How to use Spotlight to search for photos in iOS 15

iOS 15 includes several new features for FaceTime, Wallet, Photos, Weather, and Apple Maps including new animations, graphics, and more. The software update also features a ton of improvements for Spotlight Search. Not only is Spotlight Search more powerful and accessible in iOS 15, but it has also been integrated with more apps, including Photos. With iOS 15, you can use Spotlight to search for photos directly from your Lock Screen or Home Screen, here’s how.

Learn how to use Spotlight to search for photos on iOS 15

  1. Swipe down on the Lock Screen or Home Screen to access Spotlight Search.
  2. Next, search for photos by using identifying keywords. These could include certain locations, scenes, pets, etc.
  3. Images appear in search results as Suggestions as well. So, if you type “cat,” in the search bar, you will be shown photos along with other results from your iPhone.

spotlight search

While the feature is useful, you might not want Spotlight to display your photos when you are searching for something due to privacy concerns. Do not worry, you can manage that in Settings.

  1. Launch Settings.
  2. Tap on Siri & Search.
  3. Tap on Photos. You can control what gets shown from the app on both your Lock Screen and Home Screen individually.

Learn how to use Spotlight to Search for photos on iOS 15

We hope this guide helped you learn how to use Spotlight to search for photos on iOS 15. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments below.

Read more:

About the Author

Asma is an editor at iThinkDifferent with a strong focus on social media, Apple news, streaming services, guides, mobile gaming, app reviews, and more. When not blogging, Asma loves to play with her cat, draw, and binge on Netflix shows.