 24 hours. However, that program was discontinued about a year ago. Now, the only time you'll see a post from an Apple employee is when there is a health or safety concern.

I don't honestly care if you use the channel Apple has provided to give feedback. Whether or not Apple ever hears your concerns doesn't matter to me one whit. But perhaps the information will help someone else.

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Spotlight stopped working iOS 18

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